Skip to Content
VOL.3 | ISSUE 1 | SUMMER 2009

behind the scenes: capital planning, design & construction

These ABA employees are pros when it comes to multi-tasking. Nine professionals with umpteen years of experience under their collective belts, they know what it takes to manage a building project or two. Good thing, too, because Destination 2010 set in motion a capital improvement program of unprecedented proportions at Sacramento State.  Now, juggling multiple projects simultaneously is routine for Sac State’s Capital Planning, Design & Construction (PDC) Office.

Think about it. As the finishing touches were made to the AIRC Building in 2005 and the Telecommunications Infrastructure project was completed, plans were already underway for the new Recreation/Wellness Center.  Parking Structure III was in operation by spring 2007, around the time the student housing complex design was approved. In addition that year, the $18.6M campus infrastructure upgrade was completed. The new Hornet Bookstore and the Broad Athletic Field House opened their doors in 2008. During that time, the WayFinder signage system was planned and implemented, and the campus Bike Path was expanded and enhanced. Meanwhile, plenty of routine projects continued unhindered – to improve classrooms, extend the lives of buildings, and meet compliance requirements. In 2008/09 alone, PDC accomplished the following:  Field House demolition, Throw Area relocation, Athletic Storage Building design, Capistrano roofing/remodels, various classroom remodels, Lassen Hall and Sac Hall remodels, the placement of trailers in lots 1 and 7.

PDC professionals are proud of their role in building a destination campus, pleased that they have managed successful outcomes at such a vigorous pace, and eager to see the upcoming completion of two major projects – American River Courtyard (ARC), and the long-awaited Recreation/Wellness Center. According to Director Victor Takahashi, managing the ambitious campus growth has been challenging but exciting, because it’s more than just “growing a university. It’s about changing the culture. I can sense this campus becoming more vibrant and welcoming.” 

Takahashi attributes the success of his team to experience, collaboration and commitment to customer service. “Our biggest challenge is to balance scope, budget and time … the project triangle,” he calls it. PDC’s team of problem-solvers provides oversight of major capital projects, such as ARC and the WELL Building, and design and estimating services for projects under $400,000, or minor capital outlay projects. They coordinate with campus departments, architects, engineers, inspectors and Facilities Services colleagues to timely deliver the best project, at the same time assuring that building codes, ADA requirements and CSU energy, seismic, sustainability and safety policies are met, along with the University’s fiscal responsibilities.

As for internal operations – modernization and efficiency improvements have helped PDC meet increasing project demands. Nearly all building and utility drawings have been scanned and electronically indexed for more efficient access, transmission and archiving of documents.  New wide-format scanners make it possible to convert old blueprints and maps to electronic documents, and large-scale drawings can be printed in black and white or color. Of broader interest are web cams focused on the University’s major projects, and the development of global positioning system (GPS) maps. Web cams engage the public in building progress, and serve an important safety function. GPS maps will assist campus navigation and boost campus safety and emergency services. Eventual integration of campus reference points into a geographic information system (GIS) data base is planned to enrich the system. In recognition of their fine work, PDC received an ABA Team Award in 2009.

PDC is:  Director Victor Takahashi; Manager of Design Services Robin Lovering; Manager of Construction Coordination Don Hendricks; Planner Robin Eicher; Estimator Mark Perry; Drafting Tech Rechelle Arnold; Drafting Tech Todd McComb, Drafting Tech TJ Moon, and Accounting Tech Susan McGuire.