PCC's new center will include workforce training support as well as affordable housing.

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On Thursday, Jan. 27, Portland Community College broke ground on its Metropolitan Workforce Training Center redevelopment, located at 5600 N.E. 42nd Ave.

The two-story center will replace two old buildings, including a former grocery story with no windows, the Portland Tribune previously reported. Plans include mass timber and mass plywood materials for the building.

The 50,000-square-foot workforce development center will work with community members who receive public assistance, and help them gain skills necessary for employment, according to a PCC press release. In collaboration with nonprofit Home Forward, PCC is building as part of the project as well.

originally received funding in 2017 from the PCC bond measure and will provide meeting rooms, open workspace, classrooms, common areas and a community room.

Andersen Construction is the contractor on the project, which has a total budget of $36 million.

The center is slated for completion in June 2023.