SDSU Demonstrates Sustainable Design with New Complex

SAN DIEGO — Construction on the newly renovated Storm and Nasatir Halls complex at San Diego State University (SDSU) was completed in time for the spring semester, with a grand opening celebration held on Feb. 21. The $73 million project included a 100,000-square-foot renovation and 35,000-square-foot expansion of the existing complex, built in 1957. The design incorporated both energy-efficient and security measures that helped improve the complexes past deficiencies.
The project, designed by Irvine, Calif.-based LPA Inc., is registered as LEED Gold. Pasadena, Calif.-headquartered C.W. Driver served as the general contractor on the project, which began construction in June 2012.
The new complex features program space and upgraded technologies that cater to eight academic departments from the College of Arts and Letters, as well as faculty offices and academic and research laboratories. The project included the renovation of two existing classroom and faculty office buildings, Storm Hall and Nasatir Hall, and the addition of three new buildings, which include a lecture hall, faculty office and retail space.
C.W. Driver’s scope of the project included the removal of hazardous materials, surgical and mass demolition, and structural upgrades. The renovation upgrades made the complex compliant with current health and safety code standards as well as corrected ongoing maintenance issues, improving water and energy conservation. New windows and an exterior finish improved the building’s energy efficiency. New code-compliant HVAC systems and technology and electrical upgrades, such as new fire alarm and security system, helped improve water and energy conservation and addressed any building deficiencies. New elevators, ramps, site work and door operators were also included to ensure wheelchair access in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
“The project included a new fire alarm system that includes visual strobes and audible horn and voice notification,” said Joe Biglione, senior project manager with C.W. Driver. “A new access control security system was also installed, to control access into the building after hours by way of card access.”

To achieve LEED Gold certification, C.W. Driver implemented construction site recycling and waste management, utilization of recycled materials, enhanced commissioning, and water-efficient plumbing and landscaping. New lighting and ceiling systems were constructed with energy-efficient glazing systems to improve the building’s energy efficiency. The sustainable upgrades to the complex will save the university millions of dollars in deferred and ongoing maintenance.

“BIM coordination was utilized for the entire project, but proved especially beneficial on the remodel portion of the project, for the coordination of new systems within limited above ceiling spaces,” Biglione said. “Additional challenges included performing all of the work within an occupied campus and maintaining egress paths of travel.”
Both Storm and Nasatir Halls were named for renowned SDSU professors in 1986. The west wing of the social sciences building on campus was renamed Storm Hall after Alvena Storm, a geography instructor who joined the faculty in 1926 and taught on campus for 40 years. Storm was known as an expert on the geography of California and the American West. Nasatir Hall was named for Abraham P. Nasatir, a professor emeritus of history, who taught at SDSU for 46 years from 1928 to 1974. Nasatir was internationally known for his research on California history and received four Fulbright fellowships.