by Adrianna Dart
Walking around campus, you may have noticed the construction sites scattered about and asked yourself, “Now what is all that for?” Cal State University Monterey Bay is no stranger to construction. Built on Fort Ord, CSUMB has made efforts since its founding in 1994 to convert the former military base to best serve the students. Understanding why these projects are happening is important to understand how these new sites can best serve you during your time here. Below, you can find three upcoming projects we suggest you keep your eye on.
Black Box Cabaret
Photo taken by Sean Tubo
Behind the Campus Health Center and across from the North Quad housing sits the long lost, but not forgotten, historic Black Box Cabaret. It was originally a night club when the base was open but was later transformed into a hub for students on campus to gather, perform and cultivate community. This popular hang out space closed its doors during the pandemic. Five years later its doors are still waiting to reopen, but there’s help, thanks to a donation from the Robert Darwin Estate. Now called the Robert Darwin Black Box Cabaret, it will be operated under the Otter Student Union. The aim is to promote student-based talent and organizing both academic and external community-based programming. A project launch is expected to take place on Oct. 10 as a part of RAFT weekend. To keep up with updates, you can follow the RDBCC @bcc_csumb on instagram.
The Edward (Ted) Taylor Science and Engineering Building
Photo courtesy of CSUMB website
The Mechatronics and Marine Science programs are scheduled to have a new home here on campus next fall. The future Edward (Ted) Taylor Science and Engineering Building is located between Chapman Science Academic Center and The Tanimura & Antle Family Memorial Library roundabout. This new building plans to serve both mechatronic students and marine science students. This building is designed to enhance specialized hands-on learning with teaching labs, research facilities and new laboratories. Some anticipated highlights include the Mechatronics suite as well as the Marine Science graduate student area. The 4,400 square-foot building is set to unveil next August. To keep up with the project in real time you can view the live feed here. The live feed offers students and hopeful Mechatronic and Marine Science majors a look behind the curtain. Or behind the blue tapestry surrounding the project.
Campus Town – Find out more
Courtesy of SDG Architects
Located between the corner of Lightfighter Drive and 2nd Avenue sits a 122-acre construction site that is primed to become “Campus Town,” which isn’t affiliated with the university, but seeks to have ties with the students. After nearly a decade of planning by the City of Seaside, ground was broken in April, 2025. Headed by developers Danny Bakewell Sr. and Jr., Campus Town is projected to help engage the CSUMB community by providing closer amenities such as restaurants, retail locations and other