The VACC Serves as a Stark Reminder of Unmet Promises

The never-ending and costly construction on Valley's Academic and Cultural Building is not fair for current students and faculty. 

By Kaia Mann, Opinion Editor

View from original campus looking at the unfinished VACC. (Carson Tarabochia-Martin for The Valley Star).

The prolonged construction of the Valley Academic and Cultural Building has left students and faculty displaced, disgruntled and disappointed. 

The production of the new arts facility started in 2016 with a budget of $78.5 million and a two-year completion plan. Despite Valley’s pledge to upgrade facilities for the Arts Media and Design programs by 2018, after four graduating classes and an additional $20 million, the VACC now sits as a dormant, money-eating eyesore. 

The prospect of a state-of-the-art 480-seat main stage, outdoor amphitheater, and 150-seat horseshoe theater is undoubtedly exciting. However, the over eight-year delay has lessened the appeal and enthusiasm. Waiting for the VACC is like waiting for Rihanna's ninth studio album, which have both been in the works since 2016.

In fact, there is no completion date in sight for the VACC, and the ongoing legal battle with the previous construction firm, Pinner, will only slow things down more. It is improbable that Valley will be able to “cut the ribbon” of the VACC until at least 2026.  

It is unjust that Valley students and their learning conditions bear the brunt of the districts and administration’s failures. Despite Valley being the closest, most convenient option for many, students might be inclined to leave to other campuses that provide students the facilities they need. 

One of the most egregious examples of the VACC construction’s negative influence is evident in the theater department. The start of the VACC ripped away the theater department's home and replaced it with empty promises. The cinema department is in a similar boat, mostly sanctioned to the Administration and Career Advancement building while broadcasting faces time constraints and restricted physical space for classes. 

Even the departments that have not been displaced are still struggling. The last renovation of the art building was almost 20 years ago. The classrooms are small with no ventilation despite holding classes involving oil painting, woodworking, and ceramics. 

An evident issue, present not only in the art building but also in several others across campus, is the unpredictable and temperamental heating and cooling system. The temperature fluctuates over ten degrees in 20 minutes, creating uncomfortable and frustrating learning environments. 

The needed upgrades in these buildings and programs will not be taken seriously because Valley's money is being eaten up by the consistently insatiable VACC.

The VACC has reportedly cost the school and its taxpayers upwards of $100 million. Following the termination of Pinner Construction on March 8, BuildLACCD, the firm overseeing the VACC, is in search of a replacement but has yet to secure one.

In the wake of this, Pinner has filed a $30 million wrongful termination lawsuit against LACCD. The district is seeking to delay legal proceedings until the completion of the building's construction. As of today, the legal situation remains uncertain and the VACC is accumulating dust.

The potential of the VACC’s new and improved classrooms and workspaces is great and would be even greater if they were delivered on time. The extensive and costly nature of this project has stalled necessary upgrades for other campus buildings, adversely impacting Valley students.