Fonder-Salari, a Santa Clarita-based construction management firm, and Beverly Hills Unified School District as the distinguished Owner, have been recognized for their exemplary leadership in the modernization of the historic El Rodeo Elementary School. The prestigious Project Achievement Award, in the Over $50 Million Education Sector, was awarded by the Southern California Chapter of the Construction Management Association of America. This accolade was presented at CMAA’s annual awards gala in Long Beach, acknowledging Fonder-Salari’s ability to complete the $126.7 million project on time and within budget.

In addition to Fonder-Salari’s team, Beverly Hills Unified School District officials, including two BHUSD board members and their Superintendent, were honored on stage. Fonder-Salari has been the bond program construction manager for Beverly Hills USD since the summer of 2022, overseeing the final two years of the El Rodeo project.

CMAA, representing more than 11,000 firms and individuals, promotes the use of construction managers on projects to ensure efficiency and excellence in execution.

Founded in 2020 by Alisha Fonder, president, Amin Salari, COO, and Shawn Fonder, CEO, Fonder-Salari exemplifies decades of construction management experience in Southern California. As a woman-owned business, Fonder-Salari prioritizes completing projects on time and within budget, while also seeking opportunities to save money for clients.

“Fonder-Salari’s incredible team exhibited the ability to build and foster relationships with our district staff, architects, contractors, and various consultants, which has truly contributed to the overall success of this modernization project and our construction program,” said Will Karrat, executive director of construction services for the BHUSD.

Originally built in 1927, El Rodeo Elementary School required seismic retrofitting and modernization. Fonder-Salari took great care in preserving the school’s Spanish Renaissance Revival facades and ornate dome, while also restoring the 679-seat auditorium, replicating the original ceiling, providing new seating, and incorporating modern audio-visual systems. Additionally, the project included updated fire alarm and fire protection systems, new HVAC systems, electrical upgrades, new pathways and paving, shade structures, and landscaping. The campus now boasts 44 teaching stations, including specialized classrooms and a regulation American Youth Soccer Organization artificial turf field.

“While we are proud of the work our team invested in this project and thankful this project was honored by CMAA So Cal, so much credit goes to the entire Beverly Hills team, including their Board of Education for having a clear vision for what needed to be accomplished while preserving a beloved property,” said Fonder-Salari President Alisha Fonder.

“The role of a construction management firm on a project such as this can be a delicate one,” said CEO Shawn Fonder. “With multiple stakeholders involved, communication is key. Additionally, being brought on midway through the project, it was essential for our team to quickly establish rapport and build good relationships with all parties, as well as ensuring the project remained on schedule and on budget.”

“Projects such as this one are especially rewarding,” added Amin Salari. “When we can come in, establish a high level of transparency, assure the client the project will go as planned, propose innovative to save money, and remain faithful to the project timeline, that’s a win for everyone involved.”

About Fonder-Salari

Fonder-Salari, Inc. is a full-service construction consulting firm that offers services in construction management, program management, preconstruction, contract management, facilities management, and construction support services. Founded in 2020, the firm’s leadership brings a combined wealth of award-winning experience in the construction management realm, serving Southern California. To learn more, visit www.fonder-salari.com.