HOLLISTER, Calif.—General contractor Blach Construction is hard at work on a new hub for student activity at San Benito High School District’s (SBHSD) Hollister High School, the tenth-largest high school in Northern California. When completed, the Student Union Building will serve as a public meeting space for nearly 4,000 students at the school, as well as offer amenities such as expanded food service capacity for the rapidly increasing student population, which is only 65 percent served via the school’s current facilities.

As designed by Aedis Architects, the 8,500-square-foot student union will be made of steel to ensure its durability. The steel design will also speed up the project buildout timeline and reduce construction costs.

The student union will be located at the heart of the school’s campus, thereby ensuring its prominent placement. Its completion will also help ensure that more than 90 percent of the student body will be provided with meals.

The recent groundbreaking for the new building was attended by personnel from SBHSD, as well as Speaker of the California State Assembly Robert Rivas, himself an alumnus of the district.

“We have enjoyed a trusted and collaborative partnership with San Benito High School District, delivering many innovative projects alongside Aedis for the betterment of Hollister High School and its surrounding community,” Blach Project Executive Brad Fannin said at the groundbreaking. “Building the new Student Union Building is particularly gratifying as it will enable all students to thrive at school, offering greater access to improved food service offerings and central gathering spaces.”

In a subsequent statement to School Construction News, Fannin said that the net-zero-ready campus is complemented with an adjacent main thoroughfare as well as placing utilities underground so as to be more welcoming and more congruent with the newer student union facility.

“This complex scenario requires high-level coordination with the local utilities, ultimately allowing the college to avoid the use of natural gas in its operation and saving the district critical funds,” Fannin said. “Gavilan’s new campus in Hollister will be well-situated to offset its energy usage with a solar array or other renewable energy system.”

The project is partially funded by the state and is expected to be ready for this fall. Blach and Aedis previously delivered a Science and Robotics Lab for the HHS campus, as well as several athletic facilities and a visual arts performance building too.

“Our new Student Union is a marquee project for the community that will further enhance our Hollister High School campus and, more importantly, positively impact the needs of our expanding student body,” SBHSD Superintendent Shawn Tennenbaum said of the work. “Once complete, it will offer students new and centralized areas to meet, collaborate and study while enabling us to increase our crucial food service offerings.”

Blach Construction was founded in 1970, and its work in educational construction is well known throughout the Golden State.

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HOLLISTER, Calif.—The design-build team of Gensler, Quattrocchi Kwok Architects, and Blach Construction is pressing forward with a new campus for the Bay Area Gavilan Community College. The new campus will replace the junior college’s original layout, which was realized in 1919. The design-build plan calls for the new Gavilan campus to be net-zero when completed this fall, with a future solar array in the planning as well.

“Our new Gavilan College San Benito County campus will greatly improve access to higher education in Hollister, San Juan Bautista, Tres Pinos and other rural county areas,” said Gavilan Superintendent Pedro Avila. “Approximately 2,000 of our currently enrolled students live in Hollister and other San Benito County areas. This decades-long-awaited campus fulfills our vision of expanding academic opportunities to these communities to support upward mobility.”

The first phase of the work entails a 34,000-square-foot “campus core” building that will be home to a welcome center, various classrooms, testing center, community room, dining area, offices and various learning laboratories. Phase 1 also entails work on parking lots, landscaping, entry plaza as well as outdoor learning spaces.

The progressive design-build model allows for seamless teamwork and budgetary control throughout the construction process. Following the school’s issuing of the original request for proposal, Blach Construction leaned on its previous relationships with both Gensler and QKA to imagine a joint strategy.

“Not every day do we have an opportunity to enhance a deserving community with an entirely new, much-desired community college campus, let alone partner with two renowned education designers and an inclusive client to do it,” Brad Fannin, project director at Blach Construction, said of the general contractor’s work at Gavilan. “We are thrilled to be leveraging our extensive design-build expertise, integrating seamlessly with our partners to ensure the Gavilan San Benito County Campus project remains on schedule, within budget and, when complete, exceeds the higher education needs of students in and around the greater Hollister area.”

Added QKA President Aaron Jobson: “Designing a new college campus is a rare and exhilarating privilege. Since the onset of the progressive design-build contract, the team was able to respond to multiple project challenges, including changes in educational approach post-COVID, approval delays, and a volatile cost environment. Our seamless collaboration has resulted in optimal design, innovative approaches to the construction process, and cost and time efficiencies for the College.”

