Design-Build services for the 10,000 SF Calabasas Senior Center, a new facility designed to serve over 1,000 senior patrons with programs, classes, and events. The project included multi-use rooms, offices, classrooms, a catering kitchen, and an outdoor patio with scenic hillside views.

The team collaborated closely with the City of Calabasas and the Savvy Seniors organization to tailor the design for comfort, accessibility, and flexibility. Using the CMAR delivery method, Pankow evaluated multiple schematic designs and employed cost modeling to ensure design alignment with budget goals.

Sustainable strategies included LEED® Silver Certification, VRF HVAC systems, and energy-efficient materials. The result is a vibrant community hub that fosters health, connection, and enrichment for generations of Calabasas residents.

Designing for Connection and Comfort

The Calabasas Senior Center embodies the City’s vision of promoting active, connected lifestyles for its older adult community. Developed through a Design-Build partnership with Practice (Gonzalez Goodale Architects), the new 10,000 SF facility offers multipurpose rooms, classrooms, dining spaces, and an outdoor terrace for events and recreation.

A hallmark of the project was its deep community involvement. Pankow Builders worked directly with the Savvy Seniors, a volunteer group advocating for senior programming, to align design decisions with user needs, from accessibility to flexibility. Mechanical systems were carefully studied to balance cost, comfort, and sustainability, leading to the selection of a Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) system.

The project utilized Lean Construction principles and BIM coordination to ensure quality, efficiency, and constructability within budget. Designed for LEED® Silver Certification, the center delivers both environmental responsibility and long-term value, creating a welcoming environment for lifelong learning, wellness, and community engagement.