OCMI provided project and construction management services for the expansion and renovation of San Diego State University’s Aztec Recreation Center (ARC), serving as the University’s trusted construction management partner throughout planning, design, and construction. Delivered through a collaborative design-build partnership led by SmithGroup and McCarthy Building Companies, the project transformed the campus recreation experience while achieving the rare distinction of LEED Double Platinum certification.

The project expanded the existing 74,000 SF recreation center to approximately 140,000 SF through an addition and renovation of existing facilities. Improvements included new fitness and recreation spaces, athletic facilities, student amenities, administrative offices, dining space, and the modernization of existing gymnasium and adventure recreation areas.

OCMI directed every phase of project delivery, including project and construction management, cost estimating, scheduling, value engineering, constructability reviews, Inspector of Record services, and stakeholder coordination. Working closely with SDSU, SmithGroup, and McCarthy, our team helped maintain budget and schedule while limiting disruption to daily campus operations on one of the University’s busiest pedestrian corridors.

The project incorporated innovative construction technologies, including Open Space AI and site scan technologies, providing project stakeholders with real-time visibility into construction progress and supporting more efficient collaboration throughout delivery.

Today, the ARC is one of the few recreation facilities in the nation to earn LEED Double Platinum certification, reflecting SDSU’s pledge to sustainability and student wellness while demonstrating the value of integrated project delivery (IPD) and collaborative construction management.

Images Courtesty of SmithGroup