Orange County, CA – BNBuilders, Fullerton College, and its design-build partner Roesling Nakamura Terada (RNT) Architects recently completed the $54 million new Instructional Building and Central Utility Plant upgrade at Fullerton College. On Friday, May 13th, Fullerton College hosted the ribbon cutting and open house for the new Humanities Instructional Building. Completed in October of 2021, the new Instructional Building and Central Utility Plant (CUP) Upgrade is the school’s first new construction in 10 years, and its first-ever progressive design-build project. The building represents the Humanities Division’s first permanent home, a critical addition to student life and the campus overall.
“The new building is an impressive space designed to meet the unique needs of our various Humanities disciplines. However, most importantly, it is a catalyst to strengthen and grow the community among our Humanities faculty, staff and students. For decades, our Humanities Division has been spread out all over the campus. Now under one roof surrounding a beautiful courtyard, they can gather, teach, learn, and build community in a space all their own,” said
Interim President Dr. Gilbert Contreras.
Located on an active college campus, the new three-story, 74,927-square-foot Instructional Building at Fullerton College is home to the Humanities Division, which consists of Communication Studies, English, English as a Second Language, Foreign Languages, and Reading disciplines. The new Instructional Building features 50 classrooms including two computer labs, a division office, an adjunct faculty area with student conference space, 37 shared faculty offices, a 73-person conference room, two smaller conference rooms (for 8–12 people), a central courtyard, a faculty/staff lounge, male/female restrooms on each floor, six gender-inclusive restrooms, a lactation room, and elevators.
In addition, the existing CUP for the campus was upgraded with new energy-efficient systems to accommodate the new Instructional Building and future developments on the campus. These projects were made possible by the passage of Measure J in November 2014.
A major design goal for the Owner was to tie the new Instructional Building stylistically to the existing historic buildings on the campus, allowing the facades to reference some of the historical details of the 1930’s Spanish-style buildings. The building was designed with a gabled roof, clay Mission tiles, prominent arches, and ornate iron work to complement the style of its neighboring historic buildings.
Raul Diaz, Principal at RNT Architects, states, “The built Architecture is a strong manifestation of the congenial design and construction process in conjunction with folks involved in building the Humanities Division Instructional Building at Fullerton College. The enjoyable process provided a great educational experience to all, as the Humanities Division Building served as a vehicle for continuing design processes for the new Instructional Building.
The Humanities Division staff were a great resource for RNT in learning the connection between the architectural language of historic buildings at the campus core and how they relate to the languages and literature taught within Division classes.”
Fullerton College aimed to meet the space needs of the projected on-campus enrollment more effectively through the next decade and beyond while constructing and renovating facilities to meet the District’s instructional needs.
Improved circulation in and around campus would increase accessibility to existing and new development and enhance the overall connectivity of campus uses. Input from many faculty, staff, and students resulted in a facility that seamlessly serves the varying purposes and activities of multiple Humanities programs while blending effortlessly into the surrounding historic campus.
Jamie Awford, Principal at BNBuilders, states, “As the first project delivered for the District using progressive design/build, it was extremely rewarding to see the passion and collaboration with Fullerton College with direct input from multiple departments, faculty, staff, and students throughout the entire process. The trust and confidence really showed up as this project navigated many challenges, including being built at the height of the pandemic and maintaining the budget and schedule to deliver this new state-of-the-art facility that will enhance learning and enrich the lives of its students.
About BNBuilders
Founded in 2000 in Seattle, BNBuilders is a West Coast general contractor that specializes in complex projects for clients in the life sciences, education, healthcare, public, and technology sectors. They are known for their innovative solutions to highly technical issues, comprehensive preconstruction services, passion for sustainable construction practices, and commitment to the communities in which they do business. With four offices, 1,000+ employees, and a strong presence in the California and Washington construction markets, BNBuilders is a leader and preferred contractor on the West Coast.
