MiraCosta College opened a $69.4 million facility at its Oceanside campus on Tuesday, Sept. 29. The new OC-30 Courtyard replaces four aging buildings with classrooms, student services and gathering spaces under one roof.

The project matters to Encinitas-area property owners, who help fund it. MiraCosta's district serves Encinitas, Leucadia, Cardiff, Olivenhain, Solana Beach and communities stretching from Oceanside to Del Mar. The bond behind the project, Measure MM, costs roughly $14.99 per $100,000 of assessed property value per year, according to district budget documents from fiscal year 2018.

The OC-30 Courtyard replaces Buildings 3000, 3100, 3200 and 3300 at 1 Barnard Drive in Oceanside. The project also renovated two other buildings and upgraded the existing Student Center. A ribbon-cutting ceremony at 10:30 a.m. featured speakers, student performances and tours, according to a MiraCosta press release.

The facility houses a Social Sciences Hub, Student Life and Leadership offices, Equity Centers, faculty offices and student study and collaboration spaces. It features natural light throughout, high-efficiency fixtures, sustainable materials and low-water native landscaping. Student artwork lines the interior.

Superintendent/President Dr. Lennor M. Johnson said in the college's press release that the facility brings programs and resources together in a setting meant to support students throughout their time at MiraCosta. Johnson started in the role on Aug. 3 after a unanimous board vote in June. He is the first African American superintendent/president in the college's 92-year history.

10News reported that Johnson spoke at the opening about his identity and leadership. "I don't wanna be the African American president. I wanna be the best president that can serve the district," he told the station.

Measure MM is a $455 million general obligation bond that voters approved in November 2016 with 62.39 percent support, exceeding the 55 percent supermajority required under Proposition 39. The district has earned an A+ rating for bond transparency from the San Diego County Taxpayers Association each year the program has been evaluated, according to the college's oversight committee report. MiraCosta was one of only two community college districts countywide to receive the highest grade in the association's 2024-25 report card.

Design-build partners Gensler and Rudolph and Sletten Inc. delivered the project. Kitchell, in association with Element Consulting Inc., served as program and construction manager.

The college serves more than 30,000 students annually across its Oceanside campus, its San Elijo campus in Cardiff and online programs.

Residents can track Measure MM projects through the Capital Improvement Dashboard on the MiraCosta College website.