Photos courtesy of the Pleasanton Unified School District and QKA. Renderings by Gensler.
Pleasanton, Calif., Sept. 21, 2026 – Pleasanton Unified School District (PUSD) has officially broken ground on a significant campus transformation at Amador Valley High School (AVHS). Funded by the voter-approved Measure I bond, the project will deliver a new Performing Arts Center (PAC), a new athletic facility with a competition gym, and modernizations to existing music facilities. Designed by Quattrocchi Kwok Architects (QKA) and Gensler, and being built by Blach Construction (Blach), the project will create high-performance facilities to support the district’s long-term vision for arts, athletics, and student engagement. Van Pelt Construction Services (VPCS) is serving as project manager.
“This project represents a transformational investment in the future of our students and our entire community,” said Dr. Maurice Ghysels, superintendent of Pleasanton Unified School District. “Thanks to the voters who supported Measure I, these modern facilities will give our talented student-athletes and performing arts students spaces that match their dedication, and we are thrilled to see this long-held vision begin to take shape.”
The multi-phase transformation includes a state-of-the-art PAC designed to seat more than 500 spectators. The new theater will feature a modified fly loft, advanced audiovisual systems, and the preservation of the school’s historic chandelier. In addition, the existing music building will undergo comprehensive modernization to complement the new facility.
To enhance AVHS’s athletics program, a new competition gym will be constructed to accommodate up to 1,700 spectators. The facility will connect directly to the school’s sports fields via a newly redesigned “Avenue of the Dons” pedestrian connection. Meanwhile, the existing competition gym will be remodeled into a dedicated practice gym and locker rooms. Associated site work, landscaping, and overall circulation improvements will significantly enhance campus connectivity.
“This milestone is a testament to the strong partnership between PUSD, Gensler, Blach, and our team,” said QKA Studio Director Ector Mojica. “We designed these new facilities to be versatile and inspiring, ensuring Amador Valley High School students have access to top-tier environments that elevate both performing arts and athletics in the community.”
Utilizing a progressive design-build delivery method, the multi-year effort prioritizes safe, efficient execution across all project phases. Construction will be completed in stages, with the new athletic facility and competition gym scheduled to open in 2027, and the PAC anticipated in 2028.
“We are thrilled to break ground on this major campus transformation,” said Brad Fannin, project executive at Blach. “Close collaboration amongst our entire team allows us to streamline execution across every phase, keeping the project on schedule while delivering first-class facilities for student performers and athletes.”
“Breaking ground on this project marks an exciting milestone,” said Rikki Dy-Liacco, studio director at Gensler. “Through close collaboration and thoughtful design, we are creating facilities that will elevate the student experience and strengthen the Pleasanton community for years to come.”
About Pleasanton Unified School District
The Pleasanton Unified School District is a public primary and secondary education school district located in Pleasanton, California, United States, a suburban town east of San Francisco. Founded in 1988, PUSD serves thousands of students across nine elementary schools, three middle schools, two comprehensive high schools, and one alternative high school.
About Gensler
At Gensler, the value of our work stems from its positive impact on the human experience. We are a dynamic and collaborative design firm uniting creativity, research, and innovation to solve complex problems for our clients. Our work challenges conventional ideas about architecture and the built environment. We aren’t just designing buildings — we are reimagining cities and places that make a difference in people’s lives. Founded in 1965, Gensler has built a team of 6,000 professionals who partner with clients in over 100 countries each year. Everything we do is guided by our mission: to create a better world through the power of design.
About Blach Construction
Founded in 1970, Blach Construction delivers structures of enduring quality and value throughout California. The firm’s diverse portfolio includes community-focused TK-12 and higher education facilities, modern civic and workplace environments, and affordable, supportive and market-rate housing developments. The firm is consistently ranked among California’s top contractors by Engineering News-Record and has received multiple Construction Safety Excellence Awards from the Associated General Contractors of California.
Blach is headquartered in San Jose with offices in Monterey and Southern California. To learn more, please visit blach.com and engage via LinkedIn.
