flexiblefullpage
billboard
interstitial1
catfish1
Currently Reading

First look: Cal State San Marcos's posh student union complex

First look: Cal State San Marcos's posh student union complex

The new 89,000-sf University Student Union at CSUSM features a massive, open-air amphitheater, student activity center with a game lounge, rooftop garden and patio, and ballroom space.


By PCL Construction | May 1, 2014
The new University Student Union at California State University San Marcos featu
The new University Student Union at California State University San Marcos features a massive, open-air amphitheater. All photos

PCL Construction is pleased to announce that it has completed the University Student Union (USU) at California State University San Marcos (CSUSM). The grand opening was marked by a ribbon-cutting event on April 15, attended by hundreds of students, community members, alumni, faculty, and staff. 

The new USU is the campus center for socialization, casual interaction, programmed activities, and student organizations.

CSUSM President, Dr. Karen Haynes, says, “This union, this vibrant hub of our campus, was constructed with the interests and needs of our students at its heart.  We also took into consideration how our community might use this space, how our student union could bring us even closer to our region. Our partners, like PCL Construction, helped turn our vision into an amazing space for all to use.”

The USU is a four-story, 89,000-sf building which cost $43.9 million, and was funded by student fees. The USU features new dining options, an open-air amphitheater, a student activity center with a game lounge, a rooftop garden and patio, and a 9,000 sq. ft. ballroom. The USU was designed to achieve LEED Gold certification.  Built by PCL Construction Services, Inc., the project was designed by Hornberger + Worstell, Inc.

 

 

Michael Gallen, PCL Construction’s Project Executive, says, “The most challenging projects are also often the most rewarding.  This project offered numerous technical challenges with the site’s multi-level geography. It’s now extremely rewarding to see students enjoying this space. Its unique design is ideal for both private study, and social gatherings.”

Dale Kain, Vice President and District Manager for PCL, says, “PCL continued its reputation for design-build project delivery, and completing a quality product.  Building the USU at CSUSM was another step in creating a great partnership with the university.  We look forward to continuing our vital work at CSUSM in the upcoming months and years.”

 

 

About PCL Construction 
PCL is a group of independent construction companies that carries out work across the United States, Canada, the Caribbean, and in Australia. These diverse operations in the civil infrastructure, heavy industrial, and buildings markets are supported by a strategic presence in 31 major centers. Together, these companies have an annual construction volume of more than $6 billion, making PCL one of the largest contracting organizations in North America. Watch us build at www.PCL.com.

Related Stories

Headquarters | May 16, 2023

Workplace HQ for party clothing company Shinesty celebrates its bold, whimsical products

The new Denver headquarters for Shinesty, a party clothing company, was designed to match the brand’s fun image with an iconic array of colors, textures, and prints curated by the design agency, Maximalist. Shinesty’s mission, to challenge the world to live more freely and “take itself less seriously,” is embodied throughout the office interior.

Office Buildings | May 15, 2023

Sixteen-story office tower will use 40% less energy than an average NYC office building

This month marks the completion of a new 16-story office tower that is being promoted as New York City’s most sustainable office structure. That boast is backed by an innovative HVAC system that features geothermal wells, dedicated outdoor air system (DOAS) units, radiant heating and cooling, and a sophisticated control system to ensure that the elements work optimally together.

Life of an Architect Podcast | May 15, 2023

Life of an Architect Podcast Ep. 125: What Makes a Great Employee?

How do you define a great employee? The answer is most likely dependent on who is attempting to respond: the employee or the employer. Life of an Architect's Bob Borson, FAIA, and Andrew Hawkins, AIA, talk about the traits and characteristics of great employees.

K-12 Schools | May 12, 2023

In Virginia, a new high school building helps reimagine the experience for 1,600 students

In Virginia, the City of Alexandria recently celebrated the topping out of a new building for Alexandria City High School. When complete in 2025, the high-performance structure will accommodate 1,600 students. 

University Buildings | May 11, 2023

New ‘bold and twisting’ building consolidates School of Continuing Studies at York University

The design of a new building that consolidates York University’s School of Continuing Studies into one location is a new architectural landmark at the Toronto school’s Keele Campus. “The design is emblematic of the school’s identity and culture, which is centered around accelerated professional growth in the face of a continuously evolving labor market,” according to a news release from Perkins&Will.

Sustainability | May 11, 2023

Let's build toward a circular economy

Eric Corey Freed, Director of Sustainability, CannonDesign, discusses the values of well-designed, regenerative buildings.

Hotel Facilities | May 9, 2023

A new camping destination near Utah’s Zion National Park offers a variety of all-season lodgings and amenities

Outdoor lodging brand AutoCamp has opened a new camping destination near Utah’s Zion National Park. A 16-acre property, AutoCamp Zion is located between the Virgin River and the desert of Southern Utah.

Headquarters | May 9, 2023

New Wells Fargo development in Texas will be bank’s first net-positive campus

A new Wells Fargo development in the Dallas metroplex will be the national bank’s first net-positive campus, expected to generate more energy than it uses. The 850,000-sf project on 22 acres will generate power from solar panels and provide electric vehicle charging stations.

Regulations | May 8, 2023

Supreme Court case likely to have huge impact on Clean Water Act

A case before the Supreme Court will likely determine how the Clean Water Act is interpreted and the ruling could open up new areas for development within or adjacent to wetlands.

Senior Living Design | May 8, 2023

Seattle senior living community aims to be world’s first to achieve Living Building Challenge designation

Aegis Living Lake Union in Seattle is the world’s first assisted living community designed to meet the rigorous Living Building Challenge certification. Completed in 2022, the Ankrom Moisan-designed, 70,000 sf-building is fully electrified. All commercial dryers, domestic hot water, and kitchen equipment are powered by electricity in lieu of gas, which reduces the facility’s carbon footprint.

boombox1
boombox2
native1

More In Category




halfpage1

Most Popular Content

  1. 2021 Giants 400 Report
  2. Top 150 Architecture Firms for 2019
  3. 13 projects that represent the future of affordable housing
  4. Sagrada Familia completion date pushed back due to coronavirus
  5. Top 160 Architecture Firms 2021