SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (April 8, 2026) -- PCL Construction Services, Inc. celebrated the groundbreaking of the $80 million Santa Barbara City College (SBCC) Physical Education and Athletics Replacement Building, a transformative project that will deliver a modern, resilient facility supporting athletics, wellness, and academic instruction for students and the broader campus community.
Designed by LPA Design Studios, the four-story, 77,187-square-foot building will replace aging facilities and serve as a new hub for physical education and athletics at SBCC. Once complete, the facility will include an NCAA gymnasium, multidisciplinary classrooms, dance and exercise rooms, a fitness center, and staff and faculty offices. The project also features dedicated athletics support spaces, including a training room, team locker rooms, equipment and uniform storage, and laundry facilities.
Designed to respond to the coastal environment, the structure will be cast-in-place concrete to enhance durability and protect against marine conditions and tidal surges. A roof canopy will shade portions of the building while integrating a solar array that supports the college’s sustainable energy goals. The new building will serve physical education, kinesiology, athletics, and health education programs, in addition to all campus programs, with adaptable instructional spaces.
“Breaking ground here marks an important moment for Santa Barbara City College and PCL as we continue to expand our operations in the Central Coast.” said Thai Nguyen, district manager for PCL’s California Buildings operations. “Today is all about the students of SBCC, and we are looking forward to delivering for them and eventually seeing them enjoy this one-of-a-kind space for years to come.”
The groundbreaking ceremony brought together Santa Barbara City College leadership, project partners, local officials, and community members to celebrate the start of construction on a facility that will serve generations of students.
Demolition of the existing building began in June 2025, with construction completion anticipated in April 2028.
About PCL Construction
PCL Construction is one of the most respected and accomplished global construction leaders, comprising independent companies operating throughout the United States, Canada, the Caribbean and Australia. With an annual construction volume of $9.9 billion USD, PCL builds projects that shape communities and strengthen infrastructure. 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.