PASADENA, Calif. – November 1, 2018 – C.W. Driver Companies, a premier builder serving California since 1919, today announced the completion of Chapman University’s Keck Center for Science and Engineering in Orange. The 149,697-square-foot, state-of-the-art education and research facility is the largest, most expensive and most technologically advanced project in the university’s history. The center is home to the Schmid College of Science and Technology and Fowler School of Engineering, and includes an additional 145,560 square feet of subterranean parking. The total cost of the center is $130 million, $87 million of which was completed by C.W. Driver Companies.
“It’s a privilege helping Chapman continue its promise of providing rich academic and student-centered experiences, and we’re honored to partner with them on this project,” said Dave McGlothlin, senior project manager at C.W. Driver Companies. “Our expertise in developing higher education science facilities enabled us to construct an innovative facility that will serve the institution’s fast-growing STEM programs and transform the learning experiences for future generations of science professionals.”
The Keck Center is comprised of three floors and divided into two sections: the Hall of Science and the Hall of Technology and Engineering, bridged by a grand arch that serves as the focal point of the building. In total, the center includes 18 teaching labs, 22 research labs, 47 faculty and graduate student offices, three multi-purpose classrooms and six collaboration areas for students and faculty. The facility also features an 833-seat outdoor amphitheater/stadium and a 347-space, two-story subterranean parking garage.
To enhance interdisciplinary work, the Keck Center features high-tech equipment and design elements such as writable glass walls within the science, technology and engineering labs. The Keck Center intends on serving more than 50,000 students during its first 20 years at Chapman University to allow students at all levels to pursue foundational sciences such as biology, chemistry, biochemistry, environmental science, mathematics, physics and more.
“The advancements in building technology that C.W. Driver brought to this project are impressive,” said Andrew Lyon, Ph.D., dean of the Schmid College of Science and Technology. “The top-notch labs, innovative technology and inspiring aesthetics and architecture are a huge attraction for our current and incoming science students.”
C.W. Driver Companies worked alongside Chapman University’s Campus Planning Department, AC Martin Partners, Inc. and Abacus Project Management Inc. on the project.
The Keck Center for Science and Engineering at Chapman University is a recent addition to C.W. Driver Companies’ higher education portfolio, which includes: Biola University’s Alton and Lydia Lim Center for Science, Technology and Health; Loyola Marymount University’s Life Sciences Building, CSU San Bernardino’s Student Housing & Dining Commons; University of California, Santa Barbara’s Davidson Library Addition and Renewal; San Francisco State University’s Student Recreation and Wellness Center and California Polytechnic State University, Pomona’s Student Services Building.
Chapman University is ranked no. 5 in the Regional Universities West category of the U.S. News & World Report “Best Colleges” 2018 list. The ranking marks the highest ever earned by Chapman and reflects the institution’s academic excellence. The university also was named one of the nation’s best institutions for higher education by The Princeton Review.
About C.W. Driver Companies
C.W. Driver Companies is a premier builder serving California since 1919. As a leader in general contracting and construction management services, C.W. Driver Companies are on the cutting edge across a broad spectrum of industries, including education, commercial/office, technology, healthcare/biomedical, mixed-use, assisted living, entertainment, retail, industrial and civic. Ranked in Engineering News Record‘s Top 150 General Contractors and Top 100 Construction Managers, C.W. Driver Companies has the ability to build a variety of projects, from large tenant improvements to small renovations and specialized projects through its affiliates Driver SPG and Good & Roberts. C.W. Driver Companies has offices located in Los Angeles, Irvine, Rancho Cucamonga, Anaheim, San Diego, Carlsbad and San Jose. For more information, please visit www.cwdriver.com. Follow C.W. Driver Companies on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.
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