May 3, 2005

(DALLAS) - Members of the board of trustees for Dallas County Community Colleges unanimously approved the purchase of 20.17 acres in Garland where the system will build a new education center. The facility - which will be named the Eastfield College - Northeast Campus - is one of five education centers in DCCC’S current bond program.

In May 2004, Dallas County voters approved a $450 million bond program for Dallas County Community Colleges; that facilities master plan includes new buildings on all campuses, plus five centers in either underserved or fast-growing areas of Dallas County, with some expansions or safety/ADA upgrades throughout DCCC facilities. The centers - including the new Garland facility - will offer credit and continuing education classes, plus services such as career development and workforce development programs.

“The purchase of this land signals progress for both Dallas County Community Colleges and Garland,” said Jerry Prater, chair of the DCCC board of trustees. “It represents an educational and community partnership that will help us enrich lives and build community.”

Dr. Jesus “Jess” Carreon, the system’s chancellor, added, “We are very excited, and we look forward to working with local government, chambers of commerce, civic and community groups, and all citizens who believe that education is their foundation for future success. This center represents that success.”

The property is located near downtown Garland at 5th Street, Walnut Street and Glenbrook Drive, to the west of the current DART terminal and parking facility, and across from - or north of - the DART rail station. DCCC will develop plans and construct the facility on the property within the next 24 to 36 months. Steve Park, facilities project manager for the system, will work with others on the building for the new education center.

DCCC bought the property from Jay W. Jones at a cost of $2,357,403; the land is not encumbered with existing buildings or improvements. Jim Whitten, who works for CB Richard Ellis, was the system’s realtor for this transaction.

Since fall 2004, a number of realtors have researched locations for the new education centers. Property bought in the Garland area represents the first parcel of undeveloped land purchased under the bond program for DCCC’s education centers. “We have selected an area that will provide educational and career development opportunities for underserved persons who will attend the new campus as students of Eastfield College,” said Carreon. 

Other centers will be located in these general areas: Pleasant Grove, south Irving, Coppell and west Dallas. Land for those centers has not been purchased to date.

For more information, contact the DCCC Office of the Chancellor at (214) 860-2125.

Press contact: Ann Hatch, 214-860-2478