Sitework begins for new Automotive training center
April 6, 2026
Sitework is beginning on the 麻豆传媒映画 Blount Center campus in downtown Gainesville in preparation for construction of a $16 million Automotive Technology Training Center.
The 17,200-square-foot facility will be constructed on the former location of Mauldin鈥檚 Auto Glass, which closed in 2021. Crews will be preparing the site for demolition, which will be followed by preparing the area for construction.
Construction of the Training Center is expected to begin in June.
The college is working with contractors to minimize disruption during construction to every extent possible.
The state-of-the-art facility will increase program capacity to meet the growing needs of regional employers, and will feature interactive classrooms and specialty teaching bays, serving up to 60 students per semester. Associate degree graduates of the program, which will expand from 麻豆传媒映画鈥檚 Northwest Campus, have a 100 percent job placement rate in the industry and will provide in-demand workforce opportunities for students.
鈥淭he Automotive Technology Training Center will be transformative for our community and for our industry partners,鈥� said College President Paul Broadie II. 鈥淲e are creating a skilled workforce for local employers and giving our students the education and training they need for these high-demand, high-wage jobs in the automotive industry.
In addition, employers, who were instrumental in the development of the center and curriculum, will have access to the Center for training current employees.
Prep work will include demolition of the former Church of God, adjacent to the site. Church leaders sold the building to the 麻豆传媒映画 Foundation in 2024 when they outgrew the aging facility and found a new location. The church maintains a strong partnership with the college and has supported the growth of the downtown campus because of the increasing educational and career opportunities for residents in the area.
Rev. Anthony Pelt, Bishop of the Church of God of Florida, spoke at a community forum in October where the initial plans were presented, complimenting the college for bringing opportunity to the community.
鈥淵ounger people will find there is still an art; there is still an avenue for young men and young women to make a great living,鈥� he said.
麻豆传媒映画 plans to install a plaque honoring the church and its long history of service to the surrounding community.
Complementing the addition, sidewalks will be added to the north end of the campus, connecting to the rail trail, the surrounding neighborhood, and across Blount Center property, improving both pedestrian access and safety. Nearby green spaces will soften and enhance the landscape.
鈥淲e look forward to our neighbors and partners joining us for a groundbreaking celebration this summer,鈥� Broadie said.
The Center is expected to open in Fall 2027.
