MiraCosta College Celebrates Groundbreaking for New Chemistry and Biotechnology Building

The community is invited to the groundbreaking ceremony to mark the start of construction for the new Chemistry and Biotechnology Building at MiraCosta’s Oceanside Campus. 

The new building will provide a state-of-the-art facility with chemistry and biochemistry labs and two 40-seat flexible classrooms. As the District’s Biotechnology program expands, the building will provide needed space for growth and is a major component of the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) quad and plaza. The $46.9 million project is scheduled to be completed in summer 2024 and is funded through MiraCosta’s capital improvement program using funds from Measure MM.

WHEN: Monday, October 17, 2022, 10:30 a.m.
WHERE: MiraCosta College, 1 Barnard Drive, Oceanside.

Please park in Lot-5A and walk across the pedestrian bridge. View map

The new Chemistry and Biotechnology Building on the Oceanside Campus, a design-build partnership between HED and C.W. Driver, comprising 23,000 square feet of new, state-of-the-art STEM instructional space for 21st century learning. It takes a 'science on display' approach to stimulating student interest and sharing aspects of the Chemistry and Biotech programs with visitors as well.

The project is intended to advance MiraCosta College’s STEM curriculum to the next level with the help of the facility's mix of instructional, work, social, and laboratory spaces. The entire building will be outfitted with the latest learning technology systems, helping to foster instructional flexibility that will benefit both students and faculty.

The facility will include several unique design features:

• The design takes advantage of the mild climate of Oceanside through the incorporation of a 'big
  roof' that provides a weather-protected exterior space for gatherings and interactions and serves
  as a transition from the building into the quad.
• Porches of varying widths, covered and screened, are used to promote connections to adjoining
  spaces and provide exterior study and meeting spaces for students.
• Large windows and continuous circulation routes allow easy circulation around the building
  without disturbing classes and labs.
• The park-like setting will feature extensive native species and drought-tolerant plants.
• High-efficiency fixtures will be used throughout.
• Exterior and interior finishes will feature eco-friendly materials with warm colors that complement
  neighboring buildings at the Oceanside Campus and the local habitat.

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Visuals/Media Availability:

• Construction and excavation equipment
• Demolition activities
• Ceremonial “scoop” with District and College leaders and dignitaries
• Renderings
• Interviews are available with MiraCosta College Superintendent/President Dr. Sunita Cooke, MiraCosta College Board President Anna Pedroza, and members of the project design and construction team
• Spanish speakers available
• Chemistry & Biotechnology Building Project Partners
• Design/Build Team: HED/C.W. Driver
• Landscape Architect: KTUA
• Civil Engineer: NV5
• Electrical Engineer: Michael Wall Engineering
• Mechanical Engineer: MA Engineers
• Structural Engineer: Miyamoto International Geotechnical Engineer: SMS Geotechnical Engineers
• Inspector of Record: Blue Coast Consulting

About MiraCosta College
The MiraCosta Community College District has served the coastal North San Diego County area for over 88 years. More than 19,000 credit students annually in over 80 disciplines enroll in associate degrees, university transfer and workforce readiness certificate programs. The college also serves over 7,000 students a wide spectrum of educational needs in the region ranging from programs for adult education, community education, basic skills, and English as a Second Language (ESL) to a California Community College pilot program offering the nation’s first baccalaureate degree in biomanufacturing. As a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI), veteran and military supportive institution, and Achieving the Dream Leader College, MiraCosta College fosters the academic and holistic success of its diverse learners within a caring and equitable environment to strengthen the educational, economic, cultural, and social well-being of the communities it serves. MiraCosta College is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC) and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).

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