Women in Construction
March 28, 2024
This past year was even more of a whirlwind than the last, and as we leap into 2022, we're reminiscing on what has certainly been another unprecedented year. 2021 saw three project completions, nearly a dozen project beginnings, and four exciting internal
milestone achievements.
Over the course of the year, we were able to see to the completion of some exciting projects that contributed to the communities in our own backyard.
Despite a global pandemic and the continued health and safety practices on jobsites, the reconstruction of the Harbor View Villas in Ventura was completed
in early 2021. A victim of the Thomas Fire of 2017, the 6-story, 34-unit structure was rebuilt on the Ventura hillside overlooking the expansive coastline.
Another impactful community asset finished in 2021 is Clinicas Gonzales. Officially named the Karen R. Burnham Health Center (pictured on the right), this project was a reconstruction of a 2-story medical facility complete with medical, dental, optometry,
and mental health services. This center is named in honor of Karen Burnham, a prominent figure within the city of Oxnard who dedicated 37 years to public service with the city and over 30 years on the Clinicas del Camino Real Board.
In response to community need, the VCCCD Fire Technology Apparatus Building. Phase II was completed at the beginning of 2021 and we're continuing progress on Phase III. When completed, it will be used to store vital safety equipment and educate VCCCD
fire cadets in emergency response protocols.
In addition to completing several projects, we've also started a multitude of exciting new ventures across California.
The Manna Conejo Valley Food Bank – an organization that has made it its mission “to feed the hungry people of Conejo
Valley” – is transferring operations to a new facility within Thousand Oaks. Totaling just under 5,600 square feet with a receiving/sorting area, warehouse storage, and pantry, the new facility will allow Manna to better meet the needs
of the community in which it serves for years to come.
Another organization dedicated to bettering society and preparing for the future, the Boys and Girls Club of Camarillo is further supporting community needs with the construction of a 6,500 square foot addition. Some of the existing space will also be renovated for a more concentrated focus on their new
STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics) program. STEAM will allow youths to explore practical applications of a curriculum that encourage critical thinking utilizing multiple disciplines. Supporting this blended approach, the
addition – that will be known as the Bill and Joanne Miller Wing – will feature a teen center club for youths aged 13-18 to gather after school and do anything from sports to arts to volunteering to extended academic pursuits. It also
includes a fabrication/model lab that supports hands-on research and learning, a multi-purpose classroom, a demonstration and presentation area, and a snack room supporting nutritional studies. These spaces are in addition to the existing facility
that contains an art room, state-of-art computer/design lab, middle-school room, game area, gymnasium, auditorium and stage, multipurpose rooms, administrative offices, and soon to be renovated kitchen.
Also dedicated to the future by investing in our children and “growing the future of Ventura County Agriculture,” Sa'aliyas Ranch at Pacific High School in Ventura has received numerous updates including a parking lot and several updated walkways
for ease of accessibility. In partnership, the Ventura Unified and Ojai Unified School Districts are creating a facility that will allow students to gain hands-on experience directly relating to the agricultural industry of Ventura County. At this certified organic farm, high school students will acquire the latest agriculture vocational training, and K-8 students will participate in STEM-related projects. Sa’aliyas Ranch also consists of an indoor classroom and lab, as well as an outdoor classroom.
Advancing our mission to take on projects that support their communities, the Bryson II Apartments will sit directly adjacent to the historic Bryson Apartment Hotel on Wilshire Boulevard in the MacArthur Park section of Los Angeles. The Bryson Apartment
Hotel was built in 1913 and was considered to be one of the most luxurious residential buildings of its time, making Bryson II the perfect modern complement. When completed, this 46,800 square foot development will include five floors of 64 residential
units reserved for households earning at or below 30 and 50 percent of the area median income, more than half of which would be set aside as permanent supportive housing. It will also include an on-site laundry facility, case management offices, a
fitness center, a rooftop deck, a common room, and parking for 20 vehicles.
Clinicas del Camino Real is opening another location in Oxnard, CA. Construction began in July with a tenant improvement of an existing mercantile site. This new site will allow Clinicas to continue its mission to serve the local area.
Another residential complex dedicated to enhancing its community, Villa San Clemente is a mixed-use project situated on Main Street in Ventura with 10 two-story residential townhomes and 3 retail spaces in a Spanish-style architecture that is distinctive
to the area's beach town charm. Villa San Clemente features a third-floor courtyard and rooftop fireplace for residents to enjoy the coastal view and mild climate of Ventura.
The final, and arguably most recognizable, projects to begin in 2021 were renovations of the Los Angeles area Ferrari dealerships including Beverly Hills, South Bay, and Westlake. Each included selective demolition, a variety of high-end interior finishes,
technical upgrades to support the customer experience, flooring throughout, and multiple electrical improvements.
Over the course of the past year, we've worked remotely and in the office. Through it all, our staff has remained diligent and disciplined to ensure that projects run smoothly and our clients received the highest level of service.
Amid daily project tasks, our team has also accomplished feats in the past year that others only aspire to. Navigating one of the most tumultuous employment landscapes, our Human Resources department has shined in its ability to bring in even more talent
from the field, amassing over 100 staff members throughout the state of California. That's a 27% increase from the previous year, all within a time of higher unemployment rates due to COVID-19.
We were named the tri-county area's #8 "Best Places to Work 2021" based on employees' feedback -- a position that we hold in high esteem as it is a direct reflection of our staff.
Senior Project Manager Ryan Tauro was awarded the Pacific Coast Business Times' 40 Under 40 recognition this
past year. Ryan oversees NoHo Mixed Use and the Bryson II Apartments, both located in Los Angeles. In his time with Staples, he's solidified his reputation for always having a witty quip at the ready.
Not to be outdone, Sue Pyne, our Director of Finance, was named a tri-county area's Top 50 Women in Business for 2021. With a tenure at Staples of nearly 20 years and a passion for developing lasting friendships with colleagues and clients, Sue is a shining
example of what Staples means when we say we are a “family.”
With all the challenges and achievements of 2021, we can only speculate about the wonderful things to come in 2022. Let's celebrate another year down, and cheers for what's to come!
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