Honk if you like the looks of MCC’s almost-finished automotive building
We’d heard that the new automotive building at MCC-Longview in Lee’s Summit was inspired by modern car dealerships, and we can see it, even on the outside.
There’s news on completion: the new 39,000-square-foot building should be ready for Metropolitan Community College Fall 2025 classes in August.
Meanwhile, the High Technology building at Longview, former home of the LV auto program, is still standing — you can glimpse it at far right in the recent photo — but it’s currently in the midst of a massive makeover. That will include space for a new, in-demand diesel technology program (to launch Fall ’26).
The new and the existing (but reimagined) square footage will be connected by a walkway on the bottom floor of a new two-story interior space. When the two buildings become one, it's expected to be known as the MCC Automotive Institute.
The entire automotive space (which is doubling) will now link to the center of the Longview campus. The entire $27.9 million project is expected to be finished by February.
The new construction will feature an open design inspired by, yep, modern dealerships, plus lots of natural light, an observation bridge overlooking 24 automotive work bays, and an area where regional employers can host meetings and events.
Adding the diesel program should go a long way toward addressing a skills gap in the industry. Longview President Ryan Crider says employers have been asking for diesel training for years.
Students completing MCC’s associate in applied science (A.A.S.) degree in automotive technology with emphasis on medium- and heavy-duty trucks will be ready to work as entry-level diesel mechanics when they graduate in two years or less.
MCC-Longview’s auto technology program also includes numerous degree and certificate options in automotive service (including Ford ASSET and GM/ASEP) and collision repair.
Funding for the automotive expansion project came from both public and private sources.