Independent Christian school Providence welcomed families and community members to its new middle and upper school campus in Santa Barbara on Thursday for a dedication and groundbreaking event.

The 531 E. Ortega St. location marks Providence School’s first permanent campus in its 68-year history. The renovated and new buildings on the site will include eight classrooms, student commons, a gymnasium and a chapel.

“I hope that (students) feel that every decision — from the design to the classroom placement — was for them,” interim Head of School Caroline Corazza said. “The heartbeat behind the entire project is what is going to help our students flourish.”

Providence’s current leased space at 630 E. Canon Perdido St. for students in grades 7 through 12 is just a few blocks from the new campus. Preschool and elementary school students will stay at the San Roque campus leased from the San Roque Catholic Church, according to school leaders.

The new location is a particularly good fit because of its proximity to nonprofit organizations such as the Unity Shoppe, according to Providence’s advancement and communications director, Kellie Landrum.

“One of our mission statements is lives of purpose through lives of service,” Landrum said. “Being on this side of State (Street), we have access to all these different nonprofits that really take care of the people in our community.”

The property was previously owned by Girls Inc., and the subject of a lawsuit that the nonprofit organization filed against real estate development firm Presidio Capital Partners Inc. that alleged breach of contract regarding the sale. That case was dismissed in 2023.

Site preparation and demolition for the campus project started in June, and Providence staff hope the buildings will be ready for students in two years. Grants and the $24 million Coming Home Capital Campaign funded the construction.

“It’s going very well in terms of pacing, but we have teachers and administrators, grandparents who’ve been waiting for this for literally decades, and so it’s a patience game,” Operations Director Rodney Meadth said. “It feels like God is refining our character by teaching his patience as we wait for the very thing that we want so badly.”

Incorporating teacher feedback has been an integral part of the planning process, from ensuring natural lighting in classrooms to “perfect” ventilation and heating, Meadth said.

Providence Engineering Academy students also contributed to the design process, reviewing and providing feedback for early design concepts, including the engineering lab.

“All these great programs that have existed but never had space are going to have dedicated space,” Corazza said. “Students will really get a greater educational experience that way.”

Landrum said she is particularly excited about the on-campus chapel and classroom seating arrangements designed to encourage student interactions.

“I have three kids here myself, and so I have a personal vision for what I am so hoping to come into fruition, and that’s just that when they walk on this campus, they feel seen, known, loved and not overlooked,” Landrum said.

Dozens of community members gathered on Thursday to celebrate the groundbreaking and to see the site.

Providence staff and supporters led a dedication service in the gym featuring songs and prayer. Speakers emphasized that the new campus has been a very long time coming.

“During my nearly 10 years of serving at Providence, I have heard countless — countless — stories of determined efforts that remain to secure a permanent campus for our school,” Corazza said at the dedication. “Throughout each story, there is a clear through line of God’s astounding faithfulness to Providence, and the story of his faithfulness throughout this process at Ortega is no different.”

The event concluded with a groundbreaking led by nine Providence students, representing each grade from fourth through 12th. The students then passed their shovels to Providence supporters, leaders and volunteers, who joined in completing the ceremony.