Project: First phase of Jefferson Rising at Jefferson Community & Technical College.

Description: The first phase of JCTC's Jefferson Rising project is currently underway with the construction of a new science building and parking structure expected to open in Fall 2025.

JCTC President Ty Handy said the science building, primarily funded by the Kentucky legislature, will bring "state-of-the-art science labs" to the approximately 2,500 nursing and health-focused students of the 6,000 on campus.

"Science is a critical piece of what we do for those students," Handy said, and the building, along with the parking garage, will be operable for the fall semester of 2025.

The parking structure, which is being funded by JCTC, costs around $27 million, and will also feature 8,000 square feet of retail space.

At a later date, the space between the two buildings will be converted into a green space. It's expected to cost around $8 million, which is being funded by the community through fundraising, and will feature a disc golf set up, mini soccer field and cornhole.

Handy said officials also hope to install a skywalk joining the science building to a math building across First Street, in addition to a large video display board on the parking garage for advertising community events and college discussions.

"We want it to be a great first impression," Handy said. "Over the last decade ... our retention rate has gone up dramatically, our graduation rate has gone up dramatically and so these students are with us for two to three years, and we know they need a place they can be proud of. A place that feels like a college."

Phase 2 of Jefferson Rising, focused on the demolition and replacement of Hartford Hall, will bring a new building centered around math and humanities. It will begin with the completion of the new science building and bring the total cost of the project to upwards of $90 million.

Size: The science building is about 44,000 square feet and the parking garage is about 187,017 square feet.