Balfour Beatty, Santa Ana College Celebrate Grand Opening of New Health Sciences Building

by Balfour Beatty

March 14, 2024

SANTA ANA, C.A. – Balfour Beatty and Santa Ana College, as part of the Rancho Santiago Community College District, celebrates the completion of the institution’s new Health and Sciences Building which is now open for the Spring 2024 semester. The $58.8 million project replaces the existing Russell Hall facility with two new buildings to support future growth and expansion of the college’s Health Sciences programs and prepare and train thousands of students in the local community through health services.

Balfour Beatty delivered the 55,563-square-foot, three-story building for Santa Ana College’s various health science programs including Occupation Therapy Assistant, Occupational Studies, Nursing, Fire Tech, Emergency Medical Technician and Pharmacy Tech and features 36,100 square feet of program space. The facility includes 20 general classrooms, simulation labs, offices, library, large lecture halls, study spaces and meeting rooms. Additionally, studying and gathering areas are located on each floor providing students unlimited spaces to collaborate and learn during the academic calendar year.

A new parking lot is also available to students, faculty and staff with access to three charging stations for electric vehicles as well as a courtyard.

“We are excited to deliver Santa Ana College’s newest facility on campus that provides a state-of-the-art learning environment for students and faculty,” said Gil Fullen, Balfour Beatty senior vice president in California. “During construction, our teammates and trade partners worked relentlessly in providing a best-in-class building experience for our client and local stakeholders. Through our commitment to operational excellence, Balfour Beatty is proud to complete another premier higher education project in our community that will be used for generations to come.”

“Throughout the project, Balfour Beatty consistently demonstrated effective communication, collaboration and problem-solving skills,” said Joe Melendez, Santa Ana College director of facility planning, construction and district support services. “They fostered a positive working environment by engaging with stakeholders, addressing concerns promptly and ensuring that the project progressed smoothly from inception to completion. Balfour Beatty’s exemplary performance, professionalism and commitment to delivering exceptional results make them an invaluable asset to any construction endeavor.”

The new Health Sciences Building is located south of the existing library and north of the new Science Center. For more information on Santa Ana College please visit sac.edu.