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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NORTHRIDGE, Calif.—General contracting firm Gilbane Building Company has broken ground on a new annex educational facility for California State University, Northridge.

As designed by Gensler, the 62,000-square-foot, $43.4-million Sierra Annex will be cited adjacent to the existing Sierra Hall. Sierra Annex will be home to a 3,000-square-foot main lecture hall, seminar rooms, classrooms and a few additional lecture halls. Gensler’s design incorporates natural lighting, and the hall’s flow of space is meant to encourage collaboration. The classrooms are also designed to be flexible such that they can be adapated for multiple uses.

Gensler and Gilbane previously collaborated on CSUN’s Associated Students Sustainability Center, which came online in 2017. In a recent announcement on the firm’s website, Gilbane’s area manager Raul Rosales said that his company enjoys a long-term working relationship with CSUN and Gensler, and thus this project offered an opportunity to continue such a collaboration.

“We are excited to be working on this inspiring project that will not only be an iconic building on campus, but improve the student’s academic experience as well,” he said.

The Sierra Annex is scheduled to debut for the fall 2023 semester, with additional work to be completed sometime in 2025.

Gilbane was founded in 1870 and remains a privately run, family-operated firm, with nearly 50 offices worldwide. Their Los Angeles office has been engaged in the Sierra Annex project.

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PHOENIX—McCarthy Building Companies is rolling out the metaphorical welcome mat at South Mountain Community College’s new Science Complex. The $13.6 million project is fully built out, with students anticipated to commence instruction there in the spring.

McCarthy’s job was to meld two existing buildings with an entirely ground-up additional structure to create the SMCC Science Complex, which will eventually serve approximately 5,000 students across the STEM fields.

McCarthy renovated nearly 35,000 square feet of space, and the skeletal structure of those two older buildings were incorporated into the frame for the redesigned complex. This allowed the project to move along at a brisker clip and save money at the same time.

The redesigned Science Complex will host a 19,000-square-foot Physical and Life Science building, and offer state-of-the-art laboratories and support space, faculty offices, classrooms and even a modern cadaver lab—which will help the school’s healthcare students to gain practical knowledge.

McCarthy added structural connections between the previously existing Physical Science and Life Science buildings. Additionally, the general contractor relocated the complex’s botanical garden.

In the fall of 2020, McCarthy previously worked with SMCC personnel to commence the school’s Construction Trades Institute, which offers crash courses in carpentry, framing, electrical and plumbing trades.

“McCarthy values STEM education programs and having the opportunity to be part of making this project a reality in South Phoenix is something we’re all very proud of,” Mike Gonzalez, vice president of McCarthy Building Companies Education group, said in a recent statement. “Thanks to the extensive collaboration with SMCC and its program end-users, the designer and our trade partners, we found solutions to challenges, and this remarkable new Science Complex is being delivered earlier than planned to help more SMCC students pursue their dreams.”

Gensler came aboard the SMCC Science Complex redesign as both architect of record and design architect. Gensler’s design incorporated a “forward-thinking” layout as well as a modern look and feel to the complex.

“We are proud to have an impact on the next generation of STEM leaders in our community with the completion of the new Science Complex,” Martha dePlazaola Abbott, principal and managing director at Gensler Phoenix, said of the project. “The design of the new building enhances the on-campus learning experience with high-functioning classroom spaces and adjacent areas to foster connections and collaboration.”

“Our students deserve a space to pursue their dreams of becoming engineers, scientists and medical professionals,” SMCC President Dr. Shari Olson said of the expansion at her campus. “The community in South Phoenix needed this new facility, and we’re bringing it to them with the latest technology and labs to help students pursue their desired careers.”

Subcontractors at the SMCC project included Urban Energy Solutions Inc., S&H Steel, Wholesale Floors, SKF Tile & Stone, Gothic Landscape, Marks Valley Grading and Kinkaid Civil Construction.

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TAMPA, Fla.—International construction and development firm Skanska, based in Sweden, has partnered with acclaimed architecture firm Gensler on the expansion of the University of South Florida’s Research Park, a mixed-use laboratory and office building facility.

The $27 million, three-story development encompasses 120,000 square feet of office and laboratory space in USF’s life sciences building. The interior now offers collaborative learning and experimentation areas, office space, as well as a ground-level dining commons and rooftop deck three floors above.

The Research Park at USF is meant to fashion an environment wherein innovation in an academic setting will go hand in hand with economic growth in the greater Tampa Bay area. As designed by Gensler, the Research Park will act as a welcoming space where scientists and project designers can collaborate at a state-of-the-art facility designed to stoke experimentation and discovery.

Thanks to this renovation, the Research Park’s capacity has increased by approximately 30 percent. Among other disciplines, the Research Park will focus on both tech and life sciences throughout the South Florida region.

