exterior entrance with tall trees and shade

UCSC Cowell Student Health Center

UCSC Cowell Student Health Center | Santa Cruz, California

DPR performed a major retrofit and seismic upgrade to University of California, Santa Cruz's Cowell Student Health Center, encompassing renovations and seismic reinforcements to three existing buildings and the addition of one new ground-up, two-story, steel-frame medical office building to house both urgent and primary care. Remediation of sink holes was required prior to beginning construction of the new building, and an extensive tree protection plan was put in place throughout construction.

The project was located in the middle of an occupied campus. Limited space on site necessitated the use of just-in-time delivery for all construction materials. Surrounded by dorms and classrooms, noise, smell and dust protection measures were in full force to protect building occupants and neighbors from the effects of construction. As an environmentally sensitive campus, the use of windows rather than forced air is common, which increased the need for the construction team's sensitivity.