The Future of Cal Poly Housing

Top view of buildings A-I: New construction. Top view of shaded buildings: Existing Red Brick Residence Halls proposed for renovation.  

The Future Housing Plan

This summer, Cal Poly is embarking on a 10-year Future Housing Plan to enhance the residential student experience and promote student success. The plan will help ease existing demand, accommodate future enrollment growth, and address aging campus housing facilities. 

Over the next decade, the university will add about 4,100 beds to campus housing in nine eight- and nine-story buildings on the existing site of the K1, K2 and R1 parking lots and the North Mountain residence halls.  

When new construction is complete, all second-year students will be able to live on campus. They’ll be able to enjoy events and programs to connect them to their community, and close access to resources and services to better support their retention and academic success. 

The $1 billion Future Housing Plan also includes major renovations to University Housing’s six red brick residence halls, which are more than 60 years old. 

Phases of Construction  

The CSU Board of Trustees approved the full program concept and first phase of the plan at its July 23 meeting.   

The first phase of construction starts in August and will add about 1,348 beds in three buildings, opening in fall 2026 and fall 2027. Subsequent phases are anticipated to open every year thereafter, with the final phase of new construction completed in 2030.  

Renovations of the red brick residence halls will begin after the first phases of new construction have opened. Housing will remain open during construction with no loss in bed spaces.

Suite-Style Living 

Residential units will be organized primarily in three-bedroom suites, with each bedroom designed for double occupancy.

• Each suite will include two bathrooms and a living space to be shared among the suite occupants.
• The buildings will include a large community space to serve all residents and community commons, study lounges, kitchens, and quiet study spaces throughout. 
• Campus plans to include elevators, air conditioning, and universally accessible spaces. 
• Careful consideration has been given to optimize outdoor space, address circulation, and harmonize with the topography and surrounding landscape. 

Modular Construction

Each residence hall room and communal space will be fabricated in an offsite factory, brought to campus, and assembled on site. This innovative modular construction strategy allows the university to deliver the project more affordably and efficiently. The project architect is Steinberg Hart. The Design-Build contractor is Whiting-Turner. The project will be designed to achieve LEED Gold certification.

Parking & Commuter Options

As the R1, K1 and K2 parking lots and nearby roads within the footprint were permanently closed in June to erady the site for construction. Visitors and campus community are encouraged to use other available parking lots and explore Cal Poly's sustainable commuter options. 

Housing Grants & Affordability

University Housing’s grant program will continue to support students having the greatest financial need with their housing fees. Since its inception in 2018, the grant fund has grown from $890,000 to $3.6 million – and $1 million dollars is planned to be added to the grant annually to continue to support low-income students living on campus.

News

July 25, 2024 Press Release:  Cal Poly Plan to Expand Student Housing Receives CSU Trustees’ Approval