Friendship Campus Receives California State Approval to Begin Construction, Project Delivery Group Joins as General Contractor

The Friendship Foundation has received final approval from the State of California’s Division of the State Architect and permits to begin construction on its new Friendship Campus for intellectually and physically diverse students in Redondo Beach, Calif. FF has selected Project Delivery Group as the general contractor for this phase of construction, which includes remaining demolition, earthwork, utility prep and foundation work for the 64,000-square-foot facility. PDG joins Gensler, Gardiner & Theobald and Saatchi & Saatchi on the project.

The 3.25-acre education and vocational campus will revolutionize postsecondary training for young adults on the autism spectrum or other intellectual or physical differences. The campus will focus on talent and skill building; personal growth and development programs; social and emotional wellness; healthy lifestyle habits and physical fitness; and job training and exploration programs with corporate partnerships for work placement.

A Friendship Café and Teaching Kitchen will give students hands-on learning experience for training in hospitality and culinary industry careers. The Kinecta Financial Empowerment Academy will introduce life skills financial literacy to use daily and as individuals gaining independence in society and working toward employment in finance and banking. The 64,000-square-foot Friendship Campus, The Greenberg Family/Skechers Center, is expected to be completed in 2025 and cost $55 million.