Wilshire Chiller Plant Relocation

Q4 2025 Project Update

Wilshire Chiller Plant Relocation

October

The steel roof structure for the theater storage was completed. Roofing installation in the compressor and mechanical rooms began in September and was completed by the third week, followed by sheet metal flashing installation. Framing and sheathing of the exterior, including the furred-out wall (or, a wall with additional metal paneling to hold electrical wiring), were underway and progressed through September. Installation of a weather-tight membrane and metal flashing around the CMU was completed, with precast wall caps installed by the end of the month.

Plasterwork began in October with underlayment and mesh, then the scratch and brown coats were applied and allowed to cure. After a seven-day curing period, the final color coat underwent an application in the first week of November.

Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) conduit piping installation was ongoing in September. Mechanical piping was pressure-tested, while water softening equipment continued to be installed, along with ongoing MEP pressure tests, that extended into October.

Drywall installation inside the building was completed in September, followed by the application of a moisture barrier. Doors, including corrugated metal, and entrance doors, were finished by late September. Progress was made on the installation of electrical conduits and equipment.

At the arts yard, work on gas utilities began in early October in the compressor room and kiln areas, and backfilling and compaction were completed by mid-October. Exterior rough-in for electrical work began in November. Simultaneously, the canopies were delivered and began installation. Excavation for the adjacent compressor room area accessibility ramp commenced in the same time frame.

Trenching associated with the Southern California Edison (SCE) power reroute plan, conduit installation, and backfilling were finalized in September. This was followed by concrete pours within the trenches and an appropriate curing period. Additionally, excavation and placement of the SCE vault were completed, with energization of the vault and equipment anticipated in October upon establishment of permanent power. Concrete work continued in the SCE yard with block-out pours extending into October. SCE inspections were completed with minimal corrections. Progress also advanced on low-voltage electrical installations, wire pulling for equipment, and ADA-compliant ramp excavation during this period.

November

Due to the ongoing rains, field crews pumped water out of the project site. In the fourth week of November, crews began drying out the soils in preparation for the upcoming concrete pours. During the last week of November, the installation of CMU precast caps and stucco in the electrical yard (SCE yard) will commence and continue into December.

Excavation and placement of the SCE vault were completed, with energization of the vault and equipment planned for late December upon the establishment of permanent power on December 21. Having provided this date to establish permanent power, the sequence of final activities may take place. Once the power is established, the new system will be flushed for the remaining two weeks in 2025. Commissioning activities will then begin in earnest in the first week of January 2026. Campus Facilities will undergo training while punch-list walks are underway to assess the satisfactory and thorough completion of the work by mid-January. Final completion is anticipated to be achieved in February 2026.