On Wednesday afternoon, an audience gathered for the groundbreaking ceremony of City College’s new West Campus Classroom Building.

The cost of construction will use up the $14.9 million left from the Measure V bond, passed in 2008.

“It has been over two decades since our predecessors broke the ground for a new building on campus,” said Superintendent-President Dr. Lori Gaskin. “Representatives from IT, security, Board of Trustees; all played a part in planning and budgeting.”

Gaskin opened the ceremony by addressing the Board of Trustees members, construction workers and faculty who formed her audience. She then climbed atop a tractor to dig the symbolic first piece of ground at the site.

Julie Hendricks, senior director of facilities, planning and campus development, expanded on the team’s main goal for the project.

“This building will bring City College’s commitment to sustainability into fruition,” she said.

The building will house 23 classrooms, which will eliminate 12 of the portables currently located on East Campus. The creative design will include terraces, as well as a three-story east wing and two-story west wing, to be connected by a pedestrian bridge.

Planning for the building started back in January 2013, and then underwent the process of receiving permits from the state, city and school.

Construction for the 30,000 square foot building is estimated to take two and a half years.

The building will follow Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design standards, to ensure an environmentally-friendly design.