Turner, HGA Break Ground on First Hercules Public Library

Construction recently began on the new $10.2-million Hercules Public Library, which will be the first for the city. Hercules is one of only two cities in California without a public library.

Designed by HGA Architects and Engineers, in association with Will Bruder Architects in Phoenix, the library will have a circulation of approximately 800,000 books and periodicals as well as other learning resources, such as Internet research and multi-use computer stations. The library will also feature separate areas for teens and a dedicated homework center where students can take advantage of after-school tutoring programs.

Located 25 miles north of San Francisco at 109 Civic Dr., the new 20,500-sq.-ft. Hercules library is scheduled to open this fall.

The Hercules Public Library design team includes Fredric Sherman, AIA, serving as principal-in-charge; Jane Dedering, as interior designer and library planner; and Lawrence Smith as project architect - all from HGA Architects and Engineers. Will Bruder of Will Bruder Architects serves as lead project designer and Turner Construction is serving as construction manager at risk.

Ware Malcomb Completes Design of Irvine Office Park

Ware Malcomb said that design is completed and construction has begun for BaccHus Office Park, which includes thirty-nine buildings on a 22 acre site at the corner of Irvine Center Drive and Bake Parkway in Irvine. The developer for the project is BaccHus Development of Irvine.

Ware Malcomb is providing master planning, architectural and interior design services for 37 single and two-story office buildings and two multi-tenant office buildings, which include 42 units totaling 331,094 sq. ft. The area is zoned for office space and is for sale to multiple buyers. The businesses that will purchase these small buildings will most likely consist of private corporate offices and engineering and design firms.
Ware Malcomb said that the exterior shell consists of burnished block, which gives the buildings a smooth block face and a sharp look. Also, each building in Bacchus Office Park will boast an individual, signature interior layout based on the buyer's specifications.

Construction for Phase I, consisting of 14 buildings, including the two large multi-tenant buildings, is anticipated to be complete by November. Construction for Phase II, which includes 25 buildings, is expected to be complete by March 2007.

TSA Begins Highland Skypark Construction

San Diego-based TSA Contracting has begun construction of Highland Skypark, a new five-building office and medical park on Ruffin Road in Kearny Mesa. Located on 4.7 acres, the $4.7 million scope includes demolition of existing buildings and construction of concrete tilt-up shell buildings and related site work. The project is expected to be completed in October.

Soledad Development Group is the developer of the project, which includes one- and two-story buildings ranging in size from 4,750 to 20,000 sq. ft. Additional project team members included Partners Planning and Engineering, Prime Structural Engineers, MPE Consulting Inc., Ridge Landscape Architects, DEC Engineering Inc. and Southern California Geotechnical. TSA representatives include Paul Montanez as superintendent, Brian Mansell as project manager, Karin Fowler as project engineer, Olga Mun as coordinator and Terry S. Arnett as project executive.

Subcontractors include Modular Building Concepts Inc., Casper C., Stuart Engineering PBA, San Diego Erosion Control, Manson Engineering, Bemus Landscape Inc., AM Reinforcing Specialists Inc., H & K Construction Co., Struc Steel, Hess Roofing Inc., Buxcon Sheet Metal, Sunset Glazing, KMP Plumbing, Shasta Southwest, and Rowan Electric.