Over six years ago the executive team at Red Rocks Community College saw a need to expand in the Arvada community, and began dreaming.

A few weeks ago, the dream became a reality when the Colorado Legislature approved $10 million in funding, solidifying the institution’s dream of expansion.

“This, today, is no longer a vision for the Arvada campus it’s a reality for the Arvada campus,” said Ron Slinger, executive director of the Red Rocks Foundation.

Currently, the college has a campus in Arvada, 5420 Miller St., but with an influx in enrollment, the campus is near capacity.

“This is our current campus, and I have to tell you — we have out grown that campus,” Red Rocks President Michele Haney said. “We’re hoping that this next opportunity as we triple the size of the campus, that we will be able to do a lot more, and for a longer period of time.”

The new building will allow Red Rocks to triple both its enrollment and programming, with a primary focus on health care and science career fields. The campus will house its current programs as well as several new sections such as; Nurse’s Aide, RN Refresher, Health Professional, Medical Assisting and Office Management, Phlebotomy Technician and Physician’s Assistant and general education courses.

“What makes sense for us is to make Arvada the health campus, and I like to say we’re the ‘Anshutz of the West’,” Haney said. “I really want to have this campus known for its high quality courses and continue to be on the cutting edge of the industry.”

This expansion is currently 77 percent funded, and over the next year, the Red Rocks team will focus on raising the additional 23 percent and finding the project’s lead architect who will design and construct the new 50,000 square foot, two-story building.

“This is absolutely wonderful that this is all coming together,” Mayor Marc Williams said. What you’re doing is crucial and very important, and I’m sure Arvada will have a role to play,”

The executive team is currently seeking a $1 million donation from the City of Arvada in the as an investment in the project. The new building is scheduled to break ground in summer 2015, and open for classes in the fall of 2016.