“We were delighted to join as the lead designer for Gavilan’s new San Benito Campus—an important new facility designed with the community, for the community,” said Gensler principal-in-charge and education practice leader Sandy Mendler. “When complete, this initial phase of the campus will provide a full range of enhanced facilities and supportive services for students pursuing careers in science and other high demand fields, while also serving as a dynamic hub for community gathering.”

Funding for the project came from Measure X, passed by Santa Clara and San Benito County voters in 2018.

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SUNNYVALE, Calif.—Along with community members, staff, students and members of the project team, Fremont Union High School District (FUHSD) celebrated the completion of its new District Office and Adult School Building earlier this week. The new facility introduces 27,000 square-feet of state-of-the-art education, administrative and support spaces and replaces a previous building that needed extensive structural repairs. Designed and built by long-time project partners Quattrocchi Kwok Architects (QKA) and Blach Construction (Blach), the new building includes a multimedia “District History” display in the main lobby, showcasing FUHSD’s nearly 100 years of educating the community.

Combining the FUHSD District Office and Adult School under one roof, the new facility provides an enhanced work environment for staff, faculty and students, alike. The District Office features new offices, professional/continuing education rooms and a new board room for public meetings. The portion of the building dedicated to the Adult School includes administration space and flexible classrooms designed to support a range of course offerings, such as English as a Second Language (ESL), GED preparation and citizenship preparation.

Driven by FUHSD’s desire to foster a greater connection to its schools and community at-large, the project team commissioned an exhibit house to deliver a historic display, prominently located in the building’s lobby. The unique installation uses physical and digital media to feature student work and the District’s significant, nearly 100-year history.

“Our ongoing partnership with FUHSD has allowed us a deep understanding of its mission of connection to its schools and community,” said QKA President and Principal Aaron Jobson. “It is gratifying to know that the District and community now have greatly enhanced spaces to support learning and operations, and we look forward to watching as history continues to be made here.”

The new FUHSD District Office and Adult School was funded in part by the community-supported Bond Measure CC. It was designed to meet or exceed all requirements of the California Green Building and Energy Codes and features energy efficient mechanical equipment, low-VOC materials, stormwater filtration and sustainable landscaping. Now fully open and home to all administrative operations, the District is excited to present this new resource to the FUHSD community.

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HALF MOON BAY, Calif.—When students and teachers finally return to school premises, the Cabrillo Unified School District will celebrate the opening of its new kindergarten triplex at Hatch Elementary School in Half Moon Bay, located approximately 30 miles south of San Francisco.

The three buildings—which comprise approximately 9,200 square feet of modern indoor and outdoor learning spaces—were delivered using a highly adaptable prefabricated building solution called Folia.

“The one-story Folia buildings perfectly met our requirements at Hatch Elementary School,” said Sean McPhetridge, superintendent of the Cabrillo Unified School District. “They are modern, flexible, sustainable and ideally suited for the ever-changing needs of a kindergarten program. And, while we have not yet had the pleasure of seeing students enjoying their brand-new environment, we are looking forward to that day.”

The three buildings are centered around a new outdoor play area that includes a playground, as well as outdoor learning environments that support progressive instruction.

Two of the buildings include 960-square-foot classrooms. The third building is comprised of two large 1,260-square-foot classrooms. All were designed to encourage a variety of cooperative learning situations.

The Hatch Kindergarten Triplex was the first single-story Folia structure to be completed. Folia is an education industry building solution developed by Blach Construction, Quattrocchi Kwok Architects and Gregory P. Luth & Associates (GPLA) Structural Engineers. While Folia is built with the same type of materials and structural systems found in conventional school buildings, it is delivered more quickly and at a lower cost. It offers a flexible alternative to traditionally designed buildings with the same level of quality and longevity thanks to a design that is optimized for prefabrication and rapid installation.

Each classroom features a full restroom and sink and are conjoined by ample teacher prep space that offers visibility into the classrooms and the playground for continued supervision. Large and clerestory windows in the classrooms provide balanced daylighting, while operable windows and high ceilings in both the classrooms and the prep spaces stimulate natural ventilation.

“The daylighting and ventilation features that are standard to every Folia were purposefully incorporated to assist in improving student performance. Now it is evident that they’ll support a healthier classroom as well,” said QKA Principal Aaron Jobson. “Additionally, while initially designed to promote collaborative learning, these single-story Folia classrooms will also enable socially distant learning, which is clearly imperative during this pandemic era.”

This project was completed in just eight months. The cost has not yet been disclosed.

