Ahmanson Science Center
Client
California Lutheran University
Type
Commercial
Year
2025
Size
26,000 sq. ft.
Floors
2
Location
Thousand Oaks, CA
Services
General Contracting
Status
Complete
California Lutheran University had a vision for the future of science education on their Thousand Oaks campus. We had the team to build it.
Project Overview
Project Name
Ahmanson Science Center
Client Background
California Lutheran University is a respected private university anchored in the heart of Thousand Oaks. The Ahmanson Science Center is one of their most important academic facilities, home to science education, research, and the kind of hands-on learning that shapes careers. Phase IV represented a significant investment in the future of that facility and the students who depend on it.
Objective
This wasn't a simple refresh. Phase IV was a comprehensive interior renovation affecting multiple program areas simultaneously, lecture halls, science and research laboratories, faculty offices, student collaboration spaces, corridors, and building support areas. All of it needed to be modernized, upgraded, and delivered while maintaining the integrity of an active campus facility. Layered building systems, strict California code compliance, and the demands of working within a functioning university environment made this a technically complex project from day one.\
Scope
Christie Building and Development served as General Contractor and Construction Manager, responsible for delivering a fully integrated renovation across architecture, electrical, mechanical, life safety, technology, and specialty laboratory systems. We managed the full scope, from demolition through final commissioning, while keeping the project coordinated, on schedule, and fully aligned with the university's academic mission.
Approach and Execution
The Approach
The goal wasn't just to replace aging finishes, it was to reposition the Ahmanson Science Center as a modern educational environment built for the way science is taught and learned today. Every decision, from space planning to systems infrastructure, was made with the student and faculty experience in mind.
Phase 1 — Pre-Construction & Planning We began with a thorough assessment of existing conditions, above ceilings, inside walls, and within existing utility systems. Renovating an occupied science building means the unexpected is expected, and our preconstruction process was designed to surface those conditions early, before they became schedule or budget impacts in the field.
Phase 2 — Demolition & Interior Reconstruction Extensive interior demolition cleared the way for a full reconstruction of academic and support spaces. The architectural package covered science and research laboratories, lecture hall modernization, student engagement areas, faculty offices, corridor improvements, lobby enhancements, and atrium updates, a broad and complex scope executed with precision.
Phase 3 — Building Systems Upgrades This is where the technical complexity of a science facility really shows. We managed a fully integrated systems upgrade including new lighting, updated power distribution, HVAC improvements, life safety systems, specialty laboratory electrical, and lecture hall audiovisual infrastructure. The electrical scope alone required substantial coordination across multiple systems and disciplines.
Phase 4 — Technology & Specialty Systems We coordinated the installation of laser safety systems and specialized instructional technology, reflecting the sophisticated nature of the academic programs housed in the facility. Every system was tested, commissioned, and verified before turnover.
Phase 5 — Campus Coordination & Closeout Working within an active university environment required constant coordination with facilities staff, careful scheduling around academic activities, and strict attention to student safety and campus access throughout construction. We managed all of it, and handed over a facility the university was proud to open.
Results and Acknowledgments
Outcomes
Modernized Academic Environments: Lecture halls, laboratories, and student spaces were transformed into contemporary learning environments built for evolving instructional methods and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Upgraded Infrastructure: New lighting, power distribution, HVAC, life safety, and technology systems were fully integrated, improving building performance and setting the facility up for long-term operational success.
Code & Sustainability Compliance: The project was delivered in full compliance with California Title 24 energy requirements, CALGreen standards, and current accessibility and life safety codes.
Campus-Sensitive Delivery: Construction was executed within an active university environment with zero compromise to student safety, campus operations, or the academic calendar.
A Long-Term Investment: More than a renovation, Phase IV represents a reinvestment in the student experience and the future of science education at California Lutheran University.
Project shots
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