CSUMB celebrates start of Gavilan Hall renovation

By Mark Muckenfuss

On Thursday, Dec. 4, Cal State Monterey Bay officials celebrated the launch of a renovation designed to meet the housing needs of its growing student body, turning office space into living quarters.

Gavilan Hall, on the northeast end of campus, has been home to several departments and programs including radio station KAZU and the College of Extended Education and International Studies. Those entities have relocated and the building’s 47,000 square feet will be remodeled into a residence hall that can accommodate over 200 students. The building’s 2,600-square-foot annex will house a study room, TV room, lounge and kitchen.

“The renovation of Gavilan Hall is about more than additional housing,” said CSUMB President Vanya Quiñones. “It’s about strengthening the heart of the campus.”

The new residential space will enhance the university community and provide more creative space for students. 

“We’re excited for the future friendships that are going to be developed here,” Quiñones said, “and for the future of how the students will work together through challenges and celebrate each other’s success.

“Each floor, each common area, each study lounge will be a place to build new ideas,” she added.

Maddison Burton, associate executive director for the University Corporation, said many hands have been involved in the project.

“It truly takes a community to bring a vision like this to life,” Burton said. 

Besides the corporation, contributors include the CSU Chancellor’s Office, Facilities Management, Student Housing and Residential Life, and individual students who provided input on the design.

“This represents our first tangible action in housing more students,” Burton said, indicating the effort to address CSUMB’s recent increase in student enrollment. Last year, there was some reshuffling of residents and a conversion of some dorm rooms to accommodate additional students. The last dorm addition to the campus was the Promontory in 2015. 

“We know we have a high housing demand and we live in an expensive area. We’re trying to support the students as much as we can,” she added. 

Matt McCluney, director of Campus Planning and Development, said the remodeling will be extensive. 

“The renovation includes upgrades to plumbing, heating and ventilation systems,” McCluney said, “and the creation of pods that will include two-bedroom spaces, a bathroom and a common living room for each suite.”

The renovation is expected to be completed and ready for students by the Fall 2026 semester.

Quiñones characterized the project as almost a labor of love. 

“Each brick, beam and room represents an investment in our students and the future of our university,” she said. “It shows the bright future we have ahead.”