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Higher education is always changing, continually demanding its facilities be modernized so students will benefit from better educational experiences. With our Master Plan revisions unanimously approved by the Irvine City Council, Concordia University Irvine is moving forward to Adapt & Improve our campus. Divided into four phases over 18 years (through approximately 2035), work is now getting way on the first two phases – including the construction of a Music, Worship & Theology building. Phases Three and Four will require additional City review, fundraising, and more detailed design work.
Learn more here about the future of our campus, check in regularly for construction updates, and sign up to receive construction alerts.
Pictured are actual members of the Concordia family. From left to right: Andy, Berenice, Tom
Name: Andrew Grimalda
Title: Professor, School of Business and Economics
Born & Raised: California
Military: Ret. Army Colonel in various units including the elite Army Rangers
Education: B.S., U.S. Military Academy, West Point; M.S. in Management, Sloan School of Management, M.I.T.
Factoid: Established both the Economics and Data Analytics majors at CUI’s School of Business and Economics. He’s also an assistant coach to the university’s award-winning speech and debate team.
Extra Credit Fact: Before the classroom, Professor Grimalda worked the boardroom as a CFO to national companies in the tech and healthcare industries.
Name: Berenice Samperio
Year @ CUI: Freshman
Major: Undeclared
Born & Raised: Mexico City
Campus Activities: Goalie on the CUI women’s water polo team
CUI Likes: “I notice a lot of hardworking students, and most of them are athletes like me, so I find it easy to be motivated to work harder, when everyone else around me is working hard, too.”
Name: Tom Mueller
Title: Assistant Professor of Church Music; university organist
Born & Raised: Waterville, Maine
Lives in: Tustin
Education: Masters, Sacred Music in Organ Performance, University of Notre Dame; Doctorate, Musical Arts in Organ Performance, Eastman School of Music
Factoid: In addition to church music, Dr. Mueller also teaches music theory and composition, and is credited with establishing the Americana Ensemble at CUI, the only university-level bluegrass and traditional music ensemble on the West coast.
We will keep you posted on upcoming construction on the campus.
Follow Construction Updates
Irvine is known for its commitment to excellence in education, which is built on four components: An excellent K-12 school system, an excellent community college, an excellent University of California campus, and an excellent private four-year university, Concordia University Irvine. All of Irvine’s educational institutions must Adapt & Improve over time to meet changing needs in education and maintain the City’s reputation for educational excellence. Concordia University’s new Master Plan will let it stay abreast of changes in higher education – and maintain the educational excellence Irvine expects.
Phasing: The implementation of the Master Plan is phased. Phases One and Two have been approved by the City of Irvine, and we are working to begin construction of Phase One this summer. Work on the final phase is not expected to be completed until 2035 at the earliest.
Indicates New Buildings and Improvements
Phase One:Scheduled to begin in 2017, following consideration of the plan by the Irvine Planning Commission and City Council. As proposed, it will include:
New Music, Worship & Theology building: This 38,550 square-foot building will have two wings with a breezeway connecting them. One wing will have group and individual music rehearsal and practice rooms with outstanding acoustics and a state-of-the-art recording studio; the other will house classrooms and faculty offices for Christ College, Concordia University’s school of theology. Between the buildings will be an Arts Court, providing an exterior gathering location for students and staff.
Internal circulation improvements: Phase 1 will include these road improvements to make driving safer and help traffic to flow better within the campus:
Expansion of Concordia West parking lot: Parking Lot A, in the southwest portion of the campus near the baseball diamond, will be expanded by 158 spaces.
Initial Athletic Field Lighting: Concordia University’s athletic programs are moving up to NCAA Division II in 2017, so the temporary lights currently used at the athletic fields are being upgraded. Improved permanent lighting will allow team practices to be scheduled later in the day, making academic scheduling for athletes easier. Lights fall only on the playing fields and “spill-over” lighting and glare will be avoided. Additionally, we have agreed to install only the first 15 light poles during Phases One and Two, and have agreed to “lights off” at 9 p.m.
Phase Two: Anticipated to start in 2018, will include:
Concordia University Center Addition: Friday Chapel services held at CU Center for students during the Fall and Spring semesters are currently standing room only, so a modest 3,300 square-foot addition to the facility will be added during Phase Two. This will allow the chapel to be able to seat 800, an increase of 300.
