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Engineering Center construction update

Work has begun on 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. 

Major activity

Current/upcomingAnticipated timing
Mobilization of craneLate April
Installation of basement mechanical systemsThrough April
Erection of steelStarting late April
*Only activity likely to affect neighboring areas is listed.

To see earlier time-lapse footage, scrub video slider to the left.

Construction site views

Terrace where crane will be installed
Preparation for mobilization of crane
Ductwork reinstalled in basement
Continuing reinstallation of basement ductwork
Birdseye view of Engineering Center construction zone, showing fenced areas, pathways (existing and modified) and accessible routes.
Fences have been installed surrounding the construction zone, resulting in the closure of the south and southeast stairways leading from the former Trefethen Terrace toward Evans Hall. The sidewalk between the construction zone and Evans Hall to the south is also closed. 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 now detours via elevator through Evans Hall. The project yard, south of McLaughlin Hall and west of Evans Hall, has also been fenced. (Click image to view larger version)
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. (Click map to view larger image)

Engineering Center addition and renovation — simplified project schedule

Schedule grid shows Design Phase from February 2022 through September 2023, and Construction Phase from June 2023 through December 2024. Construction sub-phases: Demolition June 13-November 2023; Foundation September 21-January 2024; Steel & structure December 8, 2023-April 2024; Exterior & roof March 7-October 2024; Interior construction April 11-October 2024; Site Improvements August 1-September 2024; Testing and Commissioning September 20-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.