Honoring the Past, Engineering the Future

The Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center, a 200,050-square-foot addition to the California Science Center in Downtown Los Angeles, is more than just a building project — it’s a monumental effort to preserve history and inspire future generations. Designed to house the historic space shuttle Endeavour along with other iconic aircraft, the project presents both technical challenges and unparalleled opportunities for innovation.

Southland Industries, a leader in commercial HVAC systems and MEP building solutions, was awarded the contract for this ambitious project in April 2022 after a competitive bidding process. “Southland has a strong history with this client, and we were honored to be invited to bid,” explains Senior Project Manager Jesse Jong. “This project stood out because of its sheer complexity and the legacy it represents — not just for our client, but for the community.”

A CHALLENGING UNDERTAKING
Southland’s scope of work includes designing and fabricating an intricate commercial HVAC system within a space defined by its exposed overhead utilities and soaring heights — up to 40 feet in some areas. The project also involves the fabrication and installation of more than 350,000 pounds of ductwork, 1,500 feet of double-wall roof duct and 3,000 feet of welded piping.

“The Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center is unlike anything we’ve worked on before,” Jong says. “It’s not just about HVAC; it’s about preserving and showcasing history while ensuring the building performs at the highest level of safety and efficiency.”

At the heart of this historic project lies the Endeavour, the iconic NASA Space Shuttle that completed 25 missions during its operational career, including servicing the Hubble Space Telescope and contributing to the construction of the International Space Station. The Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center will serve as the permanent home for this marvel of aerospace engineering, where it will be displayed in its vertical launch position, supported by authentic flight hardware such as real solid rocket boosters and an external fuel tank. This setup will be the only place in the world where visitors can witness a complete space shuttle system in such a configuration.

One of the most notable features is the atrium where the Endeavour will stand in its vertical launch position. This space incorporates high-rise smoke mitigation measures, an essential component of building safety, and aesthetic air distribution systems across multiple viewing platforms. The complexity of coordinating trades within this confined and congested environment has required meticulous planning and collaboration.

“The high ceilings and dense utilities meant we had to think differently,” Jong shares. “We’ve worked closely with our trade partners to share scaffolding and dance floors, ensuring accessibility while staying on schedule. These collaborations are critical to our success.”

OVERCOMING OBSTACLES THROUGH INGENUITY
Southland faced several logistical challenges throughout the project. One of the most significant ones was the fabrication and installation of a massive, 120,000-pound double-wall roof duct system. With only one month for fabrication and a week for crane placement, the team ramped up production by 100%.

“Fred Cabahug and Erik Lopez led our shop team through an incredible effort to meet the accelerated schedule,” says Jong. “The coordination between the field and the shop was seamless, and the quality of the work is a testament to the team’s expertise.”

The design also evolved mid-project. Originally, the building required three duct risers (two supply and one return). However, after discussions with the design team, the return riser was eliminated by converting the four-sided concrete shaft into a return plenum. “That redesign was pivotal,” Jong explains. “It allowed us to maintain accessibility for scaffolding and reduced the overall complexity of the installation.”

A TEAM EFFORT FOR A LASTING LEGACY
Southland’s peak crew size for the project reached 14 workers, with a combined 31,000 hours of work split between field and shop efforts. The construction has been a full team effort, led by Sheet Metal Leads Kenny Diekmann and Justin Hannon, and Logistics Manager Frank Coleman and Shop Lead Fred Cabahug. “We have a saying here: ‘No one succeeds alone,’ and this project embodies that sentiment,” Jong says. “From our welders to our logistics experts, everyone has played a critical role.”

The project’s significance isn’t lost on the team. As the permanent home of the space shuttle Endeavour, the Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center will be the world's only facility showcasing a fully assembled space shuttle system, including authentic solid rocket boosters and an external tank. “This is more than just a building; it’s a landmark,” Jong emphasizes. “To know our work will be part of something that inspires exploration and innovation for generations is incredibly rewarding.”

INNOVATION ROOTED IN HISTORY
For Southland Industries, the Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center is a perfect example of how innovative solutions and teamwork can tackle even the most complex challenges. “This project is about bridging the past and the future,” Jong reflects. “We’re building a facility that honors human achievement and inspires the next generation to dream big. It’s not just a project — it’s an inspiration.”

As construction continues toward its anticipated completion in September 2025, Southland Industries remains committed to delivering excellence. With over 75 years of experience, the company continues to prove why it’s one of the nation’s leading MEP building systems experts.