The new Language Arts and Social Science Building will span more than 100,000 square feet and is slated to wrap in Summer 2021. Photo Credit: C.W. Driver Companies

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Orange Coast College Breaks Ground on $50M Building

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By SCN Staff

COSTA MESA, Calif.—C.W. Driver Companies, celebrating its 100th anniversary this year, just broke ground on Orange Coast College’s (OCC) new $50 million Language Arts and Social Science Building. The three-story, 107,760-square-foot building is part of a larger initiative to modernize the campus and accommodate its rapidly expanding enrollment. It is C.W. Driver Companies’ 10th project for OCC and is expected to complete in Summer 2021.

The Language Arts and Social Science Building’s first floor will house classrooms, labs, an English as a Second Language (ESL) computer lab and room, facilities for the Speech, Debate and Theater Team and a journalism newsroom. The second floor will be comprised of classrooms and connect to the existing Mathematics Business and Computer Center Building, while the third floor will encompass division and faculty offices. The building also will feature two elevators, a lactation room and gender-neutral restrooms on every floor. C.W. Driver is partnering with tBP Architecture on the project.

“C.W. Driver has an extensive history working on a wide range of projects for Orange Coast College, and we are happy to once again be working with their team,” said David Amundson, project executive at C.W. Driver Companies. “This facility will provide a modern, tech-enabled environment for students to learn and collaborate.”

This building is financed through a combination of funding from California Proposition 51 and Measure M, a $698 million general obligation bond provided to construct education facilities for Coast Community College District. In addition to the Language Arts and Social Science Complex, C.W. Driver Companies is managing several other projects currently under construction at Orange Coast College, including the Student Union Complex and Kinesiology and Athletics Complex.

“The new Language Arts and Social Science Building is a key component of Orange Coast College’s current and future growth,” said Rachelle Favis, program manager, Measure M, at Coast Community College District. “We look forward to seeing how this facility will further enhance the campus and academic experience for our students, faculty and staff for many years to come.”

In addition to 10 projects for OCC, C.W. Driver has completed projects for San Diego Community College District, Long Beach City College, South Orange County Community College District, North Orange County Community College District, Mt. San Jacinto Community College District, Rancho Santiago Community College District, Desert Community College District and Riverside Community College District, among others.

C.W. Driver Companies is a premier builder serving California since 1919; it is a leader in general contracting and construction management services.