Rooted in Innovation: CAST CONNEX Supports College of the Desert’s Vision for a Sustainable Campus

Project Details

• Location: Palm Springs, California, United States
• Sector: Education
• Status: Under Construction
• Budget: Over $400 Million
• CAST CONNEX Products Used: Architectural Taper + Universal Pin Connector (ART + UPC), Custom Castings

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The College of the Desert Palm Springs Campus is now rising in the heart of the Coachella Valley. This transformative development spans 27 acres and will serve over 3,000 students, faculty, and staff upon completion. Designed by WRNS Studio and engineered by Thornton Tomasetti, the campus is being built with a focus on sustainability, innovation, and community engagement.

Striking tree columns define the architectural identity of the campus and create an interconnective feature for the Digital Media & Arts, Healthcare, Culinary, and Architecture educational spaces, as well as the multi-venue Event Center, a central utility plant, and mobility hub facilities. CAST CONNEX is proud to support the architectural and structural vision of the Palm Springs Campus by supplying Architectural Taper + Universal Pin Connectors (ART + UPC), Diablo Bolted Splices (DBS), and custom-designed cast steel tree nodes for the tree columns.

This project is in a region of high seismicity, and subject to review by Division of the State Architect (DSA), requiring close collaboration between CAST CONNEX and the project team. Understanding needs and expectations of the project team enhances our ability to provide unique solutions and innovative products like those designed for this project.

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In a project with such a strong architectural vision, our custom-designed cast steel components allow the design team to achieve Architecturally Exposed Structural Steel (AESS) standards without compromising on structural performance or constructability.

The College of the Desert Palm Springs Campus stands as a testament to the power of collaboration between visionary design and advanced structural solutions. CAST CONNEX is honored to contribute to a project that will shape the future of education and community in the Coachella Valley.

The campus is on track for completion in 2027, with classes expected to commence in Fall 2027.

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Project Credits:

• Architects: WRNS Studio
• Structural Engineers: Thornton Tomasetti 
• Construction Manager: C.W. Driver 
• Fabricator & Erector: Schuff Steel

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