Amidst its bold architectural ambitions and academic versatility lies another core value: seismic resilience. California’s seismic conditions demand robust design strategies, and Encore Building Products has stepped up to support this vision with advanced expansion joint systems that align with the building’s earthquake-tolerant goals.
Mt. San Antonio College (Mt. SAC) in Walnut, California is setting a new benchmark in higher education infrastructure with its state-of-the-art Technology and Health Building, a four-story, 253,866-square-foot instructional facility poised to become the largest of its kind on any community college campus in California. As a centerpiece of Mt. SAC’s long-term growth strategy, the building consolidates 10 departments and 26 programs under one roof—including high-demand disciplines like Respiratory Therapy, Aircraft Maintenance, Nursing, and Public Safety.
Amidst its bold architectural ambitions and academic versatility lies another core value: seismic resilience. California’s seismic conditions demand robust design strategies, and Encore Building Products has stepped up to support this vision with advanced expansion joint systems, engineered by MM Systems, that align with the building’s earthquake-tolerant goals.
Working closely with the design team at HPI Architecture (Newport Beach) and the construction management experts at Tilden-Coil Constructors (Riverside), Encore Building Products served as the local expansion joint specialist and key product consultant, guiding the architectural and engineering teams in selecting and detailing high-performance seismic solutions tailored to the unique structural needs of this project.
To meet the rigorous demands of a facility housing sensitive labs, classrooms, and high-tech medical equipment, Encore coordinated the supply of custom-fabricated stainless steel expansion joint covers, pre-compression foam systems, gasket wall joint systems, and horizontal rubber seals. These products— to be fabricated and supplied by MM Systems—were hand-selected to support the building’s loading requirements, anticipated movement, and long-term durability.
The installation of these complex joint systems is being expertly handled by Letner Roofing (Orange, CA), with additional installation services by Best Contracting on related Mt. SAC projects. The Technology and Health Building continues a string of successful collaborations between Encore Building Products and Mt. SAC, including:
Encore’s technical expertise and boots-on-the-ground involvement have helped drive the expansion joint specifications for all of these recent projects—ensuring the campus is not only architecturally stunning, but structurally sound.
This latest facility replaces aging buildings designed in the 1960s and reimagines academic space for the 21st century. Beyond traditional labs and classrooms, the new building features a teaching hospital, a full-size aircraft suspended from the ceiling, virtual reality labs, industrial manufacturing shops, and mental health support spaces—demonstrating Mt. SAC’s forward-thinking approach to hands-on learning.
“This new facility is more than just a building—it’s a bridge between healthcare education and healthcare reality,” said Kelly Coreas, Professor and Director of the Respiratory Therapy Program.
The Technology and Health Building is expected to open to students in Spring 2027, and is funded by the Measure GO construction bond and a statewide educational facilities bond approved by California voters.
As Mt. SAC’s campus continues to evolve, Encore Building Products remains a committed partner, delivering seismic safety, design support, and product solutions that are keeping this forward-thinking institution at the forefront of education—and structural innovation.
