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Owner of the Year 2007
 Following a review of nominations for this year’s Owner of the Year, California Construction’s editorial staff selected two innovative public and private owners that are truly outstanding representatives of what owners can and should become. With the Los Angeles Community College District, we witness the hiring of minority and disadvantaged local contractors and subs, and a green building program that gives new meaning to sustainability. And with Donahue Schriber of Costa Mesa, we see an innovative developer of shopping centers that is out to “de-mall” the industry.
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As our Public Owner of the Year, the Los Angeles Community College District is currently holding sway over a $2.2 billion building program thanks to the passages of Proposition A and AA in 2001 and 2003, respectively.
LACCD has made tremendous efforts to involve local businesses through small business fairs and community outreach programs. The district is partnering with local economic development organizations and other agencies to sponsor “boot camps” and seminars to give small contractors the information and skills they need to successfully bid and participate in the program.
These efforts are paying off: to date, small businesses have earned 86% of the construction contracts funded through the bond program.
Overseeing a program that includes 457 projects is Larry Eisenberg, the district’s executive director of facilities planning and development.
Additionally, the region’s workforce has benefited from the district’s internship and jobs programs. The internship program has placed hundreds of students in numerous professional fields where they acquire hands-on training and receive job placement opportunities. The District is also facilitating the hiring of at-risk adults for construction jobs through the successful PVJOBS program.
“The LACCD is also using cutting-edge technology tools, such as Building Information Models (BIM), for various functions, giving colleges better tools for space utilization and improving methods for project maintenance and management
And the district’s sustainability program aims to maximize its positive effect on the environment by:
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Conserving natural resources through environmentally-sound selection of building materials, landscaping, water-smart plumbing systems
- Developing a plan to produce enough of its own energy to take its nine campuses “off the power grid” using only renewable sources
- Exceeding California’s Green Energy requirements by a minimum of 20%
- Establishing a goal of climate-neutral campuses by reducing the carbon footprint of all new buildings
- Requiring the dozens of new Proposition A/AA buildings to meet or exceed the USGBC LEED standards
LACCD’s green policies have resulted in an increase in demand for materials and furniture with a high concentration of recycled content. The district has offered a bulk procurement purchasing process to all non-profit and public agencies in California, giving them the ability to purchase sustainable products at discounted rates.
Founded in 1969 by Tom Schriber and the late Dan Donahue, the Private Owner of the Year Donahue Schriber owns or operates 91 centers in the U.S. with more than 15 million sq ft of space.
Over the years, the company has transformed the regional mall as it is known today into what is considered a destination or lifestyle center, such as Anaheim Plaza, an enclosed regional mall that was demolished, and the three-year, $100 million renovation of Fashion Island in Newport Beach into a lifestyle center.
While a major financial success (as of January 2007, its development pipeline exceeded $500 million), the company’s leaders also maintain a strong commitment to charitable giving in the community. Further, they exercise great sensitivity to the preferences of residents where the company operates centers.
Donahue Schriber makes a concerted effort to engage adjacent property owners, city planners and local government to ascertain any aesthetic or functional issues important to community members.
Prior to his death in 2002, Dan Donahue tirelessly supported KidWorks, a nonprofit founded to improve the future of inner-city youth. Tom Schriber, Donahue Schriber’s board chairman, sits on the board of KidWorks, which operates the Donahue Center in central Santa Ana. In addition, the Dan Donahue Keeping Kids on Track Award is presented annually through the Orange County United Way.
Patrick Donahue, Dan’s brother, serves as president and CEO.
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