Cal State Monterey Bay (CSUMB) community members gathered Thursday morning for a groundbreaking event, marking the start of renovations to Gavilan Hall.
The project will convert the former administrative building back into student housing, adding suite-style units, updated infrastructure and new community spaces for students. Attended by 87 CSUMB staff, students and campus leaders, speakers highlighted the building’s history, the renovation timeline and high hopes for future enrollment this project poses.
“Gavilan Hall carries a distinctive history that reflects the evolution of our campus,” University President Vanya Quiñones said during the event. “The renovation…is about strengthening the heart of the campus.”
Campus Planning and Development Director Matthew McCluney said plans include upgrades to plumbing, heating and ventilation systems, as well as the creation of two-bedroom pods with a shared bathroom and living room, and several proposals for new community spaces. “This was the top of the renovation options,” he said.
“This building once housed U.S. Army soldiers, and now has a renewed purpose for supporting our students,” McCluney said.
Crystal Lay, who oversees Student Housing and Residential Life, said the renovation will expand affordable housing and support community building for students moving in fall 2026, when the hall is expected to open. “My team and I cannot wait to build a team of student leaders and programs that will enhance the residential life experience,” she said.
“The OSU is nearby, where the students can go and connect with others who may have spent more time on campus,” said Associated Students (AS) President Natalie Navarro. “Additionally, within the building’s courtyard, I envision students capitalizing on the built-in community, potential friends, classmates and colleagues.”
In an interview following the ceremony, McCluney said the project aligns with rising enrollment and the increased demand for student housing. He remarked how last year’s housing shortages did not alter the construction timeline but added that the timing “worked out really well” as enrollment continues to climb.
“We know students need housing, and we want to make sure we provide more beds as enrollment rises,” said McCluney.
When asked about potential challenges with the renovation, McCluney said the team is prepared for the complexities of working with former Fort Ord structures. “We’ve done renovations for 50-plus buildings on campus,” he said, “we’ve done our homework.” He noted that accessibility requirements are among the common issues encountered in older military buildings. “When you do a project, you have to bring things up to code,” he said. “Not only is it a requirement, but of course, we want this to be accessible for all students.”
Although Associated Students and the student body at CSUMB were not formally consulted during early planning phases, student leaders were briefed at Senate meetings and developers visited an Otter Thursday event last semester to gather student input and feedback. An AS representative serving on the University Corporation Board said student concerns were incorporated into the design before the board approved the project’s funding on Oct.21.