Cal Poly Humboldt Breaks Ground on Engineering & Technology Building

Cal Poly Humboldt broke ground in October of 2024 on the $100 million Engineering & Technology Building in Arcata, Calif. Designed by AC Martin with Research Facilities Design as laboratory design consultant, the 74,000-sf facility will feature multipurpose learning environments equipped with adaptable infrastructure for optimal programmatic flexibility. The three-story development will offer a range of teaching and research labs, collaboration spaces, and gathering areas, as well as an interdisciplinary maker space that opens onto an outdoor fabrication zone. This new home for the School of Engineering will also serve the entire campus community with modern conference rooms, faculty offices, and a student success center.

Slated for occupancy in fall of 2026, the net-zero-carbon project will incorporate highly efficient MEP systems, as well as a rooftop photovoltaic array that will be integrated into a planned campus microgrid. Mass timber beams sourced from the Pacific Northwest will frame extensive glazing that puts science on display, while providing a cost savings of $1.3 million as compared to traditional construction. Targeting LEED Gold certification, the highly sustainable facility is being delivered by Swinerton with fs3|Hodges as construction manager. Ascent Environmental is providing consultation services in relation to the California Environmental Quality Act.