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Dive Brief:
- Amid a challenging environment for higher ed projects, McCarthy Building Cos. broke ground on San Bernardino Valley College’s new Student Services building, according to an Oct. 15 news release from the contractor. The cost of the project is $94 million.
- The 104,000-square-foot, three-story building will feature offices and conference spaces alongside student equity and counseling offices, health and wellness services, matriculation and enrollment services, tutoring and collaboration spaces, a directional desk and a veteran’s center, according to the release. The construction team is working on the structure following the demolition of a former liberal arts building.
- The project team aims to hire 50% of its workers locally, according to the release. Project partners include New York City-based architect CannonDesign, Dallas-based AECOM and Anaheim, California-based SafeWork.
Dive Insight:
In addition to the workforce goals, the university is also pursuing LEED Platinum and Envision Gold certifications for the structure.
“We are excited to partner with San Bernardino Community College District and SBVC by constructing a building that is essential to student life and connection,” said Sarah Carr, vice president at St. Louis-based McCarthy, in the news release. “The building will provide a modern and consolidated location for supporting student success.”
The new building comes amid a milestone year for the institution, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2026, according to the university.
For higher education overall, however, federal funding concerns have overshadowed other builds as President Donald Trump’s administration has held back funding due to diversity and equity initiatives, per a U.S. News & World Report tracker.
While some universities, such as Yale, have paused construction projects, others such as the University of Virginia and the Los Angeles Community College District network are moving full steam ahead.
The higher education market is a strategic priority for McCarthy, Amanda Corbet, vice president, business development for the builder, told Construction Dive via email. The company’s approach will be intentional and driven by partnerships, Corbet said, with a focus on sustainable delivery approaches and right-fit opportunities alongside campus outcomes.
“We will absolutely continue to pursue more higher ed projects, as this is a great market for us and closely aligned with our strengths in complex, mission-driven facilities,” Corbet wrote.
The building team aims to complete the project in Spring 2027.