Athletic Field Restroom and Locker Building: This 6,730 square-foot building, located behind the softball field and built on two levels into the small hill adjacent to the track, will provide men’s and women’s locker rooms for use by student-athletes on our soccer, track, lacrosse, softball and baseball teams. It also will include two smaller locker rooms for coaches and officials, and public restrooms.
Track and Soccer Field Viewing Deck: A viewing deck on the west side of the restroom and locker room building will provide bleacher seating for fans of track, lacrosse, and soccer events to the south and softball to the north.
Sand Volleyball Courts: Two NCAA regulation-size sand volleyball courts will be added to the central campus, south of the existing gymnasium.
Phase Three: Estimated to begin sometime between 2020 to 2030, following additional City review.
In order to add Phase Three’s planned new education and dorm buildings without exceeding the limits imposed on Concordia by the City, five existing buildings totaling 43,760 square feet will be demolished during this phase.
Science, Nursing and Health Care Building: This new building (approximately 49,000 square-feet) would accommodate state-of-the-art classrooms, offices, and labs for Concordia University’s nursing, biology, chemistry, physics, and medical science programs. It would be located where the Administration Building now stands.
Grimm Student Union Building Addition: This expansion of approximately 8,500 square feet to the existing Grimm Student Union Building will allow Concordia University to provide more of the amenities that college students now expect, including enhanced cafeteria operations, a book/convenience store, counseling, and student lounge areas.
New Residence Hall: This new residence hall would be located between the existing Concordia University residence halls and the Grimm Student Union. It will have no more than 296 beds, which would bring the total beds on campus to 1,320, the maximum allowed in the current Master Plan.
Recreation/lap pool and pool service/restroom building: This pool, located near the existing residence halls, would be for recreational use only and cannot accommodate swim meets or water polo matches. The adjoining 2,800 square-foot pool building would house pool equipment and restrooms.
Tennis court deck: Four existing tennis courts on the campus would be removed to allow for the construction of the new residence hall and replaced with six tennis courts that would be built on a roof structure over part of Parking Lot A in the southwestern portion of the campus.
Indicates New Buildings
Phase Four: Estimated for approximately 2025 to 2035 and requiring additional City review, this phase will include:
In order to add Phase Four’s planned new building without exceeding the limits imposed on Concordia by the City, two existing buildings totaling 27,471 square feet will be demolished during this phase.
Liberal Arts, Alumni and Advancement Building: This new building of approximately 40,000 square feet would be located generally where Founders Hall now stands. It will house offices for liberal arts professors, as well as administration, advancement and alumni relations offices. To enhance the arts experience at Concordia University, the three-level building would provide a 400-seat theater for performances. To respond to concerns of neighbors, the size of the theater was reduced by half.
View FAQs Submit a Question or Comment
To sign up for Construction Updates, go to Questions/Comments and check the “Send me construction updates” box. To file a construction-related complaint, call (949) 214-3142 or email [email protected].
March 18, 2019
Borland-Manske Center (formerly Music, Worship & Theology Building)
Construction on the Borland-Manske Center (formerly the Music, Worship and Theology building) is showing progress on a daily basis. The building is almost completely closed in with only a few key areas left open to accommodate access for construction. The elevator installation for the music wing is being finalized and the elevator installation will start next week for the Christ College wing. Finishes in both lobbies are being installed, including the signature stairs. Drywall is nearly complete, and painting is well underway throughout both wings. Specialty ceilings in both the choral and orchestra rehearsal halls are being installed. Construction completed on the recording studio includes the acoustical envelope, and the mechanical, electrical and plumbing rough ins are being dropped to their final heights. On the roof, installation of the supports for the roof screens to block the view of the mechanical air handling units started this week. On the site, final grading is being done over five phases with the concrete flatwork for Phase 2 being poured this week, The site's irrigation and planting will follow as the concrete sidewalks and bike trails are poured. The pedestrian path and extension of the bike trail to the west (baseball) parking lot are being rough graded along with the bio retention area.
January 2, 2019– Construction Update
Music Wing: The building has been “weathered in” and interior finishes have been started. The studio framing is continuing while the audio-visual integration plan is being finalized. The rehearsal hall’s acoustical finishes have been started.
Theology Wing: The exterior walls have been framed and plaster finishes have been started. The curtain walls have been framed and measured for glass. On the interior, walls have been framed as interior mechanical, electrical and plumbing work continues to be installed.
