University Student Union Renovation and Expansion
The University Student Union (USU) is considered the heart and soul of the campus. Used by thousands of students, staff, faculty, alumni, and visitors daily, it has become the welcoming living room for CSULB. Operated by Associated Students, Inc., and overseen by a Board of Trustees, the mission for the union is to be an inclusive gathering place which provides innovative programs, essential services, and co-curricular experiences that enrich student development while contributing toward their retention, enhancing their educational experience and promoting student advocacy. ASI’s vision for the USU has always been "best at what students want," and the USU Board of Trustees is held accountable to this mission each year. The Board includes student leaders, staff, faculty, and alumni representatives, meeting monthly throughout the academic year to discuss the operations of the building.
It was designed by the architectural firm Killingsworth-Brady and Associates in the Mid-Century Modern style and built in 1972, the University Student Union (USU) anchors the north end of the original campus quad. Incorporated into the slope of a gentle hill that divides the campus between north and south, the building is three stories tall, constructed of concrete, and has an irregular plan that responds to the topography of the site. The USU Renovation and Expansion project will consist of the renovation of 180,000 GSF of the existing building which includes the indoor and outdoor spaces. The project will also include the demolition of the University Dining Plaza as it will be replaced with the addition of 50,000 GSF as part of the expansion.
The key project goals are to:
- Increase food services on campus by adding new vendors and support spaces for dining and seating areas.
- Include the Beach Pantry which provides a community kitchen and support space for basic needs.
- A Wellness Center/Area with private and group spaces that can be used to relax and decompress.
- Cultural Resource Centers, Student Organizations, and Clubs will have group and collaborative spaces such as meeting rooms, event spaces, and general storage.
- Office and Administration for student government, communications, and staff.
- Social and lounge areas for informal gatherings and study spaces.
- Recreation and entertainment including a new eSports.
- Event and meeting spaces such as a ballroom, various sized event/meeting rooms, ASI Senate Chambers, storage, and support spaces.
- General Improvements of restrooms, mechanical, plumbing, electrical, and telecommunication systems, as well as repairs and an overall building refresh.
- Accessibility Upgrades of the building, site, and program.
- Temporary accessible path of travel during construction.
Project Details
- Total Project Cost: $302M
- Design started: July 2024 (underway)
- Construction Start Date: Fall 2025
- Construction Completion Date: Summer 2028
- Project Delivery Method: Collaborative Design-Build
- Design-Build Team: Penta Builders and Gensler Architects
