Chico State University Breaks Ground on Social Sciences Building

California State University, Chico (commonly known as Chico State University) in Chico, Calif., recently began construction on a new building for the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences, according to a news release. The new facility will cost an estimated $98 million and will be the first net-zero energy building on the Chico State campus, as well as the third in the wider California State University system.

The building measures in at 94,000 square feet and will play home to nine academic departments. Amenities are set to include 22 classrooms, five laboratories, a large lecture hall, faculty offices and conference space, breakout rooms, and study spaces of various sizes, the press release reports.

It will also feature sustainability initiatives like solar panels, water efficiency, daylighting and LED lighting systems, an indoor garden, and a chilled beam cooling system.

“As we work to attract and serve the next generation of changemakers, we’re proud to do so with one of the most state-of-the-art buildings in the entire CSU system,” said President Gayle Hutchinson. “It sets a standard for the high-quality, high-value educational experience we offer at Chico State now and well into the future, while raising the bar for future efforts to support our commitment to sustainability.

The university is partnering with AC Martin for the building’s design and Turner Construction Company for construction. The building is scheduled to open its doors to students in fall 2024.

About the Author

Matt Jones is senior editor of Spaces4Learning. He can be reached at [email protected].

Featured

  • illustration of a school building under construction

    One District, One Way: Bringing Consistency to K–12 Construction Projects

    From budgeting to closeout, here's how a single playbook can turn chaos into clarity in school construction programs.

  • KI Launches K–12 Classroom Furniture Giveaway

    Contract furniture company KI recently announced the launch of its fourth-annual Classroom Furniture Giveaway, which awards $50,000 each to four K–12 educators across the U.S., according to a news release. The goal is to address decreasing student engagement and increasing teacher burnout numbers by updating learning spaces to accommodate modern needs.

  • Brightly Software, XOi Partner for New HVAC Data Solution

    Siemens company Brightly Software recently announced a partnership with data intelligence company XOi to integrate real-time HVAC system data into Brightly’s Asset Essentials CMMS, according to a news release. The integration will allow facilities more insight into HVAC system performance, health, and risk across their operations.

  • Kimball International Launches New Furniture for K–12 Classrooms

    Commercial furnishings company Kimball International recently announced the launch of four new products designed for a variety of professional environments, including K–12 schools, according to a news release.

Digital Edition