Site: Extension of the underground utilities into the building continues. Fine grading for the final site elevations is scheduled to be started pending weather conditions with the concrete flatwork, while site lighting and planting are scheduled to follow in the spring.
For Concordia East and Concordia West residents, ongoing construction traffic alerts will be sent via Dwelling Live, and signs will be posted at both gatehouses when unusual volumes of construction traffic are expected.
December 4, 2018 – Construction Update
Music Wing: Exterior walls are being “closed in” with plaster, stone and glass finishes. On the interior, most of the framing is complete, mechanical, electrical and plumbing have been roughed in, wiring is being pulled and drywall is being installed. The studio framing has started and the audio visual integration plan is being finalized.
Theology Wing: The exterior walls are being framed with preparation for glass and plaster finishes. On the interior, walls are also being framed, the main lobby stair has been placed and the mechanical, electrical and plumbing are being roughed in.
Site: Extension of the underground utilities into the building continues. The major water line connection at Concordia Drive by Irvine Ranch Water District has been completed. The remaining site work from the parking lot and around the new building will be built over the next several months.
Ongoing construction traffic alerts will continue to be sent to Concordia East and Concordia West residents via Dwelling Live; when unusual volumes of construction traffic is expected, signs will be placed at both gate houses.
September 21, 2018 – Construction Update
Music, Worship & Theology Building
Music Wing: Steel decking for the roof is finishing up with insulation and roofing to follow through October. The interior walls are being framed and drywall is being installed. Exterior walls are also framed with insulation and water proofing under way. Rough in for mechanical, electrical and plumbing continues at the upper level. Specialty flooring for the recording studio and other acoustically sensitive areas of the building have been framed and poured. Fabrication offsite for the windows and curtain walls will start as field measurements can be secured.
Theology Wing: Steel erection and decking for the roof is being done with completion in October. Rough in for mechanical, electrical and plumbing has started and will continue through the end of the month into October.
Site: Extension of the underground utilities into the building continues. The approval of a major water line connection at Concordia Drive by Irvine Ranch Water District has been secured and the construction work has been postponed until early October. Notifications will be sent to those affected.
August 10, 2018 – Construction Update
Music Wing: Steel framing for the music wing is being finalized with the roof framing being completed in August. Steel decking for the roof is continuing. The concrete slabs have been poured, and the interior walls are being framed. Rough-in for mechanical, electrical and plumbing has started and will continue through August. Scaffolding for the exterior walls will begin in August.
Theology Wing: Steel erection and decking is mostly complete and concrete slabs are being poured, starting at the upper level mezzanine. Framing and mechanical, electrical and plumbing rough-ins will start in late August/early September.
Site: Extension of the underground utilities into the building continues with approval of a major water line connection at Concordia Drive by Irvine Ranch Water District and expected to be completed in August. Trenching to extend electrical and telecommunications cabling from the campus quad has been completed. The lawn and irrigation have been replaced.
July 5, 2018 – Construction Update
Music Wing: Steel framing for the Music Wing is continuing with the metal decking and the exterior stud walls. The concrete masonry unit (CMU) walls have been water-proofed and the last of the three sections is being back filled. Concrete slabs have been poured as sections are prepared. The last of the concrete decks is scheduled to be poured by mid-July. Interior walls are being laid out and framing will commence shortly.
Theology Wing: Steel erection is continuing throughout June. Steel decking and concrete slabs are being prepared and will be poured in July. Exterior framing will start after the slabs are poured
Site: Extension of the underground utilities into the building continues with approval of a major water line connection at Concordia Drive by Irvine Ranch Water District and expected to be completed in August.
Trenching to extend electrical and telecommunications cabling from the campus quad has been completed. The lawn and irrigation have been replaced.
Ongoing construction traffic alerts will be sent via Dwelling Live and signs will be posted at both Gatehouses when unusual volumes of construction traffic are expected.
June 6, 2018 – Construction Update
Music Wing: Steel framing for the Music Wing is continuing with the metal decking and the exterior stud walls. The CMU walls have been water-proofed and two of the three sections have been back filled with the final section scheduled to be back filled in late June. Concrete slabs are being poured incrementally as sections are prepared.
Theology Wing: Steel erection has begun and will continue throughout June. Underground utilities for the wing have been placed and foundations completed.
