Los Angeles City College Breaks Ground on New Administration, Workforce Building

Los Angeles City College (LACC) in Los Angeles, Calif., recently broke ground on a new $72-million administrative facility, according to a news release. The Cesar Chavez Administration and Workforce Building will stand four stories, cover 67,230 square feet, and play home to a wide variety of the school’s educational and administrative services. It was also designed with sustainability at top of mind to align with the Los Angeles Community College District’s 2040 net-zero target.

The college partnered with Steinberg Hart for the building’s design and McCarthy Building Companies for construction. The building is scheduled to open in early 2027.

According to the news release, the building was designed to meet LEED-Gold certification standards. It features an 80 kW AC solar array system and battery energy storage system that can provide backup power for up to eight hours. The building’s central quad will include native vegetation and a Solar Reflection Index cool roof to reduce the area’s heat island effect. Finally, the east and west lobby façades will include fritted curtains to regulate temperature and glare, the news release reports.

“We are excited to bring the Cesar Chavez Administration & Workforce Building to Los Angeles City College as it will offer a variety of much needed resources while also serving as an anchor to welcome students and staff,” said McCarthy Building Companies Senior Vice President, Michael Kim. “This is our tenth project with the LACCD, and it is such a pleasure to create robust educational facilities that produce significant learning outcomes.”

Building amenities will include academic classrooms, IT help areas, a multi-purpose space, campus safety headquarters, campus resources, and faculty services, according to the news release. It will also include a fourth-floor outdoor terrace providing a scenic view of Hollywood Hills.

About the Author

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

Featured

  • Philadelphia Middle School Facility Earns LEED Gold Certification

    The Alternative Middle Years (AMY) at James Martin Middle School in Philadelphia, Penn., recently received a LEED Gold certification from the U.S. Green Building Council, according to a news release. The School District of Pennsylvania partnered with KSS Architects on the project.

  • Can AI Help Build Stronger Communities in Student Housing?

    Student housing success is shifting from operational performance to student experience, with belonging now at the center. A recent 2025 report underscores a growing emphasis on student well-being, community, and engagement, signaling that expectations now extend beyond logistics to ensure students feel supported in their living environments. AI is enabling that shift by reducing administrative workload and giving teams more time to focus on meaningful student engagement.

  • University of Kansas Breaks Ground on Entrepreneurship Hub

    The University of Kansas in Lawrence, Kan., recently held a groundbreaking ceremony for the new KU Entrepreneurship Hub, according to university news. The Hub is part of the university’s School of Business and will include spaces for experiential learning and programming.

  • 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.