Cal Poly began stacking modular units for its newest student housing complex on Oct. 21, marking a major milestone in the university’s long-term housing expansion plan.
The buildings are part of Cal Poly’s seven-year effort to add six to seven high-rise residence halls, all constructed using modular techniques — the first of its kind in the Cal State system and the largest modular housing project in the country, according to University Housing.
University spokesperson Keegan Koberl said modular construction was chosen due to limited local construction labor and the potential for lower costs.
“With all other construction work happening on campus, the lack of availability of the local workforce meant we would have to search for construction and additional partners from outside our local area,” Koberl said in an email to Mustang News. “We also believe the repetition of room types gave us the opportunity to reduce the cost by industrializing the construction.”
Modules are being created in a factory in Carson, California and transported to campus for stacking. Each unit is placed using anchor points that connect mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems.
Construction runs weekdays from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. and pauses during major events such as Mustang Move-In, Open House and Commencement. The university is installing utilities for the entire housing program during this phase to reduce future disruption.
A live webcam and public viewing area are set up on Truckee Rd and on Kalamath Rd to allow the campus community to follow progress.
The first building is expected to open in fall 2026, with the second to follow in fall 2027. Housing fees for next fall year have not yet been determined.