Site: Extension of the underground utilities into the building continues, with approval of a major water line connection at Concordia Drive by Irvine Ranch Water District and expected to be completed this summer.
Trenching to extend electrical and telecommunications cabling from the campus quad will be completed in mid-June with 3 of the 4 sections already done and closed up. The landscape and irrigation in the main quadrangle area have been installed.
April 20, 2018 – Construction Update
Music Wing: Steel framing for the Music Wing continues with the installation of the metal deck and the mezzanine level (mechanical well) steel. Steel decking will be placed on the upper levels and concrete slabs will be poured on the lower level. Concrete masonry units (CMU) have been set and the walls grouted for the lower level. As the walls cure, waterproofing will commence with backfilling of the walls to follow.
Theology Wing:The remaining concrete footings in the Christ College wing are being dug and poured this month with steel erection to start in May.
Site: Concrete has been poured for the exterior stair towers and site retaining walls and the back-filling of the walls has started. Extension of the underground utilities into the building will be started this month.
Trenching to extend electrical and telecommunications cabling from the campus quad has started and will be accomplished over the next 6-8 weeks in sections. At all times, circulation through the center of campus will be maintained, though not all sidewalks will be passable as the trenching is completed. This work is intended to be completed by the end of May/early June.
Ongoing construction traffic alerts will be sent via Dwelling Live and signs at both Gatehouses when unusual volumes of construction traffic is expected.
March 13, 2018 – Construction Update
Steel framing for the music wing has begun. Delivery of materials, erection and welding will take approximately four weeks. Deliveries of steel are being managed in order to mitigate any delays with the longer delivery trucks. Steel framing of the Christ College wing is scheduled to begin in April.
Concrete work is ongoing for the exterior stair towers and site retaining walls. Concrete masonry units (CMU) will be delivered in mid-March, and the lower-level CMU walls in the music wing will be installed soon after. The remaining concrete footings in the Christ College wing will be dug and placed once the retaining walls have been back filled.
February 13, 2018 – Construction Update
Parking Lot A
The parking lot has been completed and fencing along Concordia Drive has been removed. Fencing along the back wall will remain in place to insure that the landscaping matures. The pedestrian connection from the parking lot to the main campus will remain under construction along with the Music Worship & Theology building construction and will not be opened until that time.
The foundations for the Music wing of the Music, Worship & Theology building have been poured. Retaining walls and foundations for the Theology wing will be ongoing through February. In late February, the steel for the lower level of the Music wing will be delivered and erected. Concrete Masonry Unit (CMU) walls along the lower level will be placed prior to the walls being backfilled.
The storm drain line that goes under the relocated bike trail has been installed and other underground utilities are in the process of being installed.
Ongoing construction traffic alerts will be sent via Dwelling Live, and signage at both Gatehouses will be posted when unusual levels of construction traffic are expected.
January 18, 2018 – Construction Update
Dorm Road Realignment
This project is completed.
The parking lot has been completed and fencing along Concordia Drive will be removed within the next week. The pedestrian connection from the parking lot to the main campus will remain under construction along with the Music, Worship & Theology building construction and will not be opened until that time.
Rough grading operations for the MWT building have been completed. Currently, foundations and retaining walls for the building are being dug. Concrete for the music wing foundations are scheduled to be poured starting January 25th and 26th. Concrete operations for other foundations, building pads and walls will be intermittently ongoing for several weeks. As exact dates for the concrete pours are confirmed, CUI will alert residents through Dwelling Live; “Heavy Construction Traffic” notices will be posted at both Gate Houses 24 hours ahead of the pours.
Public Road (Turtle Rock left turn)
November 28, 2017 – Construction Update
Final landscaping, paving, striping and concrete work has been completed. Final inspections are expected to be completed this week.
Paving, striping and concrete work are all completed. Final adjustments to lighting and landscaping are being completed this week with final inspections to follow.
Relocation of the underground utilities which were under the building pad is complete. Rough grading for the building pad is underway. Construction of new utilities has started.
Final asphalt and striping have been completed and trees will be planted per the City’s request at an alternate location to replace the trees removed to extend the turn lane.
Holiday Schedule
There will be no construction on Monday, December 25th and Monday, January 1, 2018.
October 13, 2017 – Construction Update
Construction will be finalized at the end of the month with sidewalks being replaced, landscape finished, and the parking lot paved and striped.
