Project Milestones Worth Celebrating: A Month of Groundbreakings and Momentum
This past month has been full of excitement at McCullough as several long-anticipated projects officially broke ground. From essential public facilities to community-focused housing and urban infill development, each milestone represents meaningful progress toward healthier, more connected, and more resilient places. We’re grateful for our partners, clients, and communities who make this work possible—and we’re thrilled to share what we’ve been up to.
DGS Southern Emergency Operations Center – Costa Mesa, CA
David McCullough, Tianchi Zhang, and Catherine McCullough joined the State of California DGS team, including DGA Architects and Turner, to celebrate the start of construction on the Southern Emergency Operations Center.
Designed as a critical hub for emergency response in Southern California, this project carries immense purpose. Even in moments of crisis, we believe the landscape has the power to restore, ground, and uplift. The design incorporates a central courtyard and generous greenspace—calm, resilient spaces intended to support clarity and the human spirit when it’s needed most.
We look forward to watching this important facility come to life, with completion anticipated in Q3 2027.
Goldfinch at Mulberry Gardens – Riverside, CA
We were honored to join Eden Housing, Inc., along with state and community leaders to break ground on Goldfinch at Mulberry Gardens, a welcoming new neighborhood that will bring 149 affordable homes to Riverside on previously state-owned excess land. Catherine McCullough, and Studio Design Leader Benjamin Arcia represented our team alongside our partners who share a commitment to community, equity, and place.
Projects like Goldfinch embody our belief that design should support belonging and uplift daily life. Goldfinch and its sister project, Sparrow, will be connected through thoughtful outdoor spaces—a pedestrian paseo, shared amenities, and landscaped moments that invite residents to gather, breathe, and feel at home.
Read more from Governor Newsom’s announcement about the excitement leading up to this project. “California is leading with real solutions to tackle the national housing crisis head-on.”
Maeve – North Park, San Diego, CA
In North Park, we celebrated with the Murfey Company the progress at Maeve , a mixed-use community that reflects the energy, creativity, and diversity of one of San Diego’s most thriving urban neighborhoods. Situated at 4321 Illinois Street, the community offers seamless access to transit, job centers, and local destinations—an ideal backdrop for urban living with heart.
Within the development, Maeve Apartments rises as a contemporary nine-story residence offering a collection of studios, one-, and two-bedroom homes. With a rooftop terrace, community gym, and generous outdoor spaces for gathering and discovery, Maeve brings a soulful blend of modern living and connected community. Its design is rooted in context—balancing clean, contemporary architecture with vibrant outdoor experiences shaped for residents’ wellbeing.
We’re proud to contribute landscapes that elevate daily life and celebrate the spirit of North Park.
Looking Ahead
These groundbreakings mark more than construction starts, they represent new stories unfolding. Spaces where communities will grow. Places where nature and the human spirit come together. We’re excited for what’s ahead and look forward to sharing more milestones as these visions take shape.