MiraCosta College Completes $42.5M Chemistry, Biotechnology Building

MiraCosta College in Oceanside, Calif., recently finished construction on a new, $42.5-million Chemistry and Biotechnology Building, according to a news release. The university partnered with builder C.W. Driver Companies and HED Architects on the 20,630-square-foot facility, which will serve the school’s expanding STEM programs.

The new facility includes shaded outdoor gathering spaces that connect to the larger STEM quad, as well as covered porches and screened study spaces to encourage outdoor collaboration. The interior uses high-efficiency fixtures, eco-friendly materials, and sustainable finishes that integrate with the surrounding campus. The building was designed to meet LEED Silver certification standards, according to the news release.

“This is a significant milestone for MiraCosta College as we officially open the doors to the new Chemistry and Biotechnology Building,” said MiraCosta College Project Manager Joe Webber. “The world is facing challenges that will require innovative solutions, and STEM education will play a vital role in shaping the future. This facility provides our students and faculty with the tools, technology, and resources they need to explore, innovate, and make meaningful contributions to these fields.”

Amenities include modern instructional and lab spaces designed to meet industry needs and provide students with practical skills.

“We are proud to have collaborated with MiraCosta College on delivering this transformative facility,” said Andy Feth, C.W. Driver project executive. “Designed with sustainability, innovation, and student success in mind, this building represents our ongoing commitment to creating high-quality, future-ready educational spaces.”

About the Author

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

Featured

  • South Carolina District Starts Construction on $50M Middle School Renovation

    The Aiken County Public School District in North Augusta, S.C., recently held a groundbreaking ceremony for the $50-million renovation and expansion of North Augusta Middle School, according to a news release. The project’s funding comes from the 2024 renewal of a one-cent sales tax approved by local voters.

  • 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.

  • From Approval to Opening: Inside Travis Unified School District’s Fast Tracked Campus Expansion

    The Travis Unified School District (TUSD) in northern California includes several elementary and high schools serving over 5,400 students. In 2024, the TUSD Board approved the addition of sixth grade to the Golden West Middle School campus for the 2025–26 school year, setting in motion an accelerated effort to bring new facilities online in less than a year.

  • Kimball International Releases Curated Design Support Program

    Commercial furnishings company Kimball International recently announced the launch of a new end-to-end design support program, DesignSuite. According to a news release, its goal is to guide architecture & design professionals and dealer partners through the process from vision to specification.