Crews resume work on $40-million building at GCC

After a months-long hiatus, work will resume on a $40-million building that crews broke ground on at Glendale Community College in October 2013, but the work isn’t expected to be completed by the time fall classes begin next month.

“At this time, it is highly unlikely that the building will be operational for the start of fall [semester],” said Ron Nakasone, executive vice president of administrative services, in an email.

Construction of the building came to an abrupt halt this past spring when college officials terminated their contract with its builder because it became apparent the project would not be open for the fall semester, which begins on Aug. 29.

The three-story, 90,000-square-foot structure was about 95% complete when the college’s trustees voted in April to terminate the contract with Altadena-based Mallcraft Inc. for falling behind schedule.

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In December, Mallcraft officials had committed to substantially complete the project by the end of March, but they didn’t meet that goal, according to college officials.

In May, the trustees authorized the college to execute a takeover agreement in an effort to open the building in time for fall classes.

As a result of the agreement, the company that issued the bond for the building — Travelers — became responsible for completing the project.

Monrovia-based contractor Toby B. Hayward Inc. will now finish the job, according to a college report released this week.

Crews still need to verify the proper installation of the building’s heating and air-conditioning systems, install interior fixtures, move in furniture and other equipment, among other tasks.

College officials are expected to receive an updated schedule next week, stating a timeline for completion, according to the report, which estimates that the project won’t be complete until November.

The building will house the college’s culinary arts program, staff offices as well as writing and anthropology classes.

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Kelly Corrigan, kelly.corrigan@latimes.com

Twitter: @kellymcorrigan