COCONUT CREEK, Fla. - Broward College broke ground today on a state-of-the-art, multimillion dollar STEM and nursing facility on the College’s North Campus in Coconut Creek.

The new Building 55 will rise on the location of the former Buildings 56-57, which were constructed in 1974 and 1988, respectively, and housed social/behavioral sciences, mathematics, and science classrooms. The new 52,000-square-foot building will feature 10 science laboratories, four dedicated nursing labs, a health assessment room, and a nursing classroom. It will also house a new Information Technology Hub, with a cybersecurity lab, an AI lab, and a makerspace—creating opportunities for students to explore emerging technologies and develop critical skills for the future.

“Today, as we put shovels in the ground, we are breaking ground on much more than a new physical structure,” said Broward College Acting President Rabia Azhar. “We are laying the groundwork for the future of healthcare, innovation, and economic mobility across Broward County.”

The need for expanded and modernized STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) facilities is clear. During the 2024–2025 academic year, the North Campus Science & Wellness Department offered 249 science course sections, including 188 for STEM majors, serving more than 2,500 students. When Building 55 opens in fall 2028, it will increase instructional capacity by about 30%. This includes the addition of three state-of-the-art teaching laboratories and a dedicated medical laboratory that integrates clinical instruction directly into the curriculum.

The new space will help meet demand for jobs in medical labs and STEM fields, which are projected to grow more than 10% through 2032.

“What makes this project so vital is its direct link to our local economy,” Azhar said. “The demand for highly skilled nurses, healthcare professionals, scientists, engineers, and tech leaders has never been greater. By expanding our capacity with flexible, technology-driven learning spaces, Building 55 will ensure Broward College continues to train and empower the talent that South Florida relies on every day.”

Keynote speaker Dr. Ashley Meros, Chancellor for the Florida Department of Education’s Division of Career and Adult Education, said that while the equipment and labs in the facility are important, what really matters is when students get to use them.

“Broward College has an extraordinary opportunity, not just because of the size and scope of the project, but the community it serves,” Meros said. “What we build today has the potential to change lives for generations.”

The $46.1 million project was designed by Stratus (formerly Zyscovich) and is being built by CORE Construction. It is funded through a combination of state appropriations and local support.

Cody Kiess, President of CORE Florida, highlighted the company’s commitment to developing the South Florida community.

“We’re excited to see what this facility will do for generations to come,” he said.

Azhar closed her remarks by noting the collective excellence of the College’s students and employees.

“To our faculty and staff: thank you for your unwavering dedication to teaching excellence,” she said. “And to our students: everything we build here is designed with your potential, your ambitions, and your future in mind.”

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