Irvine : Construction Begins on College Science Building

Construction of a physical sciences building has begun at Irvine Valley College.

The two-story, L-shaped building will be completed in about 18 months, college officials said. Nielsen Construction Co. of Irvine is the contractor.

The state is providing $4,143,640, or 90% of the construction costs, while the rest is being provided by the Saddleback Community College District.

The physical sciences structure is the first new building at Irvine Valley College since 1982, when the library was completed, and it is the campus’s first two-story building.

Until last year, when it became a separate college, the institution was known as the North Campus of Saddleback College in Mission Viejo.

College officials said that in addition to the new building, Irvine Valley also is erecting four portable structures this summer. They will be used during the fall semester, which begins Aug. 25, to provide more classroom space and indoor eating space.

The portable buildings will be situated in an area now covered by orange trees. College officials said that 50 orange trees will have to be destroyed but others will be incorporated into the landscaping of the area.