“Given our trajectory working with the University of South Florida, our team is proud to deliver another state-of-the-art facility that will allow the university to continue to make meaningful investments in advancing life sciences and biotechnology,” Michael C. Brown, executive vice president and general manager of Skanska USA’s building operations in Florida, said of the expansion. “The completion of USF’s mixed-use lab and office project comes at a perfect time as Tampa continues to see significant business and population growth. The Research Park is an important driver to stimulate long-term innovation and economic growth in the region.”

In a subsequent statement to School Construction News, Brown added that the demand for space for life sciences experimentation and study is at an all-time high across the academic sector.

“Building on an active campus site comes with its own set of challenges which requires lots of communication amongst key partners,” Brown said of the difficulties of completing the project in a timely manner.  “Not to mention the current supply chain shortages, so it was crucial to deliver this project on time given current market needs, and with the University’s schedule. Additionally, to remain competitive as technology evolves, the project was also built with flexibility and sustainability in mind.”

In addition to the Research Park, Skanska’s previous work at USF entails the Morsani College of Medicine and Heart Institute in downtown Tampa, completed in early 2020.  The company continues to work in the education sector throughout the Sunshine State, including the University of Miami’s Frost Institute of Chemistry and Molecular Science.  The firm has been in business for nearly 140 years and is one of the world’s largest development and construction companies.

Their U.S. headquarters are in New York, with 30 offices across America.  The firm employs over 7,300 people, and saw 2021 revenue of $6.4 billion.

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TAMPA, Fla.—Skanska, a global construction and development firm, has announced it will construct a new mixed-use lab and office project for the University of South Florida’s (USF) Research Park. Skanska’s $27 million contract includes the design and construction of the laboratory and office building that will be located on USF’s campus in Tampa. The total cost of the project is $42 million.

The three-story life sciences building will house 120,000 square feet of office and lab space within USF’s Research Park, complete with ground-floor retail and dining options. Designed by architecture firm Gensler, the expansion of the research park will strengthen the university’s life sciences and technology ecosystem. Upon the project’s completion estimated for fall 2021, the capacity of the research park will be expanded by more than 30 percent.

“With this investment into biotechnology and life sciences research, USF will further stimulate our regional economy in the Tampa Bay region,” said Michael C. Brown, executive vice president and general manager of Skanska’s Florida building operations. “We look forward to delivering a project that will help the university to promote innovation, entrepreneurism and the discovery of new technologies that will have a positive impact on our community.”

Skanska is currently nearing completion of USF Health’s Morsani College of Medicine and Heart Institute, which is bringing the university’s medical education programs to the heart of downtown Tampa. Additionally, Skanska built two buildings totaling more than 230,000 square feet of laboratory and office space that opened at the original research park in 2005.

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BOCA RATON, Fla. ­— Lynn University’s loft-style campus apartments recently achieved LEED Silver certification from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC).

Lynn University’s Mary and Harold Perper Residence Hall recently received LEED Silver certification for its accomplishments in energy consumption, water efficiency, and other green initiatives. Lynn University’s student body included 2,232 undergrads, 791 graduate and 70 doctoral students as of fall 2018. The 60,000-square-foot development is part of Lynn University’s campus masterplan.

Designed by Gensler, the residence hall opened in August 2017 and includes loft-style apartments for 170 upperclassmen students, as well as a courtyard, two patios, a fire pit and grills. A community space has a TV lounge, collaboration room and full kitchen where students can relax, study and socialize together.

USGBC awards certifications based on points applicants earn across several categories. Perper Residence Hall earned LEED Silver for:

• Water efficiency: The campus taps into an IRIS Loop, a non-potable water source, which allows it to use reclaimed (recycled) water for the irrigation system. Additionally, water-efficient faucets, toilets and showerheads utilize 40.34 percent less water than similar buildings.
• Sustainable site: Forty-four percent of the site is dedicated to vegetated open space, an exemplary accomplishment, according to LEED rating systems. It is also made up of drought-tolerant native plants, including sabal palms, a thatch palm and a live oak tree in the courtyard.
• Energy and atmosphere: The building uses 33.77 percent less energy than a code-compliant baseline.
• Indoor environmental quality: Low-emitting paints, adhesives and flooring products provide enhanced indoor air quality. All installed carpet is certified by the CRI Green Label Plus program. Additionally, over 90 percent of indoor spaces have a nature view.
• Materials and resources: Over 20 percent of project materials are composed of recycled content, and over 75 percent of construction waste was recycled. In addition, more than 50 percent of the structure’s wood was harvested from a responsibly managed forest.

