A Stage with a Storied Legacy
The Educational Cultural Complex (ECC) has long served as a vibrant center for performance, dialogue, and social change. Throughout its history, ECC has welcomed an extraordinary array of artists, activists, and cultural icons to its theater stage:
- Whoopi Goldberg – Actress and cultural icon
- James Avery – Acclaimed actor
- Shirley Caesar – Gospel music legend
- Coretta Scott King – Civil rights leader
- Stevie Wonder – Musical icon
- Maya Angelou – Poet, author, and activist
- Rev. Jesse Jackson – Civil rights leader and public servant
- Muhammad Ali – World-renowned athlete and humanitarian
- Dr. Cornel West – Philosopher, author, and social critic
- Dr. Shirley Weber – California Secretary of State and civil rights advocate
Their appearances reflect SDCCE's ongoing commitment to honoring diverse voices and
enriching the community through the power of the arts and civic engagement.
Project Overview
Background
In 2021, California Senate President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins announced a $35 million state grant to renovate the historic Educational Cultural Complex (ECC) theatre. This transformative project is designed to revitalize ECC’s institutional identity, preserve its rich cultural heritage, and expand educational opportunities for future generations.
In addition to state grant funding, the renovation will be funded by Measure HH, a $3.5 billion bond approved to provide for new and renovated classrooms, labs, and other facilities at campuses throughout the San Diego Community College District.
Key Features
- Modernized theatre facilities
- Enhanced community spaces
- New "Living Archive" cultural center
- Improved accessibility
- Expanded educational resources
Project Timeline
Design Completion
December 16, 2024
DSA design review completion expected
Bid Process Begins
March 2025
Construction bid sets sent out
Board Approval
April/May 2025
Board of Trustees project approval
Ground Breaking Ceremony
May 8, 2025
Construction Starts
May/June 2025
Beginning of renovation construction
Staff Relocation
June 2, 2025
Staff relocation and Artifact moves, pantry temp trailer arrives
Wayfinding Installed, Phase 1 Fencing, and Pantry Move
June 9, 2025
Staff relocation and Artifact moves, pantry move (13th) and wayfinding installed.
Phase 2 Fencing
June 16, 2025
Phase 2 fencing, install interior temporary partitions by Student Lounge and elevator.
Scheduled Power Shutdown
July 11, 2025
There will be a full power shutdown affecting the main building and south wing.
Demolition and Loud Noise Activity
July 14 to December 31, 2025
Demolition work will take place during this period, resulting in significant noise impacts. Affected areas include the Ceramics studio (Room 48), classrooms in the south wing, and the Student Lounge.
Clearing Out of Demolition Debris
Ongoing
Interior and exterior spaces are being cleared out to make way for new construction.
Demolition of Second Floor Elevated Deck/Balcony
December 1 to December 16, 2025
Major demolition will take place to remove the second floor elevated deck/balcony to make way for the new open floor plan on the first floor, new modern stairs and revitalized second floor lobby.
Expected Completion
Spring 2027
Final completion of renovation
Jacqueline Sabanos
Vice President, Administrative Services
Anthony Vargas
Director, College Facilities and Operations
Silvia Nogales
Theatre Director
Image Gallery
