McCarthy Advances $238 Million Program

HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif. — McCarthy Building Companies completed construction management services for the $13.8 million expansion of Ocean View High School.


McCarthy is managing the high school expansion for the Huntington Beach Union High School District as part of the $238 million Measure C school modernization program. LPA Inc., which is based in Irvine, Calif., developed the master plan for the program.


Approved by Huntington Beach voters in 2004 to provide an enhanced learning environment for district students, the project also addresses mandatory code requirements, including ADA compliance, fire safety, air/environmental quality, structural rehabilitation and building preservation and efficiency.


Completed in January, the 25,500-square-foot expansion includes six buildings that house six laboratories, 11 classrooms and miscellaneous support space.


The east side of the project features three single-story buildings that support the science department. Three two-level structures — mezzanine and below-grade levels — on the west side of the expansion house the English department and utility and support services.


Designers used the surrounding sloped terrain to integrate several below-grade level structures and maximize building capacity within the desired site footprint. The design maintains a consistent low profile between one- and two-level buildings.


Laboratories are equipped with high-speed data connections, emergency exhaust systems and decontamination showers, and lab stations with fume hoods and chemical-resistant surfaces. Classrooms incorporate several technological solutions to enhance instruction, including LCD projectors and screens.


The project integrates single-ply reflective roofing and operable windows to enhance thermal comfort and control and reduce energy consumption and costs. A central energy-management system monitors and controls air-conditioning and heating functions throughout the entire campus.


McCarthy is also managing several other renovation and modernization projects for the Huntington High School District. School projects due for completion during 2008 include Edison, Fountain Valley, Huntington Beach, Marina and Westminster high schools.


Brea, Calif., architectural firm Y’Deen and Associates provided architectural services for the Ocean View and Huntington Beach projects. Architectural services for the Edison, Marina, Fountain Valley and Westminster projects were provided by LPA Inc.


Construction work began at the first school in February 2005, with modernization and renovation work conducted simultaneously across the district’s schools. All Measure C projects are expected to be completed by June 2009.