Governing Board Selects Echo Pacific Construction to Build Concept Design

    Southwestern College today moved one step closer to beginning construction of the corner lot development for its main campus in Chula Vista, including new classroom space and a state-of-the-art bookstore. Funded by Proposition R, the project is the largest new development since the college’s original construction in 1961.

    “This development will allow us to create jobs for our residents, offer more classes to our students and further our college’s reputation as a center of civic engagement and culture,” Dr. Raj K. Chopra, Superintendent/President of Southwestern College, said. “We are grateful to the community for their energy and ideas, and for passing the bond measure that made this project possible.”

    The Southwestern College Governing Board selected Echo Pacific Construction, Inc. to implement the design at its monthly Board meeting on Wednesday night. Once complete, the 110,000 square foot project will include a new college bookstore, classroom space, food court, art gallery, culinary arts program, wellness center, administrative offices, conference space and police station. The development, which will be located on the college’s corner lot at the H St. and Otay Lakes Rd., will generate dozens of construction jobs and incorporate modern green building techniques. Funding for the project is made available by Proposition R, which California voters approved in November 2008.

    “We are now one step closer to turning this project into reality – and realizing its benefits for our students and community,” Yolanda Salcido, President of the Southwestern College Governing Board, said. “We are proud to be this community’s institution of higher learning and when this project is complete, we will be able to offer more of the classes, programs and services that set our college apart.” Since joining the Board, Salcido has made the development of the corner lot a priority for the Board.

    The design combines the Mayan style present on the campus with today’s standards for innovative and environmentally sound architecture. Sustainability will also play a major role in the facility’s planning, design and construction. Native drought-tolerant plants will be used in landscaping to decrease the dependency on water, individual thermal zones and occupancy sensors will monitor and control the use of heating and air conditioning, and low VOC materials will be used to maintain air quality. Construction waste will be recycled and recycled materials will be used where possible.

    “We are proud to have been selected to be a part of the team that will construct such an innovative design,” said Chris Rowe, President of Echo Pacific Construction.  “It will be a privilege to work with Southwestern College Community College District, BCA Architects, our subcontractors, and community members on a project that will enhance an already existing outstanding institution of higher education. Participation in the new construction program allows Echo Pacific to maintain our continued commitment to providing our communities and students with the most innovative and technologically advanced facilities for learning.”

   The project is scheduled to break ground October 2010 for completion in August 2012. In April, the Governing Board selected BCA Architects to complete the architectural design of the corner lot development.