The Miramar College Campus was originally established in 1969 as a training facility for local law enforcement and emergency services personnel. The campus has since expanded to provide Associate’s degrees in a number of public service fields. An important program in this growing field is the College’s Automotive Technology Program, which provides education and hands-on training in the automotive services industry. To support of this program and as part of the campus master plan, the new Heavy Duty Transportation Building was developed, with Soltek selected as the project’s Construction Manager-at-Risk.
Officially named the Heavy Duty Advanced Transportation Technology Center, the new 14,000 sq. ft. building supports the program’s curriculum expansion into field of diesel, natural gas, hybrid bus and transit technology as well as new developments in construction equipment technology. The new center includes three steel framed buildings with mixed concrete and masonry wall finishes, and includes classrooms, shops and a dynamometer building to test the performance of vehicles. The work includes the replacement of existing electrical power and wet utilities, and features new high efficiency mechanical and lighting systems. Sustainable systems include a photovoltaic system capable of generating 50kilowatts of power and extensive natural day-lighting. These key elements support the project in achieving USGBC LEED Silver status.