Southwestern Community College officials outlined plans for its Macon County campus at a luncheon Jan. 10, saying construction should begin on the 31-acre campus this spring and take approximately a year to complete.

The campus will feature a 27,600-square-foot facility with four classrooms, three computer labs, a science lab, conference rooms, offices and a learning assistance center.

“We want this to be the very finest project that you’ll find anywhere in Western North Carolina,” said SCC President Cecil Groves.

The facility, designed by architect Mike Watson of Asheville-based Bowers, Ellis and Watson, will recess into the terrain, giving it the visual height of a one-story building upon approach. It will include brick, stucco, stone and wood trim, which will reflect the timber frame construction of the reception area.

Anticipated offerings at the new campus include pre-health science, college transfer, criminal justice, information systems and developmental education courses. Early childhood and business administration programs will be offered at both the Macon and Sylva campus, said Gene Couch, vice president for Instructional Services. The school’s real estate program will be moved to Macon County.

Planning for the Macon SCC campus has been a joint effort by SCC staff, Macon commissioners, local planners and development officials. The new site will tie in with the planned Macon County Library to be located nearby on the same site as the SCC campus. The two facilities will share resources.

— By Sarah Kucharski