Golden West College Starts Construction on Language Arts Complex

Construction on a new language arts complex recently began at Golden West College in Huntington Beach, Calif. The college is partnering with Sundt Construction, Inc., on the facility.

“We are excited to continue working on the Golden West campus,” said John Messick, Sundt’s Project Director for the California District Building Group. “Building infrastructure to support remote, in-person or hybrid learning is critical to the success of today’s students.”

The new complex will measure in at 72,251 square feet and stand three stories tall, featuring classrooms and a large reading, writing and resource center. The facility will house lecture spaces for the college’s world languages, ASL, English and speech programs. Other amenities will include gathering, office and support spaces; natural daylighting fixtures; modern LED fixtures; HVAC improvements; and native landscaping.

Project architect HMC designed the complex as two wings connected by a second- and third-floor internal bridge. “Guided by the principle of ‘connection,’ we designed the building to not only connect with the campus aesthetic, but also to provide opportunities for students to connect with campus touchpoints and classmates,” said HMC Design Principal Brett Leavitt.

The HMC Architects’ website also notes that design strategies like natural daylighting and native landscaping give the complex a head start on becoming a Zero Net Energy Building.

The first step of the construction process was the demolition of the long-standing humanities building and health sciences facility. Construction is scheduled for completion by the end of 2021.

About the Author

Matt Jones is senior editor of Spaces4Learning. He can be reached at [email protected].

Featured

  • Photo credit - Chuck Coates

    Florida District Modernizes Central Energy Plants at Two High Schools

    Flagler Schools, a public school district in Flagler County, Fla., recently partnered with Matern Professional Engineering to modernize the central energy plants at two of its high schools, according to a news release. The project is part of a larger, district-wide effort to reduce energy costs and operational expenses.

  • Academy of Classical Education Breaks Ground in Louisiana

    Charter Schools USA (CSUSA) recently announced the groundbreaking of a new public charter school in Covington, La., according to a news release. The Academy of Classical Education at Covington will enroll students in grades K–8 and is scheduled for completion in August 2026, just in time for the new school year.

  • USC Launches Major AI Initiative After $200M Gift

    The University of Southern California in Los Angeles, Calif., recently announced that it has launched a “transformational” new AI initiative thanks to a $200M gift, according to a news release. The project will leverage AI toward breakthroughs and innovations in subjects like the health sciences, business, security, and the arts.

  • Rhode Island Boarding School Completes Student Dorm Renovations

    St. George’s School in Middletown, R.I., recently announced the completion of a $26-million renovation project on Arden-Diman-Eccles Dormitory, according to a news release. The school partnered with Voith & Mactavish Architects (VMA) on the new space, which places a new focus on collaborative community spaces open to both boarding students and day students.