Renovation projects transform outdated infrastructure to meet the rapidly evolving demands of a modern population. But Sundt builders know these endeavors are more than simply replacing the old with the new. Renovation projects can redefine spaces for today’s diverse, dynamic communities.
Vice President and Regional Director Jim Householder for Sundt’s Irvine office discusses our latest work with the North Orange County Community College District: The Cypress College Fine Arts Renovation project. “Older buildings are often time capsules to an era where the world wasn’t set up to serve everyone equally, but rather designed with a select few in mind. Renovations like this go beyond updating infrastructure — they rewrite the narrative by creating spaces that are more inclusive, accessible and reflective of the diverse communities here in Southern California.”
Built in 1969, this three-story, 66,765-square-foot facility is undergoing a transformation, including full seismic rehabilitation, accessibility and fire life safety upgrades. The renovated facility will host visual and performing arts, photography, ceramics, music and media communications programs. Sundt is serving as prime contractor under a construction manager multi-prime contract with the college. The team has been working closely with architect DLR Group to ensure the renovation reflects the building’s artistic purpose, building the spaces that have been thoughtfully designed to inspire creativity and collaboration.
Seismic Feats
A critical aspect of the renovation is the seismic retrofit, ensuring the building’s safety and longevity. Seismic retrofitting is crucial in earthquake-prone areas, like California. Retrofitting buildings to withstand seismic events is essential in reducing property damage, maintaining compliance with legal requirements, and most importantly, saving lives.
The team, alongside structural engineer RTM Engineering Consultants, reinforced the old structure with 250 steel-driven piles and over 50 concrete caissons around the outside and the interior of the existing foundation. They also added carbon fiber reinforcing as well as shotcrete, a spray application for concrete which reduces the water-to-cement ratio, thereby making the concrete stronger than a traditional cast-in-place method.
Cost-Saving Solutions
Through creativity and strategic planning, the team was also able to determine opportunities to streamline portions of the scope, saving both time and money.
Senior Project Manager Kevin Smith explained that the team’s biggest challenge — and biggest success — was the task of coordinating work around the existing utility infrastructure. “The utility infrastructure on college campuses is very complex and robust, and Cypress College was no exception. Through careful coordination and planning on the front end, we were able to salvage and repurpose much of the existing infrastructure, saving nearly $1 million worth of duct banks and utility lines, and avoiding unnecessary demolition and installation costs.”
Additionally, Sundt collaborated with a specialized foundation contractor to streamline deep foundation work. By proposing a redesign, approved by California’s Division of the State Architect (DSA), the project team reduced the amount of rebar in the concrete, saving an additional $750,000. Altogether, these efforts are projected to reduce overall project costs by $1.5 million to $2 million.
Breathing New Life into Old Bones
With the foundation and majority of the seismic retrofitting in place, the team is moving forward with the interior elements of the scope.
“Once we’re done here, the blank walls we leave behind will serve as canvases to showcase student work,” said Jim. “From recital halls to gallery spaces, this renovation is about celebrating the arts and giving students a dedicated space to hone their skills and express themselves for decades to come.”
While constructing new facilities is vital to accommodate growing and evolving student populations, renovating existing buildings is equally — if not more — important. Breathing new life into these aging structures enables universities and colleges to reduce waste and minimize environmental impact.
The Cypress College Fine Arts renovation project is scheduled to reach substantial completion by May of 2026. Discover what else we’re building in California.
