Tessmann Planetarium Renovation

Rancho Santiago Community College District

PROJECT DETAILS

WestbergWhite and Santa Ana College joined forces to undertake the renovation and revitalization of the 1950-era Tessmann Planetarium facility to be situated as one of the gateway buildings adjacent to the enhanced main entrance of the College campus. The District sought to modernize the building exterior, aligning it with the architectural character of neighboring structures and reinforcing its identity as a significant campus landmark. The scope of work included a comprehensive makeover of the building exterior, integrating contemporary materials and graphics to highlight its unique function as a planetarium and enhance its visibility to students, visitors, and the community. This renovation not only improved the functional profile of the facility but also contributed to the overall aesthetic cohesion of the College campus.

Location

Santa Ana, CA

Area

6,600 SF

Delivery Method

CM/General Contractor

Market Sector

Higher Education

SERVICES PROVIDED

Design through construction administration

PROJECT TYPE

Higher education/community college facility renovation

PROGRAMMING FEATURES
  • Renovation of out-of-date aging exterior infrastructure to express function
  • Repurposing and renovating the interior of the Planetarium and office spaces including new finishes, lighting, and an HVAC system.
  • Visual program graphic exposure in the form of large-scale backlit graphic images of space
  • Provided sheltered visitor que areas
  • Added needed public restrooms for the facility and adjacent quad support
  • Renovate existing lobby and office to accommodate veterans office and activity function 
  • Building access improvements including the addition of new restrooms and exterior semi-enclosed and open gathering spaces for Planetarium and general campus use
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