C.W. Driver Companies, a premier builder that celebrated its 100-year anniversary in 2019, today announced the completion of a $23 million Performing Arts Complex at Woodbridge High School for Irvine Unified School District (IUSD) in Irvine, California. The 36,000-square-foot facility will support the need for additional and upgraded performing arts space for students, staff and the local community. Highlighting the school’s front entrance, the new center serves as a campus beacon and incorporates a variety of new features, including a stage with a fly loft, orchestra pit, scene shop, dressing rooms and a 650-seat theater.
The complex also introduces a new 1,600-square-foot black box theater complete with a sound and light control room, and various support spaces including a lobby and ticket booth. Equipment storage and staff office space were also incorporated into the new complex.
“This Performing Arts Complex is a result of a highly collaborative process, with the final product reflecting input from both IUSD and the Woodbridge community,” said Tom Jones, project executive at C.W. Driver Companies. “With our breath of knowledge and experience building creative academic spaces for K-12 facilities across Southern California, we were able to deliver on the school’s vision for a modern facility that better supports its renowned performing arts program.”
A prestigious school for the performing arts, Woodbridge High School was named a Signature School by the GRAMMY Foundation for its outstanding music program — one of only 13 schools across the nation to receive this recognition. The new complex is funded by Measure E, an initiative passed by Irvine voters in 2016 to ensure all students have access to modern learning environments and technology.
“The new complex is a testament to our award-winning performing arts and academic programs and commitment to ensuring that all students are prepared for the demands of 21st century higher education and careers,” said Chris Krebs, principal, Woodbridge High School. “We’re looking forward to the endless educational and cultural opportunities this new facility will provide for our students and the Irvine community.”
C.W. Driver Companies partnered with SVA Architects on the project. Additional C.W. Driver Companies K-12 projects for IUSD include Heritage Fields K-8 preconstruction; Springbrook Elementary School; Westpark Elementary School; Woodbury Elementary School; Portola High School and Brywood Elementary School. The firm’s Southern California-based K-12 projects in progress include Measure G Modernizations for Country Springs Elementary School; Rolling Ridge Elementary School; Canyon Hills Jr. High School and Townsend Jr. High School in Chino Valley Unified School District.
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