Building the Future: WLAC Kicks Off Construction of New Facilities & Shops Complex

AE3 Partners joined the Los Angeles Community College District (LACCD), West Los Angeles College (WLAC), and project partners to celebrate the groundbreaking of the new Plant Facilities and Shops Replacement project. This milestone marks the start of construction on a modern facility that will transform the College’s Facilities, Maintenance, and Operations (FMO) functions and enhance the long-term sustainability of the campus.

The new 16,000–17,000 square-foot, $29 million building will replace a non-compliant 1950s-era structure and provide state-of-the-art spaces for carpentry, paint, HVAC/MEP, and lock shops, as well as administrative offices, training rooms, fleet maintenance, and warehouse functions. Designed by AE3 Partners, the facility is envisioned as a linear high-bay structure with direct access to the service yard, complemented by a cantilevered overhang for flexible covered staging. A stick-built administrative wing, clad in contemporary metal panels, will front the campus and provide a professional and welcoming façade.

“This project represents more than a new building; it’s an investment in the people and infrastructure that keep West Los Angeles College running every day,” said Doug Davis, AE3 Principal. “We are proud to partner with LACCD in creating a facility that is both highly functional and environmentally responsible.”

The project is targeting LEED Silver certification, with AE3 Partners advancing strategies to achieve LEED Gold performance. Sustainable design features include an all-electric HVAC system, natural daylighting, low-emitting materials, and stormwater bioswales that support the District’s commitment to high-performance and resilient facilities.

Construction began in June 2025 and is expected to be completed in 2027. The new facility will be built behind the existing structure, allowing campus operations to continue uninterrupted until the transition is complete. Icon West, Inc. is serving as the general contractor, with Jacobs providing program management.