As we begin the 2023-24 academic year, we would like to provide an update on several major construction projects.

The Central Utility Plant Replacement (CUPR) project
In the largest public-private partnership for utility infrastructure in the California State University system, the project will comprehensively modernize Fresno State’s central utilities. The project includes energy conservation measures, with a target to provide more than 30% energy savings to Fresno State during the 33-year contract.

The CUPR contractor has made steady progress and has now completed the main underground piping loop and over 80% of the project piping has been installed. This is a major milestone! For the remainder of 2023 and into early spring 2024, the contractor will be working to connect the new underground piping to each building. The main safety fences along Maple Mall and by the Library will be adjusted (or hopefully removed) and smaller fenced areas will be installed as each building connection occurs.

The Solar Photovoltaic (PV) installation is making great progress in parking lots P5 and P6 and is expected to be completed by the end of 2023. Both lots will be open and available in spring 2024. For the fall semester, parking will be available in most of P5. Areas of P6 will be re-opened throughout the semester as the work progresses. Alternative parking is available in the Save Mart Center north parking lot. In addition to providing shade for 1,500 parked cars, the PV canopies will generate 4.5 MW of electricity during peak hours and reduce the campus’ reliance on the electrical grid.

Lighting and HVAC upgrades have been completed in some buildings. As these upgrades are completed, you will notice an improvement in lighting levels. With this project, indoor temperatures will be centrally controlled with thermostats set to 78 degrees to support energy savings and efficiencies.

Please refer to the interactive map for construction updates. Signage will be in place to direct pedestrians to accessible entries and safe paths of travel.

As a reminder, SCOUT, an on-campus transportation service for students with permanent or temporary mobility disabilities, is available to support those who need help getting around campus. The Fresno State mobile app features the interactive map of construction updates.

New Retail Dining Concepts - Resnick Student Union
The contractor is making good progress and we appreciate everyone's patience with the noise and dust. We are excited for the fall opening of three concepts: Taco Bell, Habit Burger, and Toss-N-Chop (soup/salad). Hours and official opening dates for each concept will be announced soon. As a reminder, Dining Services also operates a Paws-N-Go cart located in the Resnick Student Union (ground level), which offers coffee, beverages and grab-and-go food items from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday (during the academic semesters).

New Affordable Student Housing Project
An architect has been selected to design the new Affordable Student Housing project, and in the fall the CSU Board of Trustees will approve the schematic plans and the revised master plan for siting of this new building. This $59 million project will provide 175 apartment-style bed spaces including units designed for students with children. Funding is being provided by a $31 million grant from the State for Affordable Housing projects and the balance from a debt issuance by the Association (Auxiliary) through the CSU Systemwide Revenue Bond program. The new building will be designed to meet the equivalent of Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Platinum certification and will be located west of the existing residence halls. This is the first new construction for Fresno State Student Housing since the late 1960s.

Path of Travel/Sidewalk Improvements
The Facilities Management team has made significant progress to improve and repair concrete sidewalks (not impacted by the CUPR work) throughout campus to ensure the safety of our campus walkways.

Electrical Vehicle Charging Station Upgrades
Work has begun to replace the six Electric Vehicle (EV) stations with new, upgraded equipment in parking lot P2. Two additional units are also being added which will provide a total of eight charging stations for our campus community.

We anticipate that this work will be completed by the end of September. During this time, the EV stations will not be operational. Signage will be posted to deter use during the duration of the project.

This EV upgrade project is a result of a grant awarded by the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District via the Charge Up! Incentive Program.

Concert Hall
A Request for Proposals was extended to pre-qualified CSU national design teams for a 1,000-seat concert hall for the College of Arts and Humanities. This new building will be located at the site of the Lab School, immediately east of the existing Student Health and Counseling Center and the southern edge of Keats Avenue. Proposals received will be evaluated and an architectural design team will be selected in the fall.

Jan and Bud Richter Center for Community Engagement and Service Learning
The construction for the new location of the Richter Center is well underway. The new location is on the third floor of the University Student Union, and will provide a much larger complex to accommodate the community service-learning programs. The construction will occur through the fall semester with a target completion in December.

Lyles College of Engineering (LCOE) Student Center for Excellence
The construction for the new LCOE Student Center for Excellence will start in the fall semester. The center will be located adjacent to the south entrance of Engineering East, resourcefully converting the exterior overhang into a welcoming interior space. This project is being funded by LCOE endowments (Hamparson and Columbia Memorial).

Baker Hall ADA Restroom Modernization
This project is under construction and will modernize and provide ADA upgrades to half of the restrooms and showers on all three floors in the west wing of Baker Hall. This $2.1 million project is nearing completion for the start of the fall semester and was funded by the Association (Auxiliary).

Student Health and Counseling Center Zen Den
This project is currently under construction and renovates the existing interior courtyard. The space will provide students opportunities to relieve stress and anxiety, essentially contributing to their success. Programming will include therapist meditation sessions, counseling group sessions, a quiet space, yoga, Pilates and wellness activities. The project is nearing completion for fall semester.

Exterior Window Replacement at Music and McKee Fisk
This project will replace exterior building windows for Music and McKee Fisk buildings. The new aluminum framed windows will have Low-E dual glazing and window treatments, decreasing solar gain, minimizing noise and increasing thermal efficiency. Construction for the Music Building will occur over the winter break 2023.

Science 1 HVAC Lighting and Fire Alarm Upgrades
This $16 million project will start construction in the fall and will comprehensively upgrade the building mechanical system, LED lighting and the fire alarm system. This will be a multiphase, multiyear effort to minimize impacts for our academic programs.

Donald E. Gumz Enology Research and Teaching Winery Renovation
This project is out to bid and is anticipated to start in the fall; it will renovate and modernize the Research Winery Lab, brewery/distillery lab, cooler, restroom/shower and covered exterior prep area. Structural upgrades, reroofing and fire alarm modifications will also be addressed.

University Farm Laboratory Improvements
Through funding provided by the State for the four CSU campuses with farms, $18.75 million will be invested in our farm laboratory. These projects include the automated irrigation and photovoltaic infrastructure; climate-smart farm vehicle fleet upgrade (sustainable field and orchard farm equipment); climate smart grape growing practices and energy efficient winery processing/sanitizing equipment; modernization of the Horticulture Research Facilities and renovation of the Meats Lab.