“Because much of Folia is prefabricated, we are able to offer greater schedule and budget efficiencies,” said Blach Vice President of Operations Keith Craw. “Not only are we excited to expand our portfolio to include single-story Folia options overall, we enjoyed working with CUSD on this project specifically. It is particularly gratifying to have been involved in bringing to life these new, high performance and flexible spaces where many kindergartners will begin their academic education.”

Folia is DSA (California Division of State Architect) pre-check approved, and

because much of the building is prefabricated, it can be delivered in less than a year. It was designed to meet the building standards of the Collaborative for High Performance Schools (CHPS) with an emphasis on indoor air quality, natural daylight, and acoustic performance.

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SAN MATEO COUNTY, Calif.— San Mateo County Community College District’s new $88 million Kinesiology and Wellness Building remains on target for completion for Spring 2021.

Demolition begin in late 2017 with the team breaking ground on the project in Spring 2019. Blach Construction is the general contractor on this impressive project, while ELS Architecture and Urban Design is serving as architect.

“The existing athletic facilities were very old and outdated,” explained Keith Craw, Vice President of Operations, Blach Construction.

“In fact, until the old building was demolished, there was a sign directing people to a pool that was never actually built. San Mateo Community College District (SMCCCD) and Cañada College saw this as an opportunity to not only modernize their athletics facilities and programs, but expand their health and wellness curriculum and offer the surrounding community the ability to make use of this iconic new Center.”

The two-story, 115,000 square-foot state-of-the-art building will provide a modern, architecturally dramatic, fully accessible facility for both students and the local community.

In addition to serving as an iconic facility for the school, as well as its surrounding community, this much-needed and long-anticipated new home of the Cañada College Physical Education Department will include multi-purpose fitness and activity spaces, competition basketball and volleyball courts, two swimming pools, a rooftop yoga studio, shower and locker rooms, as well as classrooms and office spaces.

Classrooms will provide state-of-the-art settings for dance, Pilates, indoor cycling, and other fitness and wellness activities. The gym, furnished with retractable bleachers, will host volleyball and basketball classes as well as intercollegiate athletic events. In addition, the facility will provide the community with a public membership enterprise fitness facility with pool access. From the activated roof’s running track and yoga space, one will experience panoramic bay views.

“A significant challenge was Cañada College’s request that the program area exceed the original program statement,” said Clarence D. Mamuyac, Jr., president and CEO of ELS Architecture and Urban Design.

“Our response was to turn the roof of a two-story facility into a third level of robust, multiple programming opportunities, while providing access to some of the most incredible views in the Bay Area. The “activated roof” not only adds additional programming potential for the College, but the shade structure atop adds an interesting profile to the building that can be enjoyed from miles away.”

The project is targeted for Gold LEED certification.

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CUPERTINO, Calif.—A grand opening event was held recently at Homestead High School (HHS) in the Fremont Union High School District (FUHSD) to unveil its new 25,000-square-foot Innovation Hub, which provides central and collaborative spaces for programs including visual arts, business, computer science, robotics and shop to serve the school’s more than 2,000 students.

The new facility was designed by Quattrocchi Kwok Architects (QKA) and built by Swinerton. Blach Construction (Blach) serves as the construction manager for FUHSD’s school facilities improvement program. Designed to meet Collaborative for High Performance Schools (CHPS) criteria, the project team utilized solutions such as daylighting and sun-control, energy efficient building systems and sustainable materials. The project was delivered under budget, providing six percent total cost savings during the course of construction.

“The Innovation Hub gives us the opportunity to better serve our students with a progressive and functional space spanning multiple disciplines,” said FUHSD Superintendent Polly Bove. “I know our students and staff have only begun to scratch the surface of what is possible within this building and we look forward to the creativity and collaboration that will occur here. We thank the project team for their dedication, who have helped us create a facility that will be enjoyed by Homestead students for years to come.”

HHS’s Innovation Hub replaces a previously underutilized shop building with a new building that consolidates various programs from across the campus in a central location. Classroom, lab and shop spaces are organized around a flexible hub, providing collaboration and presentation spaces for students and faculty. Additionally, the Innovation Hub creates a new point of entry to the campus and athletic fields, creating a welcoming face for the school along busy Homestead Road. The new building is connected to the rest of the campus through a plaza used for outdoor learning, studying and socializing.

