In response to a record number of adults continuing their education, Simpson College is relocating its West Des Moines campus to Century Business Park, Hubbell Realty Co. announced yesterday.

Simpson signed a 10-year lease for about 12,000 square feet of space at the Hubbell-owned Century II building at 1415 28th St., which will house classroom space for both undergraduate and graduate degree programs, computer labs and meeting rooms.

The college is moving its evening, weekend and graduate program from 3737 Westown Parkway in an effort to offer easier access and more amenities to its growing student body. Simpson, which is based in Indianola, also has a branch campus in Ankeny.

“This is a great move for Simpson,” said Andrea Biklen, director of the West Des Moines campus, in a release. “The campus is accessible, the classrooms will be state-of-the-art and we will create a welcoming and student-friendly environment.”

The building’s atrium will be one new amenity for Simpson and will serve as an area where students can gather and interact before and after class.

“Simpson has made a commitment to lifelong learning and this new space reflects the mission of the college to generate community, to offer service and engagement with local business and nonprofit agencies,” said Rosemary Link, the associate vice president of academic affairs responsible for Simpson’s evening, weekend and graduate programs. “The college will be able to host community events as well as a variety of classes and conferences.”

Paul Weeks, the CB Richard Ellis/Hubbell Commercial broker who represented Simpson in finding the space, said he showed about 15 sites in West Des Moines to the college before it decided on the location.

Century II is about 90 percent leased, Weeks said. Simpson plans to relocate on Jan. 4, about a week before spring classes begin.