Jeffress Center

Gazing upon the Jeffress Center, it’s hard not to feel the weight of its transformation. This 110,000-square-foot building, once a vacant, multi-story office space, now pulses with academic life. Schoolcraft College acquired this building in 2013. It sits prominently at the corner of Seven Mile and Haggerty Roads, right next to the main campus. The college’s administration envisioned the Jeffress Center as a catalyst for economic growth in Western Wayne County. They also saw it as a way to expand educational opportunities for the community. The Jeffress Center opened its doors just a year later in 2014. It was named after the current president, Conway Jeffress. The Jeffress Center’s primary mission is to offer Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programs. This is accomplished through a unique partnership with Wayne State University and The University of Toledo. This innovative collaboration brings prestigious university programs directly to the community. The $11,000,000 renovation project wasn’t just about creating new learning spaces. It also breathed new life into the existing Schoolcraft campus. This allowed for the expansion of academic and enrichment programs. The college is currently updating its Master Plan. This is to accommodate its continued institutional growth spurred by the Jeffress Center. The transformation of the Jeffress Center involved various specialized services. These included architecture, electrical work, interior design, mechanical systems, and technology integration. The project team consisted of several key players. IDS served as the architect and engineer, while Zeimet Wozniak & Associates handled the civil engineering. Desai/Nasr Consulting Engineers provided structural engineering expertise, and George W. Auch Company managed the construction. The Jeffress Center stands as a testament to Schoolcraft College’s commitment to its community. It is a symbol of educational opportunity, economic development, and partnership.