Coast CCD – Orange Coast College, Watson Hall Renovation

Formerly Watson Library, this 58,000 SF, four-story building was built in the 1970’s of poured in place concrete with a brick façade. C.W. Driver demolished the exterior skin and upgraded the concrete structure. The exterior was changed to curtain wall panels with integrated metal alucobond detailing. The entire building was seismically retrofitted using drilled piles, fiber wrap and steel jackets at all column to deck conditions. All plumbing, mechanical and electrical systems were replaced. New exterior walls and the reconfiguration of interior spaces transformed the library into necessary surge space during the multi-year campus renovation program. Because of the complex nature of renovating existing buildings, measures were taken to minimize the impact of unknown and unforeseen field conditions, maintain the short time schedule within multiple phases, complete urban site work within the limited construction and staging areas, and install fire alarm and fire sprinkler system upgrades.