SANTA ROSA, Calif.—More than a half-decade after the horrendous Tubbs Fire destroyed many structures in Northern California’s wine country, one high school is celebrating new life for part of its campus that was destroyed in the blazes of 2017.

Designer Quattrocchi Kwok Architects (QKA) and general contractor GMH Builders have completed the Student Life Center at Cardinal Newman High School, which opened in time for the fall term. The center both replaces and expands upon the library and media center that burned down in 2017.

QKA’s design entails a two-story, 23,800-square-foot building that is meant to evoke the look and feel of a college student union. Inside, the Student Life Center is home to the new library and innovation center, which includes a cafeteria, faculty offices, student lounge, study areas and conference spaces. The center also features a digital media laboratory and recording studio. Classrooms are designed to be flexible with a variety of seating options.

The Student Life Center represents just one part of an overall master plan for Cardinal Newman High. QKA’s work is ongoing as far as reenvisioning more of the school in the wake of the fires. Previously completed restoration work at the campus includes the North Classroom Building in 2019 and a two-story classroom building in 2021.

“We are honored to be a trusted partner since Cardinal Newman began efforts to reconstruct its campus and plan for its future nearly five years ago,” QKA Principal John Dybczak said. “Working closely with GMH and [receiving] input from administration, faculty, students, and maintenance personnel, we designed the Student Life Center as the hub of campus.

“This next-generation facility furthers the school’s goal to provide supportive spaces beyond the classroom for students to study, socialize, refuel, and relax.”

A statement sent to School Construction News from personnel at GMH says the enthusiasm expressed by students, administrators and various other stakeholders helped ensure the project would come to fruition on time.

“Despite the challenges of working in such a central location, GMH Builders successfully kept pathways open and sequenced work to avoid any interruptions to the learning environment,” the statement said. “Despite record-breaking wet winters, we remained on schedule and delivered an exceptional project.”

“The Student Life Center is…enriched with tech- and collaboration-focused spaces to support learning and social connections,” added Cardinal Newman President Dr. Linda Norman. “We are grateful for the indomitable spirit of our school community, the generous support of our donors, and the invaluable guidance of our project partners as we mark this latest step forward in rebuilding what was lost and planning for the future.”

QKA’s portfolio entails more than $2.5 billion in projects in its nearly four decades in business. Engineering News-Record has called the firm one of the nation’s top designers.

GMB, based in Sonoma, offers services including construction management and general contracting services. Their various other California clients include NorthDay Healthcare, Bear Republic Brewery and the Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital.

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SANTA ROSA, Calif.—With a completion date slated for September 2021, construction continues anew on the 24,000-square-foot classroom facility at Cardinal Newman High School in Santa Rosa, Calif.

Several months ago, ground was broken on a two-story building that will provide much needed classroom space for expanded educational offerings and curriculum. The building will enable the school to remove existing temporary portable learning spaces.

This project was made possible after the school embarked on a $38 million capital campaign to pay for the campus improvements in the aftermath of a wildfire in October 2017 that destroyed more than a third of the campus.

The new addition will encompass 18 classrooms, an art studio, four student collaboration rooms and two staff collaboration rooms. They will surround a central courtyard and be supplemented by outdoor learning spaces.

Sustainable design elements—energy efficient lighting and mechanical systems, low-flow plumbing fixtures, solar shading, operable windows, daylighting, and sustainably sourced materials—have been central to the complex’s design. The surrounding landscaping will be drought-tolerant and include systems for storm water retention.

Wright Contracting is the general contractor on this impressive project. Quattrocchi Kwok Architects is the architecture firm.

“It’s incredible to see the next piece of this campus’ transformation begin to unfold as Cardinal Newman continues to expand the facilities needed to keep pace with its vision for educational excellence,” said QKA Principal John Dybczak, in a statement.

“Designing this classroom complex was a collaborative effort between the school, project team, and the community that so faithfully supports these students. Designing flexible, contemporary classroom spaces that support student health could not be more paramount than it is in this historical moment.”

Added Cardinal Newman Interim President and Superintendent Linda Norman, “Intended to rebuild needed classroom space following the devastation and delayed by a global pandemic, this project symbolizes the resilience of our school and community in many ways. We have been thankful to have such a flexible and engaged project team and a generous donor community supporting our vision as it comes to life.”

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