Construction of the parking expansion continues on schedule. Landscaping continues, as well, along the slopes. The base for the parking lot is being laid, curb and gutter is being poured and the paving of the parking lot is scheduled for the end of the month, with completion soon after.
Relocation of the underground utilities is underway. Replacement of the utility lines which include chilled water, domestic water, fire water, gas, storm sewer, and sanitary sewer, along with rough grading will take approximately three months barring any complications.
The extension of the left-turn pocket at Turtle Rock and Concordia West is scheduled to begin next week. Barring any delays, estimated construction time is three weeks. Construction hours will be restricted to avoid interference with drop off and pick up schedules at University High School located around the corner.
September 26, 2017 – Construction Update
The remainder of the modular wetland installation, sidewalk repair and parking lot realignment is being completed this month. Following the completion of the paving and striping of the area where the previous driveway was located, landscaping will be completed. Final completion of work is expected in early October.
Construction of the parking expansion continues with the extension of the parking lot lighting and irrigation in the expanded lot. The retaining walls have been completed and irrigation and planting of the slopes will commence in October. The completion of the parking lot is anticipated at the end of October.
Demolition and rough grading for the Music, Worship & Theology building began in late August. Relocation of the underground utilities will commence shortly. Once the utilities have been relocated from the building pad area, excavation for the building pads will commence.
The extension of the left-turn pocket at Turtle Rock and Concordia West is scheduled to begin in mid- October. Construction hours will be restricted to avoid interference with drop off and pick up schedules at University High School located around the corner. More details will be forthcoming.
August 28, 2017 – Construction Update
Stop signs and road striping at Concordia between the East gate and Dorm Road have been completed. Final landscaping at the Dorm Road-Concordia intersection is being finished. The access drive for Parking Lot H (District Lot) from Concordia is being demolished while a new storm drain structure is placed, and the drive area is replaced with landscaping. Once completed in about two to three weeks, construction work in this intersection will be complete.
The new access drive into Parking Lot A (baseball lot) and the first two rows of parking have been reopened for Concordia’s use. Construction of the parking expansion continues with the placement of modular wetlands and the construction of retaining walls. Placement of underground utilities for the parking lot is continuing.
Demolition and rough grading for this building is scheduled to begin August 25.
August 14, 2017 – Construction Update
The majority of the construction on Dorm Road will be complete in time for the start of classes on August 21st. Landscaping and the closure of the existing District Lot will follow the completion of work on Dorn Road.
The widened access to the parking lot will be complete by August 21st with landscaping to follow. Parking in the first two rows will open to CUI faculty and students at this time.
Parking Lot A Expansion
For the next few weeks, construction in the Parking Lot A expansion will be focused on the new retaining walls. Construction is scheduled to be completed in October, at which point the lot will be open to construction parking and traffic only.
Demolition and grading of the building site is scheduled to begin the week of August 21st.
Special Assigned Parking
To reduce the parking demands on our existing lots, a few dozen staff members have been assigned parking on the practice field for the duration of the construction. Unless you have a special permit and an assigned space, please do not park on the field.
August 7, 2017 – Construction Update
The new access drive from Parking Lot H (District lot) to Dorm Road has been completed. Relocating the access drive to Parking Lot E is progressing and on schedule for completion within the next two weeks. The shifting of Dorm Road at the intersection is also nearing completion. Once the Dorm Road intersection is complete, the access drive to the District lot will be closed, replanted, and the new striping for a left turn lane and new stop sign at Ascension will be done.
The new access drive into Parking Lot A (Baseball lot) and the front half of the parking lot will be open for CUI parking by August 18, in time for the first day of classes on August 21. Irrigation and landscaping for the front half of the parking lot will follow starting August 21. The retaining walls for the parking lot expansion have started this week and will last approximately two to three weeks. Underground utilities in this area (storm drain, electrical, irrigation) are in process.
Tree removal and fencing has been completed and preparation for demolition and grading is underway. Preparation for grading to commence is continuing.
July 20, 2017 – Construction Update
The final grading permit for the Music, Worship and Theology Building was received this week.
Demolition, tree removal and grading has started on the following projects:
Fencing around the construction zones is being installed and the re-routing of the bike trail is marked with signs.
To maintain the schedule that insures that the Dorm Road / Concordia intersection is fully operational before students return for the Fall semester, work may be scheduled for a Saturday or two. All hours of work will adhere to the Construction Staging and Management Plan which meets or exceeds the City regulations for construction hours.
