State approves design for $64.5 million Malibu Middle School hub Play

Santa Monica school board members were given an update Thursday on construction of the $64.5 million new middle school hub in Malibu. Construction began last week.

The news is that the office of the state architect in Sacramento has just approved the design. Construction manager Steve Massetti told the board Thursday that was the last hurdle before the real work can begin.

Massetti said phase two — the middle school hub and gymnasium — is underway, with the official groundbreaking held Wednesday. Prior to state approval, crews had been doing grading and similar work. Completion is anticipated in summer of 2028, with opening in fall of 2028. The estimated cost for the hub and gym portion is $64.5 million.

Next comes the long-awaited Olympic-size pool, described as phase 3A. Massetti said the aquatic center does not yet have state approval and does not yet have a bid, but groundbreaking is anticipated in early 2027, with completion and occupancy in mid to late 2028. Estimated cost is about $42 million.

The pool was supersized to meet strident demands from Malibu residents, but the bigger pool may mean a shortfall of money for the final phase — the new performing arts center out in front of the school. Architects are meeting with school community members this fall to find out what they need.