Saddleback College continues construction on new Sciences Building

Construction continues on the Sciences Building on the Saddleback College campus. (Photographer/Hannah Tavares)

Construction continues on the Sciences Building on the Saddleback College campus. (Hannah Tavares/Lariat)

After breaking ground December 16, 2013, Saddleback College projects the new Sciences Building to open in December 2015.

The new three-story building, located at the northeast end of Saddleback College Campus, adjacent to the Student Service Center, is estimated at 51,244 square feet.

The facility will house 26 laboratory spaces for academic programs in astronomy, biology, chemistry, geology, marine science and physics.

“Our new Sciences Building will be a model in the state for its environment-friendly design and state-of-the-art laboratories and classrooms,” President Tod Burnett said, “providing a top-notch learning environment for our students.  Thank you to our facilities and maintenance staff for their superb oversight of this long-awaited project.”

Pouring of concrete footings of the south side, as well as laying rebar was completed as of July 31, 2014, according to the South Orange County Community College District’s Bi-Weekly Progress Update.

Estimated at an overall cost of $67 million, the new building will be Leadership in Energy and Environment Design (LEED) certified and will include many sustainable design features, including a courtyard with a themed demonstration garden planted over an underground element to provide on-site detention of storm water, reducing the impact on the campus storm water systems.

The architectural firm, Dougherty & Dougherty, which specializes in the design of innovative environments for educational and institutional clients, is providing design services.  C.W. Driver Incorporated is heading the construction project.

An animation of the projected site for Saddleback College’s Science Building can be viewed below. For further progress reports, visit the South Orange County Community College District website at www.socccd.edu.

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