“These projects represent a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reimagine our campuses for the future,” said Joel Peterson, SDCCD vice chancellor and executive operations officer, providing executive oversight of Measure HH. “Through the progressive design-build process, we’re looking for innovative teams that can deliver transformative spaces that not only meet the academic and operational needs of today, but also anticipate the evolving demands of tomorrow’s educators, students, and developing workforce.”
“This is an extraordinary opportunity to help shape the next generation of San Diego’s community college campuses,” he added. The projects represent over $1.0 billion in estimated design and construction activity.
The eight design-build projects will include:
San Diego City College
View City’s Facility Master Plan
- Saville Theatre Replacement - The project will replace the aging Saville Theatre with a modern, approximately 20,000-square-foot facility. Work includes removing the existing building, addressing hazardous materials, updating underground utilities, and making related site improvements.
- Building D Replacement – The project will replace the obsolete 32,400-square-foot Building D with a new, expanded facility that will be more than double in size. It includes demolition, utility upgrades, and rebuilding the surrounding Gorton Quad and nearby areas.
Complete replacements of the 56-year-old Saville Theatre and the D Building are
some the first projects slated for San Diego City College. They are included
among the eight design-build solicitations published this week.
San Diego Mesa College
View Mesa’s Facility Master Plan
- Sports & Kinesiology Sciences – The project will transform Mesa College’s 1960s-era athletic and exercise facilities into a modern, estimated 70,000-square-foot complex. Highlights include a new three-court gym, dance studios, training and study areas, locker rooms, offices, and a state-of-the-art Aquatics Center to replace the 50-year-old pool. It also adds beach volleyball courts, upgraded fields, and better pedestrian access across campus.
- Performing Arts Center, Admin, and Parking Structure - The project will bring a new five-story Performing Arts and Administration building to Mesa College, built into the north hillside next to the Student Services Center. The estimated 54,000-square-foot facility will feature a main stage theater, music and dance spaces, instructional labs, and offices, designed to foster collaboration and provide an accessible campus gateway. Future plans include a hillside parking structure to expand capacity and support campus events.
San Diego Miramar College
View Miramar’s Facility Master Plan
- Montgomery Field Aviation Instructional Center - The project will replace an obsolete hangar used by Miramar College with a new, modern training center to support the growing aviation workforce. The upgraded, approximately 8,500-square-foot facility will include advanced equipment, climate control, and technology to improve instruction and safety. Additional work includes new walkways, accessible parking, landscaping, and utility upgrades to connect the site with surrounding infrastructure.
- Early Education Center - Miramar College will replace its Child Development Center with a new, approximately 8,000-square-foot Early Education Center to meet growing demand. The new facility will feature interactive play areas, outdoor learning spaces, and a secure drop-off zone. The project also includes utility upgrades, site improvements, and roadway relocation, enhancing campus connectivity and aligning with the college’s Master Plan.
- Performing Arts Center and English/Galley Building - This project will bring a new 64,000-square-foot (estimated) academic and cultural center to Miramar College, replacing an antiquated lecture hall with modern classrooms, writing labs, studios, and a public gallery. It will also feature a flexible performance venue with advanced AV systems for lectures, events, and community use. Located along Black Mountain Road, the building will serve as a campus gateway and support growing Humanities and Arts programs.
San Diego College of Continuing Education
View CCE’s Facility Master Plan
- West City Campus Expansion - The San Diego College of Continuing Education’s West City Campus will be expanded with a new building, estimated to be approximately 10,000-square-feet, partial renovation of the existing facility, and a new parking garage. The project also includes upgraded utilities, landscaping, improved walkways, and safer, more accessible pedestrian routes. All enhancements align with the campus Master Plan and will help meet growing demand for workforce and continuing education programs.
The district is adopting the progressive design-build approach for several upcoming construction projects. Unlike traditional methods that separate planning, design, and construction into two or more contracts, progressive design-build consolidates the complete services under one team. This integrated model promotes collaboration, enhances efficiency, and helps keep projects on schedule and within budget.
“By having designers and builders work together from the start, the district can deliver high-quality facilities more quickly and cost-effectively—ultimately maximizing the value of taxpayer dollars,” noted Peterson.
The solicitations are posted on SDCCD’s PlanetBids e-procurement vendor portal. Proposals are due July 16, 2025; contracts are expected to be awarded at the September 11, 2025, Board of Trustees meeting.
As part of their proposals, the progressive design-build entities must submit a plan outlining how they will engage local, small, and/or historically underutilized contractors and consultants on the projects. Outreach activities related to these specific design/build plans could occur as early as 2026.
Separate planning is underway for a general “Meet the Program Management Organizations (PMO)” later this summer, connecting diverse, small, local businesses and suppliers with the PMOs overseeing all Measure HH construction and renovation projects funded by Measure HH in order to learn about projected timelines for future bid and contract opportunities. The three PMOs include Gafcon, managing projects for City College and the College of Continuing Education; Kitchell, leading the work at Mesa and Miramar colleges; and the Cumming Group, overseeing capital renovation and renewal projects and sustainability initiatives across the district.