College opens Lacey campus

Some 300 dignitaries, staff and elected officials were on hand Tuesday afternoon, when South Puget Sound Community College opened its Lacey campus in the Woodland District on Sixth Avenue.

Rowe Six, a former office complex of five buildings was transformed into the college’s only branch campus.   Built at a cost of $16 million dollars, the new building not only houses the college, but also houses the offices of the Economic Development Council.   By design – the EDC is significant in the college’s efforts to provide educated students for local businesses.  One new program will center around brewing and distilling – – a new business and occupation becoming more prevalent in Thurston County.

President Dr. Timothy Stokes introduced the many dignitaries including every member of the Lacey City Council, who supported the renovation of the old office complex, but also enjoyed the sales tax revenue the construction pumped into the city’s coffers.

Some 10,000 students will eventually use the programs of the Lacey campus.