C.W. Driver Begins $175M Upgrade at Long Beach Poly High

 C.W. Driver Companies, a premier California builder specializing in educational facilities, celebrated the groundbreaking of a transformative $175 million modernization project at Long Beach Unified School District’s (LBUSD) Polytechnic High School in Los Angeles County. The comprehensive project includes interim student housing, a new 65,000-square-foot Career and Technical Education (CTE) classroom building, and the modernization of eight historic existing campus buildings. The modernization of Long Beach Polytechnic High School will support success across several study areas while also providing additional space to cater to the needs of all students.  

C.W. Driver was joined by the following speakers during an official ceremony: 

• Dr. Julie Sparks – Vice Principal, Polytechnic High School

• Rex Richardson – Mayor, City of Long Beach

• Dr. Jill A. Baker – Superintendent, Long Beach Unified School District

• David Miranda – Assistant Superintendent, Facilities and Operations, LBUSD

• Erik Miller – Member, LBUSD Board of Education

• Alejandro Vega – Principal, Polytechnic High School

• Rylee Ignacio – ASB President, Polytechnic High School

The project will be executed in three strategic phases, with the first focusing on site improvements, utility upgrades, and interim housing facilities to prepare the campus for continued operation during construction. Phases two and three will deliver additional improvements, transitioning campus spaces to serve new academic and student support functions.

A highlight of the modernization is the new, three-story CTE classroom building, which will include specialized facilities such as: 

• A medical simulation lab supporting the school’s medical pathway 

• Engineering and computer science labs

• Standard and intensive studies classrooms

• Robotics and automotive technology labs

• Spaces for the school’s Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC)

• Dedicated engineering courtyards and outdoor learning environments

Interim housing will also be built in a new complex consisting of 52 portable classrooms, four restroom buildings and a lunch shelter. These temporary facilities will ensure continuity of education during construction.

Images Courtesy of: C.W. Driver Co, LPA Architects

During the additional phases, scheduled across two subsequent summers, C.W. Driver will modernize the aging infrastructure, update utilities, and enhance Long Beach Polytechnic High School’s learning environment through partition walls, new flooring, fire alarms, and utility connections across eight buildings. Updates will include comprehensive HVAC and technology modernizations, new audiovisual systems, lighting, electrical, and interior/exterior finishes. Additionally, the school will be upgrading its accessibility and safety through ADA-compliant pathways and signage, fire alarm systems and tactile room and exit signage will be updated to meet code.

“This modernization project is more than just the addition of new buildings—it’s an investment in the future of every student at Polytechnic High School,” said Jamie Macartney, project executive, C.W. Driver. “By creating dynamic learning environments tailored to the educational needs of today, we’re helping to equip students with the skills, experiences, and inspiration they need to thrive both in school and in life.”

Long Beach Polytechnic High School will also feature several state-of-the-art academic and athletic facilities, along with outdoor collaborative learning areas to further support student engagement and achievement.

Image Courtesy of: C.W. Driver Co/LPA Architects

This is the fourth project C.W. Driver has worked on with Long Beach Unified School District, including the Cabrillo High School Aquatic Facility and Jordan High School Science Building and is currently in progress on Jordan High School Phases 5A, 5B & 6. With a long-standing reputation for shaping dynamic learning environments, C.W. Driver Companies recently completed the temporary campus for Palisades Charter High School in April. Now, the modernization of LBUSD’s Polytechnic High School marks another milestone, underscoring the firm’s ongoing dedication to forward-thinking construction in California’s educational sector.

The project is scheduled for completion in December 2027.

About C.W. Driver Companies

C.W. Driver Companies is a premier builder serving California since 1919. In 2019, the historic company proudly celebrated its 100-year anniversary. As a leader in general contracting and construction management services, C.W. Driver Companies are on the cutting edge across a broad spectrum of industries, including education, commercial/office, technology, healthcare/biomedical, mixed-use, assisted living, entertainment, retail, industrial and civic. Ranked in Engineering News-Record’s Top 150 General Contractors and Top 100 Construction Managers, C.W. Driver Companies has the ability to build a variety of projects, from large tenant improvements to small renovations and specialized projects through its affiliates Driver SPG and Good & Roberts. C.W. Driver Companies has offices located in Los Angeles, Rancho Cucamonga, Anaheim, San Diego and Carlsbad. For more information, please visit www.cwdriver.com. Follow C.W. Driver Companies on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.

Feature Image Courtesy of: C.W. Driver Co, LPA Architects