San Bernardino Valley College student services building topped out

California Construction News staff writer

McCarthy Building Companies, Inc. announced last week that the San Bernardino Valley College Student Services Building has reached a major construction milestone, topping out the project’s highest concrete deck.

“We’re proud to celebrate a major milestone at the San Bernardino Valley College Student Services Building, topping out the project’s highest concrete deck,” McCarthy said in a LinkedIn post. “This achievement reflects the incredible effort of our crews, who have already moved 8.5 million pounds of demolished material, with an impressive 94% of which was recycled.”

The $117 million, 102,691-sq. ft. builidng is replacing the 1970 Liberal Arts building and is designed to centralize student services, including equity and counseling programs, health and wellness resources, a veteran’s center, a “genius bar,” collaborative office and conference spaces, and classrooms.

Construction crews next will install rooftop photovoltaic solar panels, part of the project’s pursuit of LEED Platinum certification from the U.S. Green Building Council. Sustainability features also include concrete ceilings, walls, and floors, vertical windows, native landscaping, and easy access to public transportation.

The building is being designed by CannonDesign and constructed by McCarthy. Funding comes from two voter-approved measures: $470 million from Measure CC, passed in 2018, and $500 million from Measure M, approved in 2008. College officials said the project has generated roughly $200 million in local economic activity, including hiring local construction workers.

“When complete in spring 2027, this new facility will serve as a centralized hub for students,” McCarthy said. “A big thank you to the entire team for pushing this project forward and making milestones like this possible.”

The project also includes collaboration with AECOM Safework and CannonDesign to ensure construction safety and design excellence.