When Clayton County Public Schools (CCPS) broke ground at the former Sears site at Southlake Mall in December 2023, the moment represented more than the start of construction. It marked a transformation. Rising from this familiar footprint is the Clayton County Convocation Center and College & Career Academy, a $117 million investment designed to anchor education, workforce development, and community life for decades to come.
A Vision for the Future
For years, CCPS graduations and major district events have taken place on borrowed stages and in rented arenas across the region. The new convocation center will change that reality. With seating for 8,000, a modern convention hall, and flexible event spaces, the facility will become the permanent home for commencement ceremonies, district-wide gatherings, and civic celebrations.
“This is more than a building—it’s a promise to our students that their achievements will always have a stage,” Superintendent Dr. Anthony Smith said at the groundbreaking ceremony.
Innovation Meets Education
The project extends well beyond ceremonies and large-scale events. The facility will also house a College and Career Academy, designed to give students early exposure to postsecondary pathways in high-demand fields such as healthcare, technology, and skilled trades. A Junior Achievement Center will provide hands-on learning experiences focused on entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and real-world problem-solving.
“We are building a place where education and opportunity intersect,” said Board Chair Jessie Goree. “Our young people deserve access to the tools that will define tomorrow’s workforce.”
A Community Investment
At its core, the Convocation Center represents a collaborative investment in Clayton County’s future. CCPS committed approximately $55 million to the project, supported by a $10 million contribution from Clayton County Government. By repurposing the former Sears building rather than constructing on undeveloped land, the district demonstrated a commitment to sustainability and reinvestment in existing community assets.
The overall project budget—estimated at $117 million—reflects not only the scale of construction, but the ambition behind it. Amenities such as a rooftop terrace, dedicated office spaces, and adaptable meeting areas are designed to support both educational programming and economic development.
“Every dollar invested here is an investment in Clayton County’s future,” county officials said during the groundbreaking. “This center will attract events, businesses, and renewed energy back into our community.”
Beyond the Arena
The Convocation Center is part of a broader wave of capital improvements underway across Clayton County schools. Planned projects include an indoor track and a nine-hole executive golf course at North Clayton High School, signaling an expanded focus on student wellness, athletics, and engagement.
Together, these initiatives reflect a district that is not merely adapting to change, but actively reimagining what public education can look like in the 21st century.
A Symbol of Renewal
The symbolism of the Convocation Center is difficult to overlook. Built within the shell of a former retail anchor, the project represents renewal—transforming a space once dedicated to commerce into one centered on learning, opportunity, and community connection.
“Where one chapter of our community closed, another begins,” said a CCPS parent at the groundbreaking. “This is the kind of investment that tells our children they matter.”
Looking Ahead
Expected to open in 2025, the Clayton County Convocation Center will quickly become a regional landmark, hosting graduations, conventions, and community events. More importantly, it will stand as a physical expression of Clayton County’s priorities: education, opportunity, and pride of place.
For the students who will one day cross its stage, the message is clear. Clayton County believes in their future—and is building the structures to prove it.