Also designed by QKA, FUHSD broke ground this summer on HHS’s new Guidance and Student Services (GSS) Building. The 9,500 square-foot building is expected to complete next fall and will provide improved administration offices, staff rooms, counseling offices and a College and Career Center. Built by Lathrop Construction, the visible building adds to the school’s vision for a welcoming and secure entry.

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“We are thrilled to be moving forward with the new Miwok Aquatic and Fitness Center on our Indian Valley Campus,” said Isidro Farias, director of capital projects at COM.

A design-build project by long-time partners Blach and ELS Architecture and Urban Design, the state-of-the-art building will house a fitness center including cardio equipment, weights and group fitness spaces. Locker rooms, classrooms, offices, a lobby and storage space will surround the Miwok Center. Adjacent, outdoor Olympic-size and lap pools will serve COM as well as the aquatic needs of the community for swim classes, team meets, recreation and youth camps. Using Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards, the project has the potential to earn zero net energy (ZNE) consumption. Construction of the Miwok Center is anticipated to complete by summer 2020.

“We are happy to partner with our friends at ELS to bring College of Marin a facility that will meet so many needs in one space. From enhancing the school’s overall educational and wellness offerings to bringing high-caliber fitness and recreation options to the community, we look forward to the next exciting phase of building the Miwok Aquatic and Fitness Center,” said Kim Scott, vice president of Blach Construction.

Established in 1926, College of Marin has campuses in Kentfield and Novato, offering students of all ages affordable access to a variety of credit and noncredit courses as well as community education classes for lifelong learning. Founded in 1970, Blach Construction builds structures throughout the Greater Bay Area and Central Coast, including a broad cross-section of corporate, mixed-use, educational and institutional building types. Blach Construction is headquartered in San Jose, Calif. and operates a branch office in Monterey, Calif.

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Built by Blach Construction and designed by IBI Group, the school will start by serving 238 students in Kindergarten through second grade at the 6.7-acre site in south Milpitas. The Measure E 2012 bond provides funding for Phase I of the new elementary school, which consists of one administration building, a two-story building with eight classrooms, and all underground utilities for future phases.

Additional funding is needed to complete the expansion Phases II and III, which could potentially open to students in August 2020 and 2022, respectively. Once all three phases are complete, the elementary school is anticipated to accommodate more than 700 students.

“We have been long-time partners with MUSD and are thrilled to have been able to support them and the residents of Milpitas with this project,” said Blach Construction Vice President of Business Development & Marketing Kim Scott in a statement. “We applaud the coordination of all involved, allowing us to deliver an innovative open-concept school in an expedited timeframe.”

Founded in 1970, Blach Construction is headquartered in San Jose and operates a branch office in Monterey that covers California’s Central Coast.

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“Just a few months ago, we were in Keansburg to break ground for this project,” said SDA CEO Charles McKenna, in a statement. “As this new school continues to take shape and this signed beam becomes a permanent part of the structure, we are reaffirming this Administration’s commitment to providing the students of Keansburg with a state-of-the-art facility.”

The new Joseph C. Caruso Elementary School is the first new school in the area constructed by the SDA, and will stand on the same site as the former 58,000-square-foot school of the same name. It was designed to accommodate 750 K-4 students across 28 general use classrooms, eight kindergarten classrooms, self-contained special education classrooms, a modern media center, a gym and a new cafetorium — a facility that can serve as either a gym or an auditorium. The project also includes administrative and support facilities, as well as outdoor physical education and play areas and parking.

"The reality of the new Caruso Elementary School rising up fuels the hopes and dreams of all future generations in the Keansburg School District. It is with great excitement and anticipation that we look forward to our students having a 21st century facility to initiate their educational journey,” said Keansburg Superintendent Gerald North, in a statement.

Hall Construction Company Inc. of Howell, N.J. and Paulus, Sokolowski and Sartor, LLC of Warren, N.J. are collaborating on the design-build project, which is being managed by Joseph Jingoli & Sons of Lawrenceville, N.J. Current projections put the cost of the school at just less than $51 million, and construction completion is anticipated for late summer 2016.

Demolition on the original school facility was completed by Tricon Enterprises Inc. of Keyport, N.J. in June 2013. At that time, NJ.com reported that the work turned up an exciting find: a 91-year-old time capsule. The capsule revealed a December 1921 edition of the local Keansburg Beacon newspaper, as well as photographs and a program of the capsule’s dedication ceremony.

Officials broke ground on the school in mid December 2014. Construction is estimated to comprise $32.7 million of the total project cost.

Progress on the new elementary school can be viewed via webcam at http://oxblue.com/open/hallgc/caruso.

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