CMC Rifle purchases new building to expand service of trade education

June 1, 2026 - 22:19

Colorado Mountain College's Rifle Campus has closed on a 25,000-square-foot building at 2195 S. 10th St., paying roughly $2.4 million for the property. The college plans to convert the space into a regional hub for skilled trades education, aiming to serve students across western Colorado.

The new facility will allow CMC to expand programs in fields like welding, construction, electrical work, and automotive technology. Officials say the current Rifle campus has run out of room to keep up with demand for these hands-on career paths. The extra square footage will also make room for new equipment and larger class sizes.

Local employers have been pushing for more trained workers in the trades, and the college sees this purchase as a direct response to that need. The building is located near existing campus facilities, which should make it easy for students to move between classrooms and workshops.

Renovations are expected to begin soon, with the first classes likely starting in the next academic year. The college funded the purchase through its capital reserves and says no tuition increases are tied to the project. The move is part of a broader effort by CMC to strengthen workforce training in rural communities.