Did you know that Hudson County Community College’s Center for Student Success is on Enos Place? It is also known as Building X. Let’s dive into the story of this modern facility.
Hudson County Community College or HCCC broke ground on the Center for Student Success on June 17. The college consolidated student services into one convenient location. This new building complements the architecture of the surrounding Journal Square area.
The Center for Student Success is an 11-story tower. It has a mechanical penthouse that rises 180 feet. NK Architects designed the building. The tower includes 24 state-of-the-art classrooms. There is expanded space for student services. Centralized offices serve Continuing Education and Workforce Development.
But wait there is more. The building includes a black box theater. It also features a full-size NCAA regulation gymnasium and fitness center. A University Center will host sister colleges. A new healthcare lab and student common areas are included. Administrative offices are also housed here.
Hudson County committed $35 million to the project. The tower also received a $2.2 million grant from the federal government. The remaining costs were financed through property sales and college reserve funds. Support came from the County of Hudson. The New Jersey Office of the Secretary of Higher Education also contributed.
Construction utilizes environmentally sustainable materials and systems. A Project Labor Agreement ensures organized labor representation. The grand opening is scheduled before the fall 2026 school year.
HCCC has a main campus in Jersey City. Its several institutions are in Journal Square and nearby Bergen Square. It is accessible via the PATH rapid-transit railroad system. Bus service is available at the Journal Square Transportation Center. The North Hudson Higher Education Center is in Union City. HCCC also offers off-campus classes in other cities.
HCCC was established in 1974. It became the first “contract” college in New Jersey. The college offered programs reflecting the job market. It provided career certifications and Associate degrees. The college was accredited in 1981.
In 1992 Hudson County reorganized Hudson County Community College. The renovation of the former Public Service Building created classrooms and a library. A conference room was named for Mary Teresa Norton in 1996.
Enrollment increased in 2009-10. HCCC graduated its largest class in 2011. In 2012 a new library building opened across from Journal Square. A new STEM building near Bergen Square opened in fall 2017.
HCCC students often transfer to regional state universities. A 2012 agreement allowed HCCC graduates to attend Saint Peter’s College. They could pay tuition equivalent to a state college.
In May 2020 HCCC announced plans to sell Journal Square properties. The proceeds would fund a new academic tower. That tower is the Center for Student Success. It adds to the busy construction landscape across Journal Square.