Bond Measure-Funded Project for Canyon High School Campus

Anaheim, Calif. (Nov. 19, 2020) – Canyon High School’s new state-of-the art S.T.E.M. classroom building hit a construction milestone on Nov. 19 — the final steel beam was lifted into place. Gafcon, Inc. is managing the project for Orange Unified School District, one of four Measure S bond-funded projects to the District’s four high school campuses.

Gafcon is providing construction management services during all phases of the Canyon High School project, which includes a new two-story, 67,098-square-foot science, technology, engineering and mathematics building and the conversion of an existing administration building into a new food-services and kitchen facility. The $42.5 million project also includes a new entry in the campus’ multi-purpose building; a student parking lot and drop-off expansion; upgraded utility, technology, data and communication infrastructure; and Americans with Disabilities Act upgrades.

“These 12 new classrooms and laboratories at Canyon High School will inspire learning in OUSD students for decades to come,” said Gafcon Senior Project Manager Michael Lengyel. “We are proud to partner with OUSD and happy to have provided creative and strategic solutions that contributed to more than $1.5 million in savings for the District.”

Those savings were delivered several ways:

• By implementing the use of ConXtech modular steel framing system, about $500,000 in materials costs and inspections were saved, as was about six weeks of construction.
• Using one bid package in the design-bid-build model, instead of four as originally planned, created cost savings for the bid preparation, contractor general conditions and overhead. It also meant only one general contractor — not four — was needed onsite.
• The use of a temporary modular kitchen facility instead of a temporary modular building to house the school’s administrative staff during construction resulted in a cost savings of about $900,000.

The final beam, signed by students, staff and administrators, as well as community members and elected officials who supported the project, “topped out” the initial construction as it was ceremoniously placed.

“The topping out of the Canyon High School S.T.E.M. complex is a momentous occasion for the Orange Unified community,” said Superintendent Gunn Marie Hansen. “As superintendent, I couldn’t be more pleased to see the progress being made on the beautiful, top-notch facilities that our students, staff and residents deserve.”

“The Canyon High School S.T.E.M. center is truly a transformational project. This amazing 67,098-square-foot building will create a new front door for the campus, house our student support services and create a single point of entry that will keep our students safe,” added Senior Executive Director of Administrative Services Scott Harvey. “I am extremely proud to be a part of this historical addition to the campus.”

Gafcon worked in collaboration with OUSD, Swinerton Builders and the architects at CannonDesign.

Measure S, a $288 million general obligation bond, was passed in November 2016 to fund facility modernization and construction projects at OUSD’s high school campuses.

The final beam is placed on the new S.T.E.M. building at Canyon High School in the Orange Unified School District on Nov. 19, 2020. Photo courtesy of Kevin Sullivan/OUSD.

Rendering of Canyon High School S.T.E.M. classroom building, which will house 12 classrooms and labs.

ABOUT GAFCON:
Gafcon, Inc. provides comprehensive services in construction, program, and project management, as well as construction consulting support. The company’s techniques and methodology were developed as a response to increasing client demand for more effective controls, focusing on controlling cost, time, and quality. Gafcon’s diverse portfolio includes projects from the educational, residential, governmental, public works and commercial sectors. As an award-winning firm, Gafcon has been recognized in Engineering News-Record's Top 50 Program Management and Top 100 Construction Management Firm lists and has been named among the fastest-growing architectural, engineering & environmental consulting firms in the United States. Gafcon has also received numerous awards applauding their application of technology in its business practices, namely Gold and Silver Constructech Vision Awards. Learn more at www.gafcon.com.

MEDIA CONTACT: Denise Nix | TW2 Marketing | dnix@tw2marketing.com | (310) 686-6286