Fresno State is breaking ground on its first new student housing project in over 50 years.
Friday, the university announced that it will start construction on a new building this fall that will add hundreds of beds to campus.
The big picture: Fresno State’s new project will add 228 apartment-style beds in an 80,000 square-foot, four-story building.
- The building will include one to four bedroom units and have a limited number of apartments for students with children.
- It will be located on the corner of Shaw and Cedar Avenues, next to existing residence hall buildings.
- This is the first major housing project at Fresno State since 1968.
What we’re watching: Fresno State plans to have the project completed in the summer of 2026, with fall 2026 being the target move-in date for students.
Driving the news: The state has given Fresno State a $33.7 million affordable student housing grant for construction.
- The project is also funded by around $20 million through California State University revenue bonds.
Zoom in: Each family unit will have two bedrooms, complete with a kitchen and living room.
- The building will provide child-friendly flooring and furniture for the family units as well, along with an outdoor play structure and a family gathering area within one of the first-floor common spaces.
- There will also be laundry facilities on each floor of the building.
Zoom out: Once the project is complete, Fresno State Student Housing’s capacity will total 1,543 beds in 10 buildings.
- Fresno State had to convert some double rooms to triple occupancy this semester due to an increased demand for more on-campus housing.
What they’re saying: “With the construction of our last new student housing buildings 56 years ago, this project is long overdue,” said Fresno State President Saúl Jiménez-Sandoval. “It’s important to recognize the unique challenges these students face on their path to obtaining a transformational college education. Providing affordable housing for student-parents is being intentional about student success.”
- Erin Boele, the director of Student Housing, said, “We are excited for this new affordable housing building for Fresno State students. Students who live in the residence halls average a 3.1 grade point average and graduate sooner than those who live off campus.”
