LOS ANGELES, Calif. (April 25, 2024) – PCL Construction Services, Inc., a leader in higher education construction, and the Los Angeles Community College District (LACCD) broke ground on Los Angeles Valley College’s (LAVC) new Academic Building 2. The project is a key component of LAVC’s expansive $900 million investment in the renovation and building replacement program to modernize the learning experience for student success.
“We are excited to begin construction on our Academic Building 2, an important complement to our building program to transform the college’s physical campus to meet the needs of students for decades to come,” said Dr. Barry Gribbons, president, Los Angeles Valley College. “The buildings include modern, technology-enabled learning environments for Communication Studies, English, ESL, and Technology, which includes our Manufacturing program.”
LAVC’s Academic Building 2 is an approximately 60,000-square-foot facility directly off the main quad in the heart of the campus. This new building will replace three aging buildings, offering cutting-edge resources and a fresh start for these departments. Further emphasizing its commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility, Academic Building 2 is designed to meet LEED Silver certification standards.
“With PCL’s track record of constructing more than 120 projects on 20 higher education campuses throughout Southern California, we bring extensive expertise to the LAVC Building 2 project," said Michael Headrick, PCL vice president and district manager. "This building represents more than just a physical space; it signifies the expansion of educational opportunities for the local community and we are excited to be a part of that.”
The new multi-disciplinary academic building is designed to ensure optimal functionality with the latest technology to foster interactive, flexible learning environments. The first floor will feature an innovative technology lab for manufacturing students.
“LACCD continues to fulfill its mission of student success in part by offering the best-in-class learning environments,” said LACCD Chancellor Dr. Francisco Rodriguez. “The voters entrusted this district with $14.9 billion to transform our nine community colleges, and the new Academic Building 2 advances our commitment to deliver dynamic, education facilities that foster cross-disciplinary collaboration and embody our sustainability building goals.”
Designed by NAC Architecture, the building will feature movable desks and adaptable room configurations to support diverse teaching methods and collaborative activities. Additionally, faculty offices will be centrally located to enhance interaction and the sharing of resources among educators. A notable architectural feature is the vibrant yellow spine that not only adds a dynamic visual element but also extends into newly created green spaces. This design invites students and faculty to utilize various informal gathering areas for relaxation, team projects, and social interactions, enriching the overall campus community experience.
About PCL Construction
PCL is a group of independent construction companies that operates throughout the United States, Canada, the Caribbean and Australia. As one of the largest contracting organizations in North America, PCL completes more than $7 billion USD in work annually, building projects that shape communities. The company’s 100% employee ownership model fuels a culture of commitment for clients in the buildings, civil infrastructure, heavy industrial and solar markets. With a strategic presence in more than 30 major centers, PCL’s leadership teams consistently drive innovation and set new benchmarks for excellence, bringing unparalleled skill to every project. Watch us build at PCL.com.
About Los Angeles Valley College
Established in 1949, LAVC (lavc.edu) is a public two-year community college in the heart of Los Angeles’ San Fernando Valley. LAVC serves over 17,000 students, and offers 70 associate degrees, 26 associate degrees for transfer, 67 certificates of achievement, 10 skills certificates, and 19 non-credit certificates. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter (@lavalleycollege) and Instagram (@lavalleycollege).
About Los Angeles Community College District
LACCD (www.laccd.edu) is the nation’s largest community college district, educating about 210,000 students annually at its nine colleges that serve the residents of more than 36 cities and communities from 900 square miles of Los Angeles County. Since 1969, the District has been providing an important learning pathway for students seeking transfer to four-year colleges or universities while also offering two-year degrees and certificated training programs to Southern California’s diverse workforce in many specialized trades and professions. Learn more about our L.A. College Promise program of free tuition at OurPromiseYourPath. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter @laccd and Instagram @laccd_edu.