Engineering Center construction update

Work begins the week of June 12, 2023, on the construction of the Engineering Center, a new facility on the UC Berkeley campus that will become a nexus for student collaboration, innovation and entrepreneurship. Slated for completion in early 2025, the new center will add 35,500 square feet across two new floors above the existing two floors of the Bechtel Engineering Center. This page provides an overview of key construction updates created for occupants and visitors of neighboring buildings. Information about the project is also available on the Capital Strategies website.

Questions or concerns about how the upcoming construction activities may impact daily operations, research or instruction should be directed to your building coordinator.

Aerial view showing the footprint and details of the Engineering Center construction project. Fences will surround the construction zone, closing the stairways from the former Trefethen Terrace at the southeast and south-central points, and closing the sidewalk between the construction zone and Evans Hall to the south. An accessible pathway will remain on the east of Evans and the construction zone to access Davis and Sutardja Dai halls. — Fences will be installed surrounding the construction zone beginning June 12. This will result in closure of the south and southeast stairways leading from the former Trefethen Terrace toward Evans Hall. It will also close the sidewalk between the construction zone and Evans Hall to the south. An accessible pathway will remain on the east of Evans and the construction zone to access Davis and Sutardja Dai halls. The accessible pathway to the east side of Davis Hall will now detour via elevator through Evans Hall. The project yard, south of McLaughlin Hall and west of Evans Hall, will be fenced beginning May 30.

Map showing pathways around the construction zone: accessible pathways will be routed along the west side of Evans Hall and the construction zone to reach Davis and Sutardja Dai halls, and via elevators through Evans Hall to reach the east side of Hearst Memorial Mining Building and Cory Hall. Trucks will access the construction zone via the Mining Circle and University Drive. — Accessible pathways will be retained on the west side of Evans Hall and the construction zone, and via elevators through Evans Hall to reach Hearst memorial Mining Building and Cory Hall.

Structural strategy

Illustration of heavy section removed from existing building — Reduce weight of existing structure

Illustration of internal areas being added to structure — Infill addition area and additional floor

Illustration of pavilion added atop building — Lightweight pavilion

Remove heavy soil and concrete elements
Add lightweight metal structure and glass curtain wall
Reuse existing foundations to reduce construction noise, time and cost

Engineering Center addition and renovation — simplified project schedule

Schedule grid shows Design Phase from February 2022 through May 2023, and Construction Phase from June 2023 through December 2024. Construction sub-phases: Demolition June 13-August 2023; Foundation August 24-November 2023; Steel & structure Nov. 9, 2023-January 2024; Exterior & roof Jan. 18-July 2024; Interior construction Feb. 22-December 2024; Punchlist items January-March 10, 2025. For occupants, Surge preparation from January-May 2023; Occupant move-out by June 12, 2023; Occupant surge June 2023-December 2024; Occupant move-in January 2025.