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An Afternoon at a Construction Site with PCSD Interns
Who did you meet with today?
Today we met with Cameron Smith, Jared Gragg, and Nate Hall.
Where do they work? What does the company do?
They work for Overaa, a construction company. Right now, they are working on the Palace Theater in Oakland to make it into a new home for BayTech Charter School.
What did you learn today? What were some highlights?
Today we learned about Overaa and what they did. We also learned about the process of converting a former theater into a school. A highlight was when we toured the active construction zone, then finished off with getting a deep look into the construction plans and a bit of computer-aided project designs.
What insights did you gain into the field of real estate development?
We received insight into how construction companies operate and what measures they must take to ensure a safe and efficient construction process. We also learned about the various conditions and requirements set by the City of Oakland in order for the construction of the BayTech school to occur.
What did you find most interesting about the field after today?
What I found most interesting about today was the fact that the site we visited was a historical building, as it was over 100 years old. That meant that more permits were required for the construction to begin; it also meant that certain things had to be preserved from the initial state of construction. For example, specific water fountains were preserved, and specific flooring was also preserved.
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What I Learned at the Construction Site
Today at the construction site, I learned about Building Information Modeling (BIM) from Overaa’s superintendent. I learned that it is a 3D design of the finished product on the computer with several different layers of the building. Each object, like steel or wood, had different colors so you would know what is what. The interesting thing about the 3D design is that if just one thing in the design was off then it could mess up the entire project. And part of the superintendent’s job was to make sure that everything overlapped and was perfect. The 3D design also came with a part that showed different systems like the plumbing or the sprinklers. We also got to see another design that the steel company made so that they can use that overlapping their design as well.
I also learned a lot about the structure and how the design of the school would be created. I learned that when the workers were high up making a new floor that they had to wear safety cords that connected them so they wouldn’t fall. I also saw that the measurements were written on the wall of each new area. Finally, I learned how holes in the walls were fixed. Basically, they put the metal wires in the holes by gluing them together and once that is done, they fill it with cement, so it looks like there never was a hole.
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Exploring Charter Educational Facilities: A Side Tour Recap During the OFN Conference
PCSD took advantage of having so many partners in town by offering a special tour of three of our charter school projects near the Opportunity Finance Network (OFN) Conference in downtown Los Angeles. Designed to give lenders a close-up look at PCSD’s work in charter facility development, this informal tour celebrated our partners and showcased the impact we’re making together.
Here’s a recap of each stop:
Citizens of the World Los Angeles – Silver Lake Middle School
Our first stop set the tone with an exciting milestone—Silver Lake Middle School received its Temporary Certificate of Occupancy from the City of Los Angeles just hours before our tour! School staff is moving in now and the grand opening of the building is slated for November 13 at 4:30pm. This school less than 3 blocks away from the elementary school on Beverly Blvd reflects Citizens of the World’s community-centered approach to education. PCSD’s work helped shape flexible, collaborative spaces that offer students an environment as inspiring as it is functional.
Equitas Academy Elementary Schools 5/6
Next up, we visited Equitas Academy’s elementary campus on Pico Blvd that opened in 2022. This facility features vibrant classrooms and common areas designed to spark creativity and foster academic growth, perfectly aligned with Equitas Academy’s mission to prepare students for college and beyond. The top floor outdoor play space features solar tubes to bring light to interior classrooms.
Ednovate USC Hybrid High
The tour concluded with USC Hybrid High on Vermont Ave, where Ednovate’s unique hybrid learning model comes to life. In service since 2018, the project has a view from its atrium of the large construction site across the street – the new George Lucas Museum. PCSD contributed to creating spaces that blend in-person and digital learning, equipping students with skills for today’s evolving world.
Partner Highlights
This tour wouldn’t have been possible without the strong turnout from our partners, including Capital Impact Partners, US Bank, LISC, BlueHub Capital, ExED, LIIF, Chase Bank, and NFF. Their support is critical to our work in expanding educational access in under-resourced communities.
Reflections from the Road
A great opportunity to connect and celebrate our shared successes, we’re thrilled to have had the chance to showcase the work we’re doing and look forward to more milestones to come. Thank you to everyone who joined us on this journey!
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Learning About Design
Who did you meet with today?
Today we met with Keivan Abidi and Cyrus Amani.
Where do they work? What does the company do?
Keivan and Cyrus work for Pacific Charter School Development and LCA Architects respectively. LCA is a company that designs modular buildings for commercial and industrial buildings such as Lighthouse.
What did you learn today? What were some highlights?
Some of the things we learned today were the step-by-step process of the creation of the think tank classroom, from how the floor plan was created in 3D before building them in the classroom to avoid conflicts and save time. We also learned on how they connected all the electrical wiring that the think tank space would need to become an actual classroom space.
What insights did you gain into the field of real estate development?
Some great insights that we learned from this field of real estate development is that there are many different elements that come together when creating a modular building in a space like the one that was made in our campus, from planning to creating it in 2D then sending in the plans to get them approved not only by the clients but the city, then building it in the time frame that was given to them.
What did you find the most interesting about the field after today?
The most interesting thing that I learned from this specific field that it is easier and shorter to create a modular building inside another building than to build new buildings from the ground up.
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The Importance of Due Diligence in Pre-Construction and Pre-Development
Who did you meet with today?
Today we had the opportunity to meet with Mary Grace Houlihan.
Where do they work? What does the company do?
Mary Grace works with Pacific Charter School Development, a nonprofit organization that supports charter schools in finding affordable, quality facilities through site acquisition, project management, and financing. The mission of the organization is to break the systemic inequality in education by scaling educational opportunities for students in communities that have been under-resourced.
What did you learn today? What were some highlights?
Today I was enlightened by the work of the crucial thoughts and necessities that come with work in architecture for public schools. I was also shown the process which makes these plans more realistic and attainable. Processes, such as construction modifications to public schools or other state-funded buildings, are reviewed to ensure specifications and other modifications comply with California’s codes, like Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations. Especially for public schools, DSA ensures the modifications follow the rules of California codes to comply with structural safety as well as things such as fire and life safety and even accessibility and sustainability.
What insights did you gain into the field of real estate development?
This opportunity has opened my mind to the complexity of California codes. I was not aware of this complexity and the effect it had on how buildings are constructed and modified and how the rules and regulations limit the opportunity of other modifications due to it having to pass the review of safety issues and other essential rules. This also informs me of the complexity of public schools being built due to having to undergo a lot of restrictions in order to ensure safety of children.
What did you find the most interesting about the field after today?
Many times, we see rules as a limit to your brain creativity, but something I found most interesting is in the way it opens my mind to new ideas that can not only follow the rules and regulations of the California codes but still live up to the expectations of creativity and how it all comes to life. I also enjoyed being able to discover the full process that goes before construction and development because most people don’t see the behind the scenes of how buildings are made. Finally, I appreciated the opportunity I was given to see the creation process and the vision of how modifications can be created in real life just as visualized in one’s mind.
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