Steel Facade Celebrates Paratrooper History in SoCal iPark

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Gillespie Field iPark, is set to soar as a built-to-suit manufacturing facility for GKN Aerospace and distribution as it opens near Gillespie Field public airport in El Cajon, Calif. Ware Malcomb designed the 35,303-m² (380,000-sf) industrial project with aviation-themed architecture and sustainable design elements, including a perforated steel mural.

The new industrial development showcases a collaboration between Ware Malcomb, Del Mar-based developer Chesnut Properties, general contractor C2 Building Group, structural engineer Prime Engineering, landscape architect Ridge Landscaping, and utility consultant NV5. The manufacturing tenant, GKN Aerospace, is a leading global tier-one supplier of aftermarket repair, airframe and engine structures, landing gear, electrical interconnection systems and transparencies.

“The project showcases a seamless blend of form and function, with its unique aviation-themed architecture and sustainable design elements,” says Robert Park, director of architecture, Ware Malcomb.

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Employing tilt-up concrete construction, the industrial building’s exterior architectural features include unique custom canopies requiring intricate structural elements, as well as a mural made from steel perforated panels inspired from a photo of a World War II aircraft training at Gillespie Field.

“The project exterior and interior reflect a unique aviation theme inspired by its proximity to Gillespie Field, once a World War II Marine Corps paratrooper training site,” says Angela Ryan, principal, Ware Malcomb. “The developer, design team, subcontractors and vendors successfully overcame a variety of challenges to honor the site’s history and demonstrate a commitment to environmental stewardship.”

Despite airport-related height constraints, the project achieved its interior clear height goal while integrating a variety of sustainability features such as solar panels, energy-efficient equipment, natural ventilation, and daylighting.