McCarthy Building Companies (McCarthy), one of the largest and most diversified commercial construction companies in the U.S., with design partners Steinberg Hart, recently broke ground on the $72M Cesar Chavez Administration and Workforce Building at the Los Angeles City College (LACC). Situated at the center of campus, the four-story, 67,230 square-foot building will welcome students and educators to serve a variety of educational and administrative needs while helping the Los Angeles Community College District (LACCD) meet its sustainability goals.
The Cesar Chavez Administration & Workforce Building’s exterior will augment the overall historic design of the campus with the interior featuring modern instructional and sustainable elements. It will also be constructed to advance the district’s goal of achieving net zero by 2040. Sustainable features include an 80 kW AC solar array system and battery energy storage system (BESS) capable of providing up to eight hours of backup power. Additionally, the enhanced central quad will include native vegetation and incorporate light colored paving alongside a Solar Reflection Index (SRI) ‘cool’ roof to reduce the overall urban heat island effect. All sustainable features of the Cesar Administration & Workforce Building will meet LEED Gold certification standards.
Located at 855 N. Vermont Avenue in East Hollywood, the new building will serve as a gateway to the LACC campus, providing sweeping views of the iconic Hollywood Hills. The development will incorporate natural light throughout to enhance productivity in a prosperous environment. The east- and west-facing lobby facades will have a fritted curtain to regulate temperature within the building, reduce glare, and provide ample privacy, while capturing the design essence of the Los Angeles City College campus.
“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 Michael Kim, Sr. Vice President at McCarthy Building Companies. “This is our tenth project with the LACCD, and it is such a pleasure to create robust educational facilities that produce significant learning outcomes.”
Image Courtesy of: Steinberg Hart
Notable features of the new Cesar Chavez Administration & Workforce Building include instructional rooms, IT help areas, campus safety operations, a multi-purpose room, and areas dedicated to campus resources and faculty services. The building will also feature a fourth-floor outdoor terrace, providing an inviting gathering space with panoramic views of the Hollywood Hills – allowing students and staff to unwind.
