Cal Poly Humboldt Highlights Major Campus Construction and Clean-Energy Projects

Press release from Cal Poly Humboldt:

The west entrance plaza of the Engineering & Technology building, the University’s first building constructed with mass timber sourced from the Pacific Northwest, reflecting the region’s natural heritage and commitment to sustainability. Photo courtesy of Cal Poly Humboldt.

Cal Poly Humboldt currently has 85 active capital projects underway, including the construction of new facilities and the development of sustainable energy systems.

These efforts are improving the campus environment and supporting student learning and growth.

Engineering & Technology Building: Where Innovation Takes Shape

The new Engineering & Technology building is one of the largest projects on campus. The three-story, 72,000-square-foot structure will be the University’s first building constructed with mass timber sourced from the Pacific Northwest, reflecting the region’s natural heritage and commitment to sustainability.

Funded by a $100 million investment made possible through the state’s $458 million commitment to Cal Poly Humboldt’s polytechnic transition, the building will include classrooms, labs, and shared spaces designed to support creativity, collaboration, and hands-on learning across disciplines. Faculty offices will be located throughout the facility to encourage interaction between students and instructors. The building is intended to serve as a central space for engineering and technology programs and to prepare students to tackle real-world challenges.

Jenkins Hall: Honoring the Past, Inspiring the Future

The Jenkins Hall renovation was completed in Fall 2025 following a $14 million project funded by the California State University Chancellor’s Office using State Revenue Bonds earmarked for construction or renovation projects on campus. The renovation preserved the building’s industrial character while modernizing it to meet current academic and accessibility standards.

It’s now home to the Ceramics and Sculpture labs, providing updated studios for students and faculty that honor the building’s heritage as a creative space. The project also improved accessibility throughout the building and added a lactation room, outdoor patios, and an all-gender, multi-stall restroom.

Science A: Preparing for Tomorrow’s Discoveries

Beginning in Summer 2026, the Science A building will undergo a $26 million renovation. The project will include upgrades to mechanical, electrical, and fire protection systems to ensure the facility meets current standards and supports modern scientific instruction.

The renovation will also improve accessibility and update restrooms and corridors to enhance the building’s overall function and usability. Several laboratories, including those for chemistry, physics, zoology, and anatomy, will be modernized to support student learning and faculty research better.

Powering Our Future: Solar and Microgrid Projects

Cal Poly Humboldt is advancing campus sustainability through several renewable energy initiatives. The campus microgrid project includes the installation of the first Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) near Facilities Management, scheduled for Fall 2026. The system will store excess energy generated from renewable sources and support campus energy resilience and efficiency.

Additional solar installations are planned, including solar canopies in parking lots and rooftop panels that will begin operation in summer 2026. These projects will provide clean energy for campus operations and serve as educational resources for students.

The microgrid will include real-time displays showing energy generation, storage, and system performance. Students, particularly those in the School of Engineering, will be able to use the system as part of hands-on coursework focused on microgrids, energy resilience, and clean energy technologies.

 A Vision for Growth and Community

The upcoming, updated Campus Physical Plan outlines Cal Poly Humboldt’s vision for the future. The plan prepares the University to serve a projected enrollment of more than 12,000 students as part of the polytechnic growth objectives.

The vision includes proposals for new academic spaces totaling approximately 1.6 million gross square feet, along with enhancements to campus open spaces. Proposed outdoor features include “Heartwood Commons,” a central gathering area and greenspace near the Library, and “Polytechnic Place,” a hub near the Student Business Services Building that’s designed to support engagement through events and more.

Building Tomorrow

Every project underway at Cal Poly Humboldt reflects the University’s commitment to sustainability and supporting students and the broader community. From the construction of new academic facilities and the development of sustainable energy systems, these efforts aim to create an environment that supports learning, teaching, and research.

For more information or updates on planned infrastructure projects throughout campus, visit humboldt.edu/facilities-management/capital-projects.