The new community college campus at the former Archbishop Prendergast High School in Drexel Hill became reality this week when a Prendie groundbreaking ceremony took place Saturday at Garrett Road and Lansdowne Ave.

The multi-use facility promises to provide an “affordable, quality education and training to area residents in an easily accessible location,” according to a statement from Delaware County Community College.

The renovation and construction project is expected to be completed in 2025.

The college is renovating the 80,000-square-foot main high school building and adding a 30,000-square-foot annex.  The focus will be on academic and career training programs for high-priority occupations like Allied Health, Biotechnology and Electronics, early childhood education, and skilled trades, including carpentry.

There will be classrooms, computer and science labs, student advisors and counseling support, a student resource center, expanded programs through the College’s Center for Equity and Social Justice and Office of Diversity & Inclusion, a library, writing, and tutoring services, a student cafeteria and outdoor dining courtyard.

A 17,000-square-foot Early Childhood Learning Center will provide childcare for students and residents and include a learning lab for students in the College’s Early Childhood Education programs.

A Center for Workplace Development and Community Success will provide innovative workforce training.

Read more about the Prendie groundbreaking at the Daily Times.

CBS Philadelphia covered the pre-demolition sale of items inside Prendergast High.