By Daily Press staff
A golden nugget has been found at Santa Monica College. SMC’s recently completed Athletics-Kinesiology-Dance Office Complex — a $2 million glass-and-steel building overlooking Corsair Field — has been awarded a “Gold Nugget” for architectural design. Kinesiology and dance professors, as well as the coaches, have praised the building for its spaciousness and airiness.
The award, for exceptional projects in 14 western states and all the countries on the Pacific Ocean, is given for excellence and innovation in addressing complex design and building issues. The competition is sponsored by the Pacific Coast Builders’ Conference and Builder, a national housing industry magazine. The office complex was a winner in the “Best Rehab Commercial/Industrial Project” category.
The 7,500-square-foot complex, completed last summer, was designed by Marina del Rey-based Caldwell Architects. The new office complex was built on what had been the east bleachers at Corsair Field above the dance studios in SMC’s pavilion. Caldwell Architects has designed several projects for SMC, including the third-floor addition to what is now Drescher Hall and the second-floor addition to the Cayton Associated Students Center.
It features 23 offices, many with views of the Corsair playing field and track and a conference room, dubbed the “Skybox,” which overlooks Corsair Field and is sometimes used for VIP receptions at games. The new facility also has the following: a reception area at the north end, a work room with computers, telephones, lunch room, copy room and more.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on May 26, 2005. Read the original PDF.