Nineteen months after our work began, this social and recreational resource opened on the same park-adjacent site as its predecessor, and 51 days ahead of schedule. At 23,500 sf, it is 5,000 sf larger than before, while improving extensively upon the prior facility. Design and construction, at a cost totaling $28MM, were fast-tracked through a design-build model.

The new center, which proved immediately popular, holds a licensed preschool, fitness classes, and seniors’ activities, with a spacious and flexible grand room supporting an array of community events and boasting great natural daylight and views of the park all the way to San Francisco Bay. A rolldown door allows the community room and kitchen to be used after hours, even when the rest of the building is closed. This project is one of the first cross-laminated timber hybrid structures in the Bay Area, and was designed to be ready for converting to Net Zero Energy operations, both of which attest to the team’s focus on achieving the city’s sustainability goals.

ELS served as the Architect of Record and teamed with Blach Construction for a Design-Build partnership.  Swinton Management & Consulting served as Project Manager for the City of Millbrae.

Awards

National Award of Excellence for Civic/Assembly, Design-Build Institute of America, 2024

National Award of Merit for Civic/Assembly, Design-Build Institute of America, 2024

Best in Teaming, Design-Build Institute of America, 2024

Award of Distinction, Design-Build Institute of America, Western Pacific Region, 2023