Member News

New state-of-the-art facility will open on Brighton campus in Fall 2026

ROCHESTER, NY — Monroe County Executive Adam Bello today and Monroe Community College (MCC) President Dr. DeAnna Burt-Nanna announced the kickoff of the project to construct the new MCC Applied Technology Center (ATC) on the Brighton campus. Crews will soon begin demolishing a building on the south end of the campus to make room for the new facility.

The ATC is a $35 million project that moves critical technology programs from an outdated facility on West Henrietta Road, and houses them in a state-of-the-art facility — connecting them with the college’s science, technology, engineering and mathematics programs.

“Skilled trades workers are in short supply, the economy needs them and companies are willing to pay premium wages for them,” said County Executive Bello. “The ATC facility builds on the momentum of the MCC Forward Center, continuing our focus on training people for high-demand jobs. Thank you to our friends in state and federal government for their investment in this facility and the students it will serve.”

“Whether in the fields of advanced manufacturing, automotive technology, heating, ventilation, air conditioning, or optics, the expansion of MCC’s Technology Center (ATC) will enable MCC to offer increased opportunities for more residents in every zip code we serve. Expanding the ATC represents a joint effort from Monroe County and New York State in investing in our neighborhoods.” said MCC President DeAnna R. Burt-Nanna, Ph.D. “This includes those in historically underrepresented communities, providing the ability to earn industry-recognized credentials, and immediately begin high-demand careers that pay family-sustaining wages. We are grateful and proud of our partnership with Monroe County and NY State as we continue to invest on our communities.”

The demolition of building 9A should be completed in early 2024. Design work for the project will be done during the summer, with construction expected to be completed in the summer of 2026. The new facility is expected to open to students in the fall of 2026.
Funding for the project comes from Monroe Country, the State University of New York, and a Federal HUD grant.

ATC offers many career paths including: automotive technician, precision tooling, heating, ventilating, air conditioning service technician and mechanic. With a new solar lab, the ATC will also offer training in burgeoning fields — like solar photovoltaic panel installer, solar energy installation manager, and service technician.

“Monroe County is renowned for its strong workforce, and the Applied Technologies Center has been an invaluable asset in helping to provide the community’s next generation of advanced manufacturing and skilled trade workers with the resources they need to succeed,” said U.S. Senator Charles Schumer. “With these jobs so much in demand, this new facility will enable MCC to create even more opportunities, provide more resources, and help boost the county’s economy for years to come. I’m proud to have secured funding to help make this project a reality for MCC and for students across the region.”

“The construction of a new Applied Technology Center (ATC) will be transformative for the hundreds of students and staff at Monroe Community College’s Brighton Campus,” said State Senator Jeremy Cooney. “This $35 million investment is just one of many reasons I am proud to support MCC and its efforts to create more educational opportunities. The new facility will offer high-level training for skilled-trade jobs, an increasingly in demand profession, and integrate with the college’s other science, technology, engineering, and mathematics programs. I look forward to its completion.”

“I am so excited that MCC will be able to expand and strengthen their technology program with the opening of a new state-of-the-art facility,” said Assemblymember Harry Bronson. “Offering increased options and access in critical, cutting-edge fields is crucial to growing our economy and bringing diversity and equity to our workforce. Thank you MCC for this investment in our community.”

“MCC is one of the Finger Lakes region's most treasured gems, and consistently one of the top ranked community colleges in the nation, including its Applied Technology Center (ATC),” said Assemblymember Sarah Clark. “The ATC provides unique, hands-on training and access job opportunities in the trades and some of the most innovative fields available. The new ATC building is an exciting next step for MCC and its students, who come from across our region and all walks of life. Thank you to MCC and all our partners in local, state and federal government for all your hard work to ensure this project is able to come to fruition to better improve workforce training opportunities for generations to come.”

“It isn't news that we have a severe workforce shortage across many key industries like HVAC, solar thermal technology and precision tooling and machining,” said Assemblymember Jen Lunsford. “This new, state-of-the-art facility at MCC will help us attract more people to these comprehensive programs that provide students with the training and certificates they need to begin life-long careers in growing fields.”

“I am pleased to learn that Rochester is home to the $35 million ATC (Applied Technology Center), a groundbreaking initiative aimed at revolutionizing how technology programs are housed,” said Assemblymember Demond Meeks. “This state-of-the-art facility seamlessly integrates with the college's science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) programs. Through the ATC, students and faculty will have access to cutting-edge facilities, modern equipment, and collaborative spaces that foster innovation and creativity. I would like to thank Monroe County, the State University of New York, and the Federal Housing Administration for supporting this incredible project.”

“MCC continues to be a leader in our community’s economic engine and a strong partner with the County government,” said County Legislator Michael Yudelson. “This new state of the art Applied Technology Center is another great investment in developing our local workforce and the future of our region. I’m happy to support this important initiative.”