City College of San Francisco Student Success Center
XL built a 72,000 s.f. Student Success Center at CCSF, uniting 30+ groups in a LEED Silver, net zero ready hub via progressive design-build.
XL Construction recently completed a new, 2-story 72,000 s.f. Student Success Center. Working with Gensler as a progressive design-build team, the building became a campus focal point, establishing a prominent student resource hub on CCSF’s Ocean Campus. Over 30 student groups, previously distanced on campus, were consolidated using an integrated service model, sharing common areas while having their own office space. Guided by CCSF’s shared governance process, planning incorporated input from the college’s varied stakeholders and utilized lean methodology. The facility was designed to be all-electric, LEED Silver, and net zero ready.
Challenges and Solutions
Solution
XL + Gensler collaborated closely with CCSF stakeholders to reimagine the building layout, identifying shared efficiencies that allowed for flexible, equitable spaces while eliminating departmental silos. This process reduced the building size from 80,000 to 74,000 square feet without compromising program needs—enabling the project to stay within budget and retain high-quality finishes that better support long-term campus goals.
Solution
The team explored four building massing and elevation options, modeling and pricing each with corresponding schedule impacts. These were reviewed collaboratively with stakeholders, leading to a design solution that created a “new front door to the campus” while minimizing costly cut-and-fill work and meeting accessibility goals.
Solution
Leveraging past campus experiences, XL + Gensler prioritized durability in materials and finishes. Lifecycle cost analyses guided the selection of resilient flooring, interior surfaces, and the building’s fully enclosed mechanical penthouse, which protects systems from harsh weather—enhancing performance and ease of maintenance over time.
Solution
The team actively engaged students, student organizations, and staff throughout the design process. Inclusive design charrettes and reviews helped ensure that the building met CCSF’s equity goals and reflected the needs and perspectives of its diverse user community.
Solution
To keep the project on track, XL divided the scope into multiple increments to allow an earlier construction start and held regular review meetings with DSA to proactively resolve design questions before permit submission—keeping the project on schedule for timely certification.
Solution
XL quickly transitioned to cloud-based tools to maintain transparency and real-time collaboration with CCSF. Tools like Miro allowed district leaders to review, comment, and engage in presentations remotely. XL also led user group meetings and ensured every design decision was clearly documented—including decisions that could not be accommodated—providing CCSF with a complete and transparent project record.
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