Project Updates
What’s going on behind the fence? Learn more about the latest progress as the new home of the GSE takes shape.
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The entry to the new south building got its new glass façade in October. (Photo courtesy of McCarthy Construction)
August–October 2024
- South building installation of windows and “glazed curtain wall” (exterior glass wall) nearing completion
- Grading of the sunken garden (north building) underway
- Wall layout and window restoration in the north building in progress
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A crane lifts steel beams as the new north building forum framing and staircases take shape. June 2024 (Photo courtesy McCarthy Construction)
June–July 2024
- North building center core foundation complete
- Framing of the north building forum and staircases in progress
- Installation of walls and doors in the south building underway
- Installation of windows in the south building ongoing
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With the north building basement, first, second, and third floors visible, workers continue shoring and structural support. (April 2024)
March–May 2024
- North building interior demolition complete
- North building upgrade of foundation and substructure continues, along with shoring, structural support, and footings for the center core.
- Exterior wall framing underway for the south building, as interior wall layout continues
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Wait! Where is the old auditorium? View of the north building after center core removal, from the south building fourth floor
January–February 2024
- North building center core (former auditorium plus south-facing rooms) is removed to make way for construction of the forum.
- South building structural steel, metal decking, and steel stairway completed.
- South building interior wall framing begins.
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With daily deliveries of structural steel, the new south building takes shape rapidly.
October–November 2023
- Construction of the steel structure for the south building gets underway in early October, with placement of the final beam ("Topping Off") on October 31.
- Excavation for the sunken garden is completed.
- Shoring up of the north building begins, in preparation for reconfiguration of interior spaces.
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The site of the new south building, viewed from the third floor of the north building
August-September 2023
- Permits are issued by the county.
- Construction of the new south building begins!
- Dirt hauling from excavation work continues; excavation of the sunken garden begins.
- Rebar delivery and concrete pouring begin.
- Utility work continues along Lasuen Mall.
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Removing the roof tiles from the historic north building
June-July 2023
- North building roof tiles are removed and salvaged for reinstallation later.
- An existing PG&E gas line needs to be relocated because it runs under the south building site.
- Utility work includes tie-ins to lake water for irrigation, replacing power lines, and adding hot water pipes.
- Asbestos abatement is completed in the north building.
In March of 2023, the building adjacent to the historic Barnum building was demolished (and a palm tree relocated!) to make way for construction of the new south building.