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CHULA VISTA, Calif. — Southwestern College (SWC) was recently awarded the City of Chula Vista’s Green Building Design Award for the construction of the new Wellness & Aquatics Complex as part of its annual Ribbons & Shovels awards. The 12 awards highlight community projects that improve and enhance the appearance of Chula Vista and celebrate the best in art, architecture, landscape, historic preservation and environment.

The Green Building Design Award promotes green, sustainable, and eco-friendly design and construction projects. The Wellness and Aquatic Complex is LEED registered and is currently targeting gold certification. It uses reduction measures and includes low-flow fixtures and infrastructure for reclaimed water use. Energy reduction is achieved by connecting high-efficiency heating, ventilation and air conditioning equipment to the college’s central utility plant, and through LED lighting with daylighting controls throughout.

“The Wellness & Aquatic Complex has been a long-time dream for our students and our community and we are so honored to receive this award that highlights its design and sustainability,” said Superintendent/President Kindred Murillo. “We are so grateful to the community for its continued investment of our students, our programs and our facilities.”

The Wellness and Aquatics Center is a 75,000-square-foot facility built on the corner of East H Street and Otay Lakes Road. The new facility, which opened its doors to students and community members in January 2018, features a gymnasium, fitness labs, cardio workout rooms, locker rooms, two Olympic-sized swimming pools and a 25-meter therapy pool. The Wellness & Aquatics Complex also features Maya-inspired glyphs designed by Southwestern College professor Dr. Mark Van Stone.

The building also houses training and testing rooms, offices, and multipurpose exercise rooms. From its site on a prominent campus corner, the complex is highly visible, providing convenient access to wellness services for students and the local community.

The $52 million complex was designed by the architecture firm Gensler, who also designed the DeVore Stadium Fieldhouse, and was built by Balfour Beatty construction company with the help of local union plumbers, electricians and more. The new Wellness & Aquatics Complex is funded by Proposition R, a $389 million general obligation bond passed by voters in South Bay in November 2008.

Community members are invited to access health programs with a membership to the Health First Fitness Club. Health programs range from fitness and swimming classes to individual training, with programs for children, families, adults and seniors.

“Gensler is proud to be recognized by the City of Chula Vista for our contribution towards the sustainable design performance of Southwestern College’s new Wellness & Aquatics Complex,” said Tom Heffernan, principal architect at Gensler.  “Targeting LEED Gold Certification, the Wellness & Aquatics Complex exemplifies SWC’s commitment to creating new facilities that not only conserve energy and water resources, but provide healthful environments for students, staff and community members. This new project supports SWC’s desire to bring the local community and the college together in a meaningful and enduring way. Not only does the complex serve the wellness and athletic needs of SWC students, it also serves the local community by offering members access to a range of fitness and swimming activities, with programs for children, families, adults and seniors.”

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Locally based Diller Scofidio + Renfro in collaboration with locally based Gensler as executive architect designed the 100,000-square-foot, 14-story glass tower. It features technologically advanced classrooms, collaboration spaces and a modern simulation center that reflects the latest advancements in medical education. Construction began in September 2013.

“We are training the doctors who will deliver medical care, the scientists who will perform groundbreaking scientific research and the teachers who will help train the future generation of physicians and scientists. It is important that their educational facilities are as exciting as medical science is today,” said Dr. Roy Vagelos in a statement. Dr. Vagelos, together with his wife, Diana Vagelos, made the initial contribution to help fund the new facility.

While the building incorporates all the high-tech bells and whistles one might expect in an Ivy League school, its defining feature is the Study Cascade. The 14-story “cascade” vertically links collaborative spaces in a variety of sizes, both focused and social, private and communal, inside and out, said Elizabeth Diller, founding partner at Diller Scofidio + Renfro in a statement. Even more, the linked spaces are exposed to the outside, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows that open out onto south-facing outdoor spaces and terraces.

Other key highlights include the advanced clinical simulation center that features a specialized space for mock-examination rooms, clinics and operating rooms. There is also a 275-seat multipurpose auditorium, a ground-floor lobby and cafe, a Student Commons and an Anatomy Quad, with flexible learning space that features integrated screens and task lighting. The building’s “Academic Neighborhoods” (or groups of classrooms) can be configured to meet student needs with operable partitions, drop-down screens and large-scale touch screens, suspended ceilings and distributed power and data at the floor.

While its interior features high-tech learning spaces, the building also has a strong connection to the outside, touting views of the Hudson River and the Palisades. It also integrates sustainable features such as locally sourced materials, green-roof technologies and a mechanical system that minimizes energy and water use. The building’s facade even incorporates ceramic “frit” patterns baked onto the exterior glass to diffuse sunlight, according to a statement. All of these factors will help CUMC reach its goal of minimizing its carbon footprint and reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 30 percent by 2025.

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