The new 100,000 SF STEM facility at Santa Rosa Junior College (SRJC) is a key part of California’s initiative to enhance community college capacity and make higher education more affordable. This L-shaped building, spanning three to four stories, will become a new campus landmark, replacing two outdated facilities and consolidating various STEM classes previously scattered across the campus. R+C served as the structural engineer of record and geotechnical peer reviewer for the project.

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As the structural engineer of record, R+C led the design and analysis of the building’s structural systems, ensuring the facility met the latest seismic safety standards while accommodating the dynamic needs of STEM education. R+C also collaborated extensively with DSA, addressing plan review comments within a single review cycle. The project was divided into two increments, with careful coordination to ensure that all ground improvement strategies and structural elements were validated and implemented seamlessly.

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Owner: Santa Rosa Junior College

Architect: SmithGroup

Construction Manager: Harris & Associates

Structural Engineer: Rutherford + Chekene

R+C Role: Structural Engineering

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Photography by Emily Hagopian