If the walls at Aggie Square could talk, they would tell stories that go beyond the upcoming launch of the innovation district rising on the UC Davis Sacramento campus. They would also speak to local history and the role of regional enterprises in building the ambitious project that will open in May.

In creating the 750,000 square feet of lab, office and collaboration space, the six-story parking garage as well as nearly 200 apartments, UC Davis and its partners have engaged with more than 80 businesses with hubs in nearby ZIP codes, from coffee houses and restaurants to providers of scaffolding and safety equipment.

The focus on local business is consistent with the Aggie Square Community Benefits Partnership Agreement. Forged between UC Davis, developer Wexford Science and Technology and the City of Sacramento with input from the local community, the 2021 agreement provides for a range of commitments to the area. These include $50 million for creation of new affordable housing in nearby neighborhoods and housing stabilization programs; hiring locals for Aggie Square construction jobs; job training and workforce development in the community; funds for youth opportunities, entrepreneurship and public art; and providing community access to Aggie Square facilities.

When fully built out, Aggie Square is expected to generate roughly $500 million in regional economic output and support 3,200 jobs annually, according to a report published in February.

Among the most significant local connections are those with H.C. Muddox, a Sacramento-based brickworks established in 1878, and Bagatelos Architectural Glass Systems (BAGS), founded 120 years later.

H.C. Muddox created a brand new, wavy-sided brick shape for the Aggie Square project. Other design choices, including the color and texture of the bricks, were intended to connect to historic buildings in neighboring Oak Park and the former California State Fairgrounds where Aggie Square sits today. Nearby buildings such as the former Citizens Bank branch at 35th Street and Fourth Avenue, the H.C. Muddox building at 35th Street and Fifth Avenue that is now home to a University of the Pacific office and two historic California State Fairgrounds structures are made of H.C. Muddox brick. Other notable H.C. Muddox projects include parts of Chico State University and Oracle Park, home of the San Francisco Giants.

Roughly 135,000 H.C. Muddox bricks from local clay form the facade of the classroom and office building, with a pattern two stories tall that spells out the words “Fiat Lux.” The Latin phrase, which means “Let There Be Light,” is the University of California motto.

In a video describing the project, H.C. Muddox Western Regional Manager Jodi Holmes says, “It’s neat to see something so old be a part of something so new.”

Another prominent feature of Aggie Square is the glass, specifically the 28-foot-high panels on both buildings. The structural glass walls were designed, manufactured and installed by BAGS, whose headquarters are just two miles from Aggie Square.

Founded by brothers and native Sacramentans Chris and Nick Bagatelos — who followed their father into the trade — BAGS also has handled significant projects at Sacramento International Airport, the Ziggurat building overlooking the river in West Sacramento and Los Angeles International Airport.

CEO Chris Bagatelos said phase one of Aggie Square required 52 members of his team to manufacture the glass. Another 25 glaziers were employed installing it. “For these guys, to be doing the work in Sacramento is really kind of special,” he said. “They can show their friends and family ‘This is what we are doing.’”

Doing a major local project is also significant to Bagatelos.  “It’s the best,” he said. “Sacramento proud.”