District taps 5 firms to lead school renovations

The Newport-Mesa Unified School District’s efforts to renovate its aging

facilities took a giant step from concept to reality with the hiring of

five architectural firms.

The companies -- selected in late November -- have their work cut out for

them, as they will share the design on the 28 schools designated for

improvements. Only one company will be assigned to each school, however,

said Mike Fine, the district’s assistant superintendent.

The improvements will be funded by Measure A, a $110-million bond passed

in June 2000. That amount will be combined with an estimated $53 million

in state matching funds.

The top priority for the district in selecting the five firms was

innovation, Fine said.

The architects chosen include Dougherty & Dougherty Architects LLP of

Costa Mesa, GKK Corp. of Newport Beach, HMC Architects of Irvine, LPA

Inc. of Irvine and Trittipo Architecture and Planning of San Marcos.

Construction of the first group of schools is scheduled to begin in late

summer.