A new link from the CUI main website to the consolidated athletics department calendar of events has been added for convenience. The main webpage will continue to list upcoming events under “Featured Events.”
July 7, 2017 – Construction Update
Construction permits were recently issued by the City of Irvine for the following projects. Construction has begun and heavy equipment is anticipated to be arriving around July 13 for:
A grading permit for the Music, Worship & Theology building has cleared technical requirements, and is expected to be issued soon so that grading for this new building can begin.
Work hours are limited by the Construction Staging and Management Plan which can be found on Concordia University Irvine’s construction update section on www.cui.edu/adapt&improve. From this web page, you can also opt in to receive construction updates via email, and view maps of construction sites.
To see a list of upcoming events on campus that may also impact traffic, visit www.cui.edu. To view the athletics department calendar of events, visit www.cuieagles.com.
June 12, 2017 – Construction Update
With recent unanimous approval from the Irvine City Council, we are in final approvals on our permits and will tentatively begin construction on Monday, June 26 for Phase One Dorm Road realignment, Parking Lot A expansion, Turtle Rock left-turn lane, and the Music, Worship & Theology building. If you're a homeowner association manager, board member, or representative and would like to help us spread the word about how residents can stay up to date on the progress (through HOA e-newsletters, emails, etc.), here's information that you can share:
This summer, Concordia University Irvine will begin work on the first phase of its recently approved Master Plan. To help you plan ahead for potential traffic delays, answer FAQs and more, the University has created a website that offers weekly construction updates--www.cui.edu/Adapt&Improve.
From the web page, you can also opt in to receive construction updates via email. Keep in mind that weather conditions may alter the construction schedule. When that happens, we will do our best to post online updates. Concordia is working with its builder, Snyder Langston, to limit large construction vehicle traffic (concrete trucks, steel deliveries, cranes, and earth moving equipment) between the hours of 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Monday through Friday, none on Saturdays. There is no work scheduled on Sundays.
To see a list of upcoming events on campus that may also impact traffic, visit www.cui.edu. On the bottom half of the landing page in the middle, under "featured events," you'll find a chronological list of upcoming university events on campus. Scroll for more events, and click the events for hours. Keep in mind, with school not in session during summer break, the events calendar is lighter than normal.
To view the athletics department calendar of events, visit www.cuieagles.com. Scroll just past the fold where, on the left, under "Eagles Nest" and events, you can find a schedule for home and away games.
May 30, 2017 – Here’s What’s Happened Since City Council Approval
Since final City Council approval for our campus construction plans was received on May 9, 2017, we have been busy preparing for the start of construction.
If you have any questions or haven’t yet signed up for construction updates, please visit our Questions/Comments section.
If you have any questions or haven’t yet signed up for construction updates, please go to our Questions/Comments page.
Questions/Comments
Click on any of the questions below to view the answer. If you don’t see your question on the list, please contact us and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
Will any of the proposed revisions be in place soon enough to benefit me?
You will begin to see changes with the Fall 2017 semester as construction of internal road and parking improvements begin, and construction of the Music, Worship & Theology building gets underway. And if you’re still on the campus for the Fall 2019 semester, you might be among the first students to benefit from the from the great new facilities in the Music, Worship & Theology building.
When will the new Music, Worship & Theology building open?
The new Music, Worship and Theology building could open as soon as the late Fall of 2018 (16-18 months after construction commences).
Will the proposed Master Plan revisions affect current tuition or dorm costs?
No. A separate fundraising effort is underway to raise all the money needed to fund these improvements.
How will construction affect my classes and campus life?
Construction will occur in phases, over time. Only Phase One improvements are currently funded, so construction will begin shortly. Other than sidewalk re-routings and some construction noise, you should experience no changes to normal campus life.
What happened to the proposed traffic signal at Ridgeline and Concordia East?
The proposed traffic signal at Ridgeline Drive and Concordia East was delayed with Concordia’s concurrence after many Turtle Rock neighbors expressed concern that the signal would exacerbate existing congestion. Consideration of the signal will occur after the planned City improvements to the University Drive/Ridgeline Drive intersection are completed. Concordia believes the signal will improve safety and traffic flow at the Ridgeline Drive/Concordia East intersection and continued its commitment to fully fund the installation of the signal, should the City determine it is needed.
