Advanced Manufacturing Center is the first building on Clark’s new campus in Ridgefield

RIDGEFIELD – Clark College and leading developer and design-builder Mortenson will host a traditional “topping out” ceremony at 2 p.m. Thursday, November 2 at Clark College at Boschma Farms, 264 N 65th Ave., Ridgefield. The “topping out” will occur at the very top of the first building being erected on the campus, the Advanced Manufacturing Center.

A steel beam painted Clark College blue and adorned with a likeness of the college’s mascot, Oswald the Penguin, will be positioned at the top of the structure during the ceremony. The beam also will be adorned with an evergreen tree, a long-held tradition   symbolizing persistence, prosperity and longevity. Speakers from Clark College and Mortenson will address an anticipated 100 guests.

Scheduled for completion in late 2024, the 49,000-square-foot Advanced Manufacturing Center at Clark College at Boschma Farms is envisioned to serve students, Ridgefield and other north Clark County communities. It will feature a vast open manufacturing floor, collaboration zones, satellite instructional facilities, classrooms, laboratories, offices and more. The flexible design of the structure will accommodate future growth and expansion. The campus will open for classes during Fall 2025.

Event details:

●      When: 2 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 2   

●      Where: Construction Site for the Advanced Manufacturing Center, Clark College, 264 N 65th Ave., Ridgefield, Wash.

Speakers: 

●      Dr. Karin Edwards, President, Clark College

●      Cristhian Canseco Juarez, Chair, Clark College Board of Trustees

●      Mike Dickey, Senior Project Manager, Mortenson

Anticipated guests:

●      Clark College Foundation, Board of Trustees and administrators

●      City of Ridgefield officials

●      Community members, including Cowlitz Tribe members and the Boschma family

●      Design-build team members, including Mortenson, Hennebery Eddy and sub-consultants

●      Onsite craft workers and trade partners

About Mortenson

Mortenson is a U.S.-based, top-20 builder, developer, and engineering services provider serving the commercial, institutional, and energy sectors. Mortenson’s expanding portfolio of integrated services helps its customers move their strategies forward, ensuring their investments result in high-performing assets. The result is a turnkey partner, fully invested in the business success of its customers. Founded in 1954, Mortenson has operations across the U.S. with offices in Chicago, Denver, Fargo, Iowa City, Milwaukee, Minneapolis, Nashville, Phoenix, Portland, Salt Lake City, San Antonio, Seattle, and Washington, D.C. For additional information, visit www.mortenson.com.

About Clark College

Founded in 1933 and celebrating its 90th year, Clark College provides residents of Southwest Washington with affordable, high-quality academic and technical education. It is a public community college offering more than 100 degree and certificate programs, including bachelor’s and associate degrees; professional certificates; high school diplomas and GED preparation; and non-credit community and continuing education. Clark serves a wide range of students including high school students, displaced workers, veterans, parents, non-native English speakers, and mature learners. Approximately three-quarters of its students are in the first generation of their families to attend college.