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Fairfield/Vacaville, CA – August 8, 2025 – Community leaders, educators, and project partners gathered on August 8th to celebrate the completion of a four-building expansion at Golden West Middle School in Fairfield. The ribbon cutting ceremony marked a significant milestone for Travis Unified School District (TUSD) as the campus prepares to welcome its first cohort of sixth-grade students in over two decades this fall.
The expansion – delivered using TimberQuestTM, a prefabricated mass timber building solution – adds permanent, high-quality learning environments that support the district’s long-term vision for growth, flexibility, and student wellbeing.
“It’s not often, given today’s fiscal pressures, that schools can provide learning spaces that match the excellence of their instructional programs,” said Travis Unified School District Superintendent, Tiffany Benson, “but that’s what makes this accomplishment so significant.”
The District chose TimberQuest’s DSA pre-approved solution, allowing for expedited design and permitting. General Contractor XL Construction was able to construct the buildings in only six months, delivering them in time to welcome sixth graders for the 2025/26 school year.
“This was truly a collaborative effort,” said Nick Cardin, Project Executive at XL Construction. “The district had a clear vision, and we were proud to help bring it to life quickly and in a way that prioritizes students and educators.”
Attendees included district leadership, school board members, teachers, and representatives from the project team. The event concluded with a ceremonial ribbon cutting and tours of the new buildings.
Travis Unified School District is a public K–12 district based in Fairfield, California, serving students from Fairfield, Vacaville, and Travis Air Force Base across eight schools.
It is committed to providing safe, supportive, and innovative learning environments that prepare students for success in college, career, and life.
TimberQuest delivers permanent learning environments that help students and educators thrive, leveraging mass timber prefabrication to minimize impacts and optimize value for schools. Learn more at www.timber-quest.com
XL Construction is a leading general contractor whose mission is to “build to improve lives.” Based in Milpitas, California, with offices in Oakland and Sacramento, XL Construction partners with today’s leaders in education, life sciences, advanced technology, commercial, civic, and healthcare sectors to create places that better their communities. Founded in 1992, the company’s focus and passion for team success have earned it a network of great partners and a reputation for putting people first. Learn more at www.xlconstruction.com
Mae has more than 26 years of experience in structural design. She has designed and managed various structures, including custom residences, public and private school buildings, and community centers. She has a special interest in sustainable design and construction and follows LEED certification updates and sustainable practices, making her a natural thought leader for mass timber projects. Mae is thoughtful in coordinating teams to ensure that solutions are efficient and sensible.
During his career spanning 38 years, Doug has managed and directed the structural design of many technologically innovative and diverse projects, including new building design, seismic evaluation and strengthening, performance-based design (including base isolation), and sustainable design. Placing great attention on important project details while executing broader project goals pertaining to construction, budget, schedule, and constructability, Doug has consistently helped owners and architects develop innovative design solutions.
Afsha has successfully led teams for both new construction and major renovations for various types of projects throughout the Bay Area. She sees every project as an opportunity to enhance the well-being of its users and create a positive impact on the whole community.
Joe has led all aspects of planning, design, and construction. He is well known for his thorough knowledge of projects, positive client interaction, management skills, and understanding the large picture for his clients.
John has been instrumental in the success of large and complex school modernizations and construction programs. His clients appreciate his timely and open communication, his willingness to go above and beyond, and his strategic leadership style. John demonstrates his dedication to the environment and decarbonization with his groundbreaking and ongoing work with Net Zero Energy/Emissions projects and advocates for building better and inspiring architects, engineers, and builders to make a positive lasting impact on the planet.
As Senior Vice President, Steve Winslow drives corporate initiatives for XL on prefabrication, efficiency, and culture. With 30+ years of industry experience, Steve provides high-level stewardship and drives change for XL in large corporate issues. He is a thought leader in the industry and brings people together to effect change. With Steve’s specific expertise in design phase management, he has helped hundreds of progressive Owners get their projects designed and constructed faster and more cost efficiently. Steve is a LEED and DBIA Accredited Professional.
Bryan has completed over 30 DSA projects. He provides executive oversight during both the preconstruction and construction of the project, making sure that the project-specific work plan and the scheduling are all accomplished to meet client needs. He makes sure that XL’s on-site management team has all the resources to successfully deliver each TimberQuest project.
As Director of Preconstruction, Matt Larson oversees all aspects of preconstruction, including cost estimating, cost management, cost studies on alternative materials, methods of construction, value engineering and bid packages. He has been an integral lead on XL’s mass timber projects and has developed expertise related to mass timber construction cost, constructability and procurement. Matt has more than 20 years of experience in the construction industry. He has a B.S. in Construction Engineering from Iowa State University.
