STANFORD, CA — McCarthy Building Companies announces the completion of a new home for Stanford Graduate School of Education (GSE). The 160,000-square-foot facility unites faculty, staff, and students in a centralized, purpose-built space to support collaboration, connection, and convening.
Construction began in early 2023 and involved two major renovations and one ground-up construction effort. Located prominently on Stanford’s campus, the new GSE complex comprises the renovated and newly named Angela Nomellini & Ken Olivier Building (ANKO) and the Barnum Center, as well as the addition of a new four-story facility named the Patricia & Jeffrey Raikes (Raikes) Building.
ANKO, originally constructed in 1938, underwent complex structural renovation. The team hollowed out the building’s core while preserving and supporting its historic wings — a feat of construction that required advanced shoring techniques to maintain structural integrity and meet county preservation requirements. Original Spanish tiles, windows, and ceiling elements were carefully removed, restored, and reinstalled to honor the building’s legacy. The renovation resulted in an open ground floor with an auditorium, classrooms, and the central forum for events and studying.
The Raikes Building includes modern classrooms, open offices, meeting rooms, and event space. One notable feature is a convening space on the fourth floor that includes indoor and outdoor space and views over the Stanford campus and surrounding hills.
The Barnum Center was restored for use as a classroom and event space. It contains 50 historic windows and a flexible space to foster collaboration.
| Your local Gomaco dealer |
|---|
| Terry Equipment |
| Terry Equipment |
“This project was both a challenge and a privilege,” said Jason Hughes, Vice President Operations at McCarthy. “Working alongside Stanford and our design and construction partners, we were able to preserve the university’s rich architectural history while creating a forward-looking facility that supports the future of graduate education.”
Key design and construction features include:
- Historic preservation: Restoration of original architectural elements in the ANKO
- Structural innovation: Shoring and hollowing techniques implemented to preserve building integrity
- Collaborative design: Extensive partnering sessions with Stanford stakeholders to align on goals and outcomes Photos courtesy of Khoi Pham, VDC Manager
