Transforming Campus Door Security in Los Angeles County
By Brian Lundgren | February 27, 2026
In the heart of Los Angeles County in Southern California, a prominent university campus faced a growing challenge. With nearly 10,000 door openings across academic buildings, residence halls, administrative offices, and athletic facilities, maintaining safe, secure, and code-compliant access was no small task.
Over time, aging doors and outdated hardware had become a concern. The Director of Maintenance and Operations was increasingly frustrated with their existing supplier. Delays, inconsistent service, and piecemeal solutions were creating more work for the facilities team rather than less. It was clear the campus needed a partner—not just a vendor.
That’s when Dugmore & Duncan stepped in.
Understanding the Challenge
Managing thousands of openings requires more than replacing a hinge here and a closer there. The university needed:
Maintenance and upgrades for older doors
Replacement of outdated hardware
Code-compliant exit devices
Improved durability and performance
A streamlined approach that worked with their internal team
Most importantly, they needed a solution that would last.
From day one, Dugmore & Duncan worked closely with the Maintenance and Operations department, collaborating directly with the campus’s resident locksmith. This partnership approach ensured that every recommendation aligned with the university’s standards, daily operational needs, and long-term security goals.
A Complete, End-to-End Solution
Rather than offering temporary fixes, Dugmore & Duncan delivered a comprehensive door and hardware upgrade program that included:
New doors and frames to replace worn and damaged units
Updated exit devices to meet current safety codes
Modern locksets for improved security and reliability
Upgraded hinges to support high-traffic use
New door closers for controlled, consistent operation
Weatherstripping and thresholds to enhance energy efficiency and environmental protection
Every component was selected for durability, performance, and compatibility across the campus’s diverse building types.
But the service didn’t stop at supplying materials.
Dugmore & Duncan handled the hardware delivery and professional installation, ensuring proper fit, function, and finish on every opening. This full-service approach minimized disruption to campus life and reduced the burden on the facilities team.
Results That Open Doors to the Future
The outcome? A campus-wide improvement in safety, functionality, and appearance.
The Director of Maintenance and Operations and the resident locksmith were extremely pleased with the results. The upgraded openings not only enhanced daily operations but also provided peace of mind knowing that the systems in place were modern, compliant, and built to last.
Because of the success of this phase, the university is already planning the next step:
Implementation of a new campus-wide key system
Upgrading another batch of door openings
A Trusted Partner for Long-Term Success
For a university campus of this scale, door and hardware performance isn’t just about access—it’s about safety, security, compliance, and operational efficiency.
By partnering closely with the maintenance and operations team and delivering a complete, expertly installed solution, Dugmore & Duncan proved that the right supplier can become a strategic partner.
And for this Southern California campus, that partnership is just getting started.