Building Momentum at LA Pierce College: Celebrating Milestones on the Academic West Project
Spanning 30,000 SF, the Academic West Building is set to become a dynamic hub for education, creativity, and collaboration.
At Pankow Builders, progress is more than just checking boxes—it’s about rising to challenges, fostering collaboration, and delivering results that build confidence with every milestone. That spirit is fully alive at our Academic West project at Los Angeles Pierce College, where our team has made significant headway in recent weeks.
We’re proud to share two major construction achievements that highlight the dedication and tenacity of the Pankow Builders and Pankow Concrete teams.
Milestone 1: Foundation Concrete Placement
Before the sun rose, at 3:00 AM, the Pankow Concrete crew mobilized for a critical foundation pour. By the end of the operation, approximately 820 cubic yards of concrete had been placed—successfully covering 70% of the building’s foundations. This accomplishment wasn’t just about volume. It was a showcase of operational excellence under complex conditions:
Ambiguous testing requirements were carefully navigated with close coordination and diligence.
Intricate rebar specifications were clarified and implemented precisely, avoiding costly delays.
Tough soil conditions and site constraints were managed with agility and foresight.
Above all, the team displayed clear communication and seamless collaboration, making this a standout moment in the project’s timeline.
The result? A solid foundation for Academic West—both literally and figuratively—built on trust, expertise, and execution.
Milestone 2: Certified Building Pad
Earlier this spring, the Pankow team reached another foundational achievement: completion of a 10.5-foot-deep earthwork operation and certification of the building pad. This success came despite significant challenges:
A last-minute change in compaction requirements that demanded rapid adjustments in strategy.
Highly absorbent soils and 14 days of weather delays tested the team’s resilience and scheduling acumen.
Over 6,000 cubic yards of soil were moved and reworked to meet project specifications.
Throughout these trials, our team remained focused and flexible. The work was not only completed—it was certified and ready for the next stage of construction.
We extend our appreciation to E2 Contracting, Inc., whose leadership and partnership played a key role in making this milestone possible.
Moving Forward with Integrity and Teamwork
As we reflect on the progress at LA Pierce College, what stands out is the grit, precision, and adaptability our team demonstrated every step of the way. Each milestone is a testament to the hard work and deep-rooted commitment to excellence that defines Pankow’s approach to construction.
We’re excited for what’s ahead at Academic West and look forward to continuing this journey with our partners and stakeholders.
Stay tuned as we build not only structures—but trust, innovation, and a legacy of success.
About Pankow Builders
Pankow Builders is pleased to celebrate 60 years as an industry leader. Pankow has benefited clients through creative problem-solving, engineering expertise, and construction innovation. Pioneers of Design-Build and Integrated Project Delivery, we provide Design-Build, Design-Assist, general contracting, and tenant improvement services and specialize in complex projects and work in occupied facilities. We apply new construction tools, processes, and technologies, such as BIM Planning and Execution, and Virtual Design and Construction, Lean Delivery, and Alternative Energy Solutions – delivering a complete range of high-quality construction services to clients in the office, aviation, retail, hospitality, residential, healthcare, education, tenant improvement, and mixed-use market sectors. Founded in 1963, Pankow has 60 years of continuous presence in California in Los Angeles, Pasadena, Oakland, San Francisco, and San Jose.
