Fresno State, community leaders and project partners gathered on campus Aug. 11 for a ribbon-cutting ceremony to officially mark the opening of the new affordable student housing project at Fresno State — the first major housing initiative at the university since 1968.
The 80,000-square-foot building, located on the corner of Shaw and Cedar avenues, is four stories high and includes 228 apartment-style beds with one- to four-bedroom units, including a limited number of apartments for students with children. Six student-families are among this year’s new residents. Students will begin moving into the new dorm on Thursday, Aug. 20.
“The opening of our first new student housing project in more than 50 years marks a transformational moment for the university and the students we serve,” said Fresno State President Saúl Jiménez-Sandoval. “As this student housing also includes housing for families, this new housing development reflects our commitment to removing barriers for success to all of our students by providing an affordable, supportive place to call home.”
Construction on the new student housing project started this past fall. The building was designed by architectural firm SVA from Santa Ana. The construction manager/general contractor is Quiring.
The project is being funded by an affordable student housing grant from the state ($33.7 million) and about $20 million of funding through California State University systemwide revenue bonds (debt service) that will be the responsibility of the California State University, Fresno Association, Inc. (Student Housing) to repay over the life of the bonds.
The CSU Board of Trustees approved the schematic design in July 2023, and approved financing in November.
The U-shaped building has a gym, recreation room and conference space. The units have two bedrooms with a kitchen and living room, child-friendly flooring and furniture. There is also an outdoor play structure, basketball court and an outdoor fire pit area for gatherings.
“We’re thrilled to celebrate the opening of this new student housing project, a milestone that reflects our commitment to student success,” said Erin Boele, director of Student Housing at Fresno State. “This project has transformed Fresno State Student Housing by creating a welcoming, supportive place where students and their families can thrive together.”
With the new building, Student Housing now has a total of 1,598 students across 10 buildings. Existing buildings include Baker, Birch, Cedar, Graves, Homan, Ponderosa, Sequoia, Sycamore and Aspen halls.
