Today, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo took an exciting step toward enhancing student life by breaking ground on a transformative student housing project that will add 4,100 new beds and renovate 1,300 beds over the next ten years, enhancing campus living and increasing housing affordability and accessibility for Cal Poly students. As the largest student housing development currently underway in the state of California, the Steinberg Hart-designed project underscores Cal Poly’s commitment to fostering student success and belonging, building stronger community connections, and supporting academic and social growth.

Designed to be a central hub for student engagement, the project will feature nine new buildings and renovations to six existing Red Brick buildings. Smaller “neighborhoods” and enhanced pedestrian pathways to foster a stronger sense of community. The new program will leverage innovative volumetric steel modular construction, a first on a CSU campus, enabling a systematized and streamlined construction process. The use of sustainable materials reflects Cal Poly’s commitment to eco-conscious, high-quality housing. This project will be a cornerstone of campus life, blending modern design with university traditions to support student success and belonging. The first phase will be completed by Fall 2026, bringing Cal Poly closer to its vision of a connected, inclusive, and sustainable campus where every student can thrive.

“This new high-rise student housing project is a transformative step toward reimagining underutilized spaces, like parking lots, into vibrant living communities.” shares David Hart, Steinberg Hart CEO and Partner-in-Charge. “New suite-style residences, designed specifically for second year students, will be the first of their kind at Cal Poly, providing students with the opportunity to live on campus longer. Research has shown that on-campus living is closely tied to student success, with students achieving higher GPAs and retention rates. We are proud to be part of a project that supports academic achievement. By bringing students closer to the heart of campus life, we are creating a place where they can thrive academically, socially, and personally.”

Kim Patten, Higher Education Studio Leader shares, “This project has an opportunity to propel the CSU system and Cal Poly as leaders in innovative housing solutions, driven by providing the best, most affordable, inclusive, and supportive housing for students across the nation. It is easy to be excited and inspired on a project with such a clear vision for student success.”
When completed, Cal Poly will be able to accommodate all second-year students on campus. “Our two-year housing program is designed with student success and retention in mind,” University Housing shared with Cal Poly’s Mustang News. “Cal Poly is committed to building a well-rounded, nurturing support system that positively impacts not only academics but also student life; diversity, equity and inclusion; and health and well-being.”

Thank you to our valued partners at California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo and Whiting-Turner Contracting Company, as well as Full Stack Modular, ARUP, SWA Group, Cannon, Glumac, KPFF Consulting Engineers, Woden Fire, CSDA, Curtainwall Design Consulting, and Designing in Color.

Click here to learn more about the project.