February 28, 2023

CHULA VISTA, CALIFORNIA – Balfour Beatty, Southwestern College (SWC) and industry partners celebrated the groundbreaking of the institution’s new student union during a ceremony on February 27. With construction underway, Balfour Beatty will work with its partners to provide a new facility that will accommodate student growth and demand by offering a range of spaces for educational programs for students and faculty to gather, socialize and interact in a centralized location.

As part of SWC’s Facilities Master Plan and funded by Proposition Z bond, the Student Union project will replace the existing student union and cafeteria buildings. Balfour Beatty serves as construction manager at-risk to deliver the 85,000-square-foot complex. The facility will feature a state-of-the-art dining and food hall space, a critical component of the student union that will take advantage of Chula Vista’s benign climate by connecting indoor spaces with outdoor terraces and patios.  The building will also feature a grab-and-go coffee bar, multipurpose room, ballroom space and a meditation room.

The Student Union will also consolidate the college’s various programs and additional student life spaces such as its Associated Student Organization (ASO), Book Store, Cares Hub, Culinary Arts, Learning Communities, Health and Personal Wellness and Veteran Resource Center.

“As a veteran who started his education journey in the California community college system, I am particularly proud that Balfour Beatty is continuing its long-standing partnership with Southwestern College,” said Brian Cahill, Balfour Beatty president in California. “As one of the top education builders in the state, our team looks forward to constructing another successful project on campus that enhances the student and faculty experience.”

Balfour Beatty has been working with SWC for more than 10 years completing multiple higher education projects including the delivery of the college’s new Wellness and Aquatic Complex and Devore Stadium. The company is also general contractor for the current delivery of SWC’s Operations and Warehouse Relocation project.

SWC’s Student Union is scheduled for delivery Fall 2024. For more details on the project please visit, swccd.edu.