#United States #San Diego #PCL Construction #Southeastern Live Well Center #Steinberg Hart

Southeastern Live Well Center Honored as Project of the Year

The Southeastern Live Well Center (SELWC) in San Diego has garnered the highly esteemed Project of the Year award from Engineering News-Record (ENR) as part of its National Best of the Best Awards. This recognition arrives amid tough competition, with over 800 project submissions, highlighting the joint efforts of PCL Construction Services, Inc. and architectural partner Steinberg Hart in delivering a facility that epitomizes community-centric design and sustainability.

Spanning an impressive 65,000 square feet, the SELWC is notable for its Zero-Net-Energy designation and LEED Gold certification. This facility serves as a hub for various community services aimed at improving the quality of life for San Diego County's residents. Some of the key services provided include food and nutrition programs, financial and employment assistance, and specialized support for veterans, seniors, and individuals with disabilities. The project's vision brought together more than 550 stakeholders, illustrating a strong commitment to the well-being of the 3.3 million residents of San Diego County.

The SELWC's Project of the Year award was conferred following a thorough evaluation by an independent panel of industry experts. The selection criteria emphasized innovation in community engagement, commitment to safety, sustainability practices, and trauma-informed design approaches that enhance user experience.

Lucas Mallory, PCL’s area manager, expressed that the project was a concerted effort to impact lives positively in Southeastern San Diego. He emphasized how the recognition serves as a testament to what is achievable through dedicated local partnerships and a community-focused outlook.

Vincent Mudd from Steinberg Hart echoed this sentiment, elaborating on the design philosophy that prioritized reflecting the community's resilience and diversity within the center. By integrating public art, abundant natural light, and inviting spaces, the SELWC not only functions effectively but also fosters a sense of belonging and empowerment among users.

Project Highlights: A Commitment to Community and Sustainability

Investing in Local Workforce

PCL's initiative to engage local and disadvantaged businesses exceeded expectations, diverting 10% of the project value—around $6 million—into the local economy. Ultimately, the firm invested over $8 million in local resources, including collaboration with a Disabled Veteran Business Entity for a $3 million structural steel contract. PCL also joined forces with organizations such as the Black Contractors Association to train new trade workers, thereby enhancing future job security.

Importance of Community Engagement

The Technical Advisory Committee (TAC), which included community ambassadors, was integral in shaping the SELWC’s framework. Their contributions spanned project team selection and key design discussions, ensuring that community needs were prioritized throughout the building process.

Leading in Sustainability

The Southeastern Live Well Center stands as a pioneer in sustainable development with its all-electric and Zero-Net-Energy design, aiming to offset over 110% of its energy needs through renewable resources. Sustainability features include:

• - Energy consumption reduced by 15% compared to California's minimum standards
• - Installation of 24 electric vehicle chargers with plans for future expansion
• - Efficient stormwater management through bioswales and modular wetlands
• - Use of recycled water for irrigation and recycled materials in construction

Trauma-Informed Design Philosophy

Understanding the importance of a supportive atmosphere, the SELWC adopted a trauma-informed design approach to minimize stressors for visitors. The design includes airy, well-lit lobbies and thoughtfully arranged seating in waiting areas to foster a welcoming environment.

Integration of Public Art

A distinctive element of the SELWC is its public art program, featuring 52 installations that enrich the building’s aesthetic and cultural relevance. This initiative showcases works from local artists and celebrates the heritage and resilience of the San Diego community.

Resilience Against Climate Challenges

Strategically located in a Federal Emergency Management Agency-designated flood zone, the SELWC has been engineered to withstand extreme weather, successfully enduring a significant rainfall event without damage.

Commitment to Safety

Safety remains a hallmark of the SELWC project, boasting over 212,000 work hours without recordable incidents. This record is attributed to an innovative safety training program that included on-site sessions led by DeWalts safety experts.

In summary, the Southeastern Live Well Center stands as a model for future community-oriented developments, emphasizing sustainability, safety, and service to the public.

Conclusion

The accolades and recognitions received by the Southeastern Live Well Center underscore its status not just as a building, but as a transformative community resource. For more visual insights, photos can be found on PCL's website.

About the Collaborating Entities

PCL Construction is one of North America’s largest contracting firms, known for fostering a culture of commitment through its employee-owned structure. For over 30 years, the firm has been dedicated to building innovative projects across multiple sectors.

Steinberg Hart has a rich legacy in architecture and planning, dedicated to crafting meaningful spaces that resonate with the communities they serve. Their approach marries local insight with innovative design to elevate the human experience.