Will the proposed Master Plan improvements affect current tuition or dorm costs?
Will my student benefit from the proposed Master Plan revisions?
Students will begin to see changes with the Fall 2017 semester, as construction of internal road and parking improvements begin, and construction of the Music, Worship & Theology building gets underway. If your Concordia student is still on the campus for the Fall 2019 semester, he or she might be among the first students to benefit from the from the great new facilities in the Music, Worship & Theology building.
The proposed traffic signal at Ridgeline Drive and Concordia East was delayed with Concordia’s concurrence after many Turtle Rock neighbors expressed concern that the signal would exacerbate existing congestion. Consideration of the signal will occur after planned City improvements to the University Drive/Ridgeline Drive intersection are completed. Concordia believes the signal will improve safety and traffic flow at the Ridgeline Drive/Concordia East intersection and continued its commitment to fully fund the installation of the signal, should the City determine it is needed.
Why is Concordia University proposing these changes to its Master Plan?
We are the fourth leg of Irvine’s educational excellence: an excellent K-12 school district, an excellent community college, an excellent University of California campus, and Concordia University Irvine, an excellent private university. From kindergarten to graduate school, all educational institutions must Adapt & Improve to meet challenging and changing demands placed on educational facilities, which is why we have updated our Master Plan to create venues for hands-on learning environments that our initial campus buildings cannot accommodate adequately through renovation.
What have you done to address neighbors’ concerns?
Working with the City Council and our neighbors, we agreed to many changes to our plan and a comprehensive program of monitoring and reporting throughout the construction period and thereafter. (For details on monitoring and reporting, see the next question.)
Changes made to address neighbors’ concerns include:
How can neighbors be certain that Concordia University Irvine will keep its commitments?
All the commitments made during the Planning Commission and City Council hearings were incorporated into a Memorandum of Understanding with the City that outlines our commitments, how compliance will be monitored, and penalties the city can impose if we fall short of any measure.
The provisions of the Memorandum of Understanding are:
View the Memorandum of Understanding, starting on page 238.
What will be done during construction to reduce impacts on neighbors?
When construction is underway, we will comply with the City of Irvine’s rules regarding start and stop hours, dust and noise suppression, and construction traffic and parking restrictions. It is important to remember that construction will be phased, so rather than being ongoing, we expect there will be periods between phases when no construction will be occurring. Also, some construction will occur far from some neighboring residents.
How do I get construction information or make a construction-related complaint?
To get construction updates, go to the Questions/Comments page and click the “Send me construction updates” box. To file a construction-related complaint, call (949) 214-3142 or email [email protected].
How much will the campus grow under the proposed Master Plan revisions?
We have committed to stay within the limitations currently imposed by Concordia University’s existing Master Plan – no more than 321,220 square feet of educational buildings (designated “Institutional” in Irvine’s zoning) and no more than 1,320 dorm beds. Currently, the campus’s educational buildings total 243,571 square feet, and there are 1,024 dorm beds. Some older buildings will be demolished to make room for new ones, bringing the total square footage of educational buildings to the allowed 321,220 square feet. We are also proposing to add one new dorm building, which will bring the total bed count to the allowed 1,320.
How much more traffic will be generated by the proposed master Plan revisions?
The Environmental Impact Report’s traffic count studies were conducted in October 2014 and April 2015, on days and times reflecting normal Concordia University Fall and Spring semester traffic, and during a Spring weekend with multiple events scheduled on campus. The traffic counts showed the university currently generates approximately 4,732 average daily trips (ADT), with 360 ADT during the morning peak hour (8 to 9 a.m.) and 421 ADT in the afternoon peak (4:30 to 5:30 p.m.). Concordia committed that average daily trips will not rise above this level during Phases One and Two.
What is being done to address projected increases in traffic?
According to the City’s EIR, “The recommended improvements at the intersection of Ridgeline Drive/University Drive for future scenarios, which are consistent with the City’s proposed intersection improvement project, would address the proposed project’s impact under the Existing Plus Project traffic analysis scenario.” In addition to paying the university’s fair share for the proposed improvements at the Ridgeline Drive/University Drive intersection, the Master Plan update includes an additional outgoing traffic lane from Concordia East. A traffic signal at Ridgeline Drive and Concordia East will be evaluated by the City after the completion of the Ridgeline Drive/University Drive intersection improvements.