C.W. Driver Companies Completes $59.8M Visual Arts Campus for CSU Fullerton

The new campus will support and inspire Visual Arts students for years to come

FULLERTON, Calif. – C.W. Driver Companies, a leading builder serving California since 1919, has completed a 85,400 square-foot renovation and new construction combination project for California State University, Fullerton’s Visual Arts Complex. The $59.8M project includes the renovation and seismic upgrade of existing buildings, a new education building containing digital fabrication and arts facilities, and a new gallery building hosting professional and student galleries and a research library, along with a full reworking of the outdoor spaces. 

The Visual Arts Complex, positioned along State College Boulevard, is a primary campus entrance. The buildings are configured to create an open, flexible environment to support engagement and visibility to the greater community. The design of the outdoor spaces includes myriad spaces for outdoor arts production and presentation and a diverse set of areas for student gatherings.  

After considering a site geotechnical analysis and initial cost studies, the project team advised CSUF to pivot from the original construction plan, recommending minimizing renovation work and maximizing new construction, building two new structures instead of the original plan for one. 

“We collaborated with CSUF and HGA Architects to reallocate the budget into renovating the two existing buildings requiring minor seismic upgrades, building the new single-level double volume gallery space, and building a new two-story classroom structure,” said Jamie Macartney, project executive at C.W. Driver Companies. “This shift redistributes the art program across several different buildings, aligning with the Visual Arts program’s goal of finding concentrated homes for each department.” 

Delivered and constructed using the collaborative design-build process, cost tracking and efficiency were key design drivers. The interiors and exteriors of each building were designed with neutral, durable finishes, emphasizing the concept of the buildings being “blank canvases” for the arts programs. This cost-efficient approach allocated more funds to go toward program and equipment for the school. 

The Visual Arts Campus received the 2022 AIA Orange County Design Award of Merit, Commercial Unbuilt. Designed to LEED Silver equivalence, the campus supports CSUF’s sustainability efforts. Students started class in the new Visual Arts Campus Fall of 2024. 

Other notable higher education projects by C.W. Driver Companies include the CSU Dominguez Hills – Center for Science & Innovation and Innovation & Instruction Building both projects completed with HGA Architects; CSU San Bernardino – Coyote Village and Coyote Commons; UC Santa Barbara Interactive Learning Pavilion, Pomona-Pitzer’s Rains Athletic Center; Long Beach City College – Multi-Disciplinary Facility Replacement, Chapman University’s Keck Center for Science and Engineering; Cal Poly Pomona’s Student Services Building; Vanguard University’s Waugh Student Center and the recent triple groundbreaking at CSU Dominguez Hills for the Student Housing & Dining Commons, Health, Wellness, and Recreation Center and Switchyard and Infrastructure Upgrade. 

About C.W. Driver Companies 

C.W. Driver Companies is a premier builder serving California since 1919. In 2019, the historic company proudly celebrated its 100-year anniversary. As a leader in general contracting and construction management services, C.W. Driver Companies are on the cutting edge across a broad spectrum of industries, including education, commercial/office, technology, healthcare/biomedical, mixed-use, assisted living, entertainment, retail, industrial and civic. Ranked in Engineering News Record’s Top 150 General Contractors and Top 100 Construction Managers, C.W. Driver Companies has the ability to build a variety of projects, from large tenant improvements to small renovations and specialized projects through its affiliates Driver SPG and Good & Roberts. C.W. Driver Companies has offices located in Los Angeles, Rancho Cucamonga, Anaheim, San Diego and Carlsbad. For more information, please visit www.cwdriver.com. Follow C.W. Driver Companies on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. 

About HGA 

HGA is a national interdisciplinary design firm committed to making a positive, lasting impact for our clients and communities through research-based, holistic solutions. We believe that great design requires a sense of curiosity—forming deep insight into our clients, their contexts, and the human condition. We are a collective of 1,200 architects, engineers, interior designers, planners, researchers, and strategists. Our practice spans multiple markets, including science and technology, corporate, cultural, education, local and federal government, and healthcare. Visit HGA.com or follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram.