Swinerton and Mercy Housing California Inspire Next Generation of Builders, Architects, and Engineers at “Minds Under Construction” Steam Festival

Swinerton, a nationwide builder for more than 130 years, in collaboration with leading affordable housing provider Mercy Housing California (MHC), today announced dozens of youth participated in the ‘Minds Under Construction’ festival in San Francisco’s Sunnydale neighborhood on Nov. 5, 2022. At the event, which was dedicated to advancing understanding and inspiring passion for the fields of science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM), participants worked with 3D printers and learned about designing earthquake-safe homes, working with electrical circuitry and water engineering. Swinerton staff partnered with MHC’s resident services team to bring this enriching day of STEAM exploration to families living at Sunnydale, a diverse but under-invested neighborhood currently undergoing a community-based revitalization initiative including new affordable homes, services and economic opportunities for residents.

“We’re delighted to partner with Swinerton to help young people of all ages and backgrounds unlock their potential and discover their interests,” said Ashlei Hurst, MHC Director of Community Life. “Our work at Sunnydale is grounded in the belief that all youth deserve supportive spaces to learn, play and grow, and events such as ‘Minds Under Construction’ help us build toward that future.”

Swinerton and MHC will collaborate again on the Sunnydale Community Center, a key part of the soon-to-be-constructed Sunnydale Hub. The Hub, which will comprise both a community center and a recreation center, was identified by neighborhood residents as a top priority in the Sunnydale transformation plan. Swinerton is the contractor of record for the Sunnydale Community Center, which will break ground on Dec. 6, 2022. Developed by MHC and Related California, the Community Center will include a Boys & Girls Clubs of San Francisco Clubhouse; a Wu Yee Early Childhood Education Center; a community kitchen and gathering spaces. The groundbreaking event will celebrate the Sunnydale residents who collaborated on the transformation plan, as well as the donors and partners who helped to complete the $45 million Build the Hub Capital Campaign. Swinerton is deploying a workforce development program for Sunnydale’s adult residents starting Dec. 1, 2022, with the goal of creating 15-20 new jobs over the next 18 months.

“Swinerton is extremely proud to partner with Mercy Housing on the Sunnydale revitalization initiative, a transformative endeavor that will stimulate a thriving community and economy,” said Lori Dunn-Guion, Swinerton Vice president and division manager. “Key to realizing this vision is providing workforce training and development for Sunnydale residents – and in the case of Sunnydale’s youth – exposing them to immersive, hands-on events like ’Minds Under Construction’ that spark awe, wonder and passion to pursue STEAM careers.”

About Swinerton
Swinerton provides commercial construction and construction management services throughout the United States. Founded in 1888, Swinerton is 100% employee-owned and is the preferred builder and trusted partner in every market it serves—proudly leading with integrity, passion, and excellence. Swinerton is headquartered in Concord, Calif. with regional offices in Spokane and Seattle, Wash.; Portland, Ore.; Sacramento, San Francisco, Oakland, Santa Clara, Los Angeles, Santa Ana and San Diego, Calif.; Honolulu; Denver; Dallas and Austin, Texas; Atlanta; Charlotte and Raleigh, N.C. and New York City. For more information, please visit swinerton.com.

About Mercy Housing California

Mercy Housing California (MHC) is the largest regional branch of Mercy Housing, Inc. (MHI), a leading national affordable housing nonprofit headquartered in Denver, and founded in 1981. MHC’s mission is to create stable, vibrant, and healthy communities by developing, financing and operating affordable, program-enriched housing for families, seniors, and people with special needs who lack the economic resources to access quality, safe housing opportunities. MHC owns 160 rental properties across 36 California counties, serving low- and very-low-income working families, seniors, people who have experienced homelessness, people living with HIV/AIDS and people with disabilities. To learn more about MHC, please visit mercyhousing.org/california.