As a leader in commercial electrical contracting in Northern California, Con J. Franke Electric is proud to continue showcasing our expertise and dedication to advancing education through high-quality electrical infrastructure. One of our most ambitious and rewarding projects to date is the new Fairfield High School Performing Arts Center, located in Fairfield, California. This project is an impressive collaboration of innovation and technical precision, aiming to provide students and the community with a state-of-the-art venue for theatrical performances and musical events.
Project Overview
The scope of our work at Fairfield High School spans multiple aspects of construction and renovation. At the heart of this project is the 33,000-square-foot Performing Arts Center, featuring stadium seating, an orchestra pit, and cutting-edge production theatrical lighting systems. Our team is responsible for all electrical installations and the infrastructure needed for data, audio-visual, theatrical lighting, and controls.
Along with the Performing Arts Center, we’re also performing critical electrical modifications to existing Buildings C and G, including comprehensive renovations to the kitchen, culinary classroom, and restroom facilities.
At the core of the project is providing a 1600-amp metered utility service switchboard and three downstream dry-type transformers, supporting twenty-two distribution switchboards and panelboards. These installations are pivotal to ensuring the reliability of electrical distribution throughout the facility.
Expertise in Action
This project is led by Project Manager Teresa Moss and managed onsite by Foreman Jose Antonio Gonzales. With an overall contract value of $41,000,000 and a duration spanning from May 2022 through November 2024, this project is a long-term commitment to excellence that has seen over twenty-five Con J. Franke Electric team members actively engaged.
We are also proud to collaborate with five key subcontractors, each adding specialized expertise to this complex project:
- Cal Coast Telcom (Telecom/Data and Closed-Circuit Television Equipment)
- PCD (Audio & Video System Integration)
- Sound & Signal (Fire Detection and Alarm)
- Holzmueller Production (Theatrical Lighting and Control)
- Power Systems Testing (Testing of Power Distribution)
Our ability to manage multiple trades while maintaining a high standard of work quality is one of the hallmarks of Con J. Franke Electric’s success.
A Dedication to Overcoming Challenges
As with any large-scale project, the Fairfield High School Performing Arts Center and the kitchen remodel has had its fair share of challenges. One of the biggest hurdles has been adapting to delays and scope changes brought on by Requests for Information (RFIs), Architect’s Supplemental Instructions (ASIs), and Construction Change Directives (CCDs). These changes required significant flexibility from our team and subcontractors, as well as creative problem-solving to keep the project on track.
Despite these challenges, our team never lost focus. Teresa Moss, Project Manager, reflects on the experience, saying, “It’s truly rare to have a project of this size go without some rough spots, and we had our fair share. But CJF doesn’t give up. We put our heads together, faced each issue with a positive attitude, and found solutions to keep the project moving forward.”
Our team’s ability to work through these difficulties has been essential to keeping the project’s momentum and ensuring the Performing Arts Center will open in time to host community events and performances in November 2024.
A Project Benefiting the Future
One of the most rewarding aspects of this project is that our team worked hard and kept a positive mindset through the ups and downs, knowing our efforts will directly contribute to enriching the educational and cultural landscape for both Fairfield High School students and the surrounding community. From the theatrical lighting systems to the renovated culinary classroom, each element of this project is designed to provide students with cutting-edge learning environments that support their growth and creativity.
Teresa Moss also shared her anticipation for the grand opening of the Performing Arts Center, saying, “I’m looking forward to attending a community event at Fairfield High School Performing Arts Center. I’m sure that the challenges won’t be fully forgotten but hearing that first note played will bring a sense of satisfaction of a job well done and for a greater purpose – the youth of tomorrow.”
Con J. Franke Electric stays committed to delivering the high standards of craftsmanship and service that have defined our role as a leading commercial electrical contractor in Northern California.
Building a Legacy of Excellence
At Con J. Franke Electric, we believe in more than just completing projects—we believe in creating legacies. The Fairfield High School Performing Arts Center is one such legacy, a testament to our team’s ability, dedication, and ability to navigate complex commercial electrical projects from start to finish. As a company, we are proud to be a part of such transformative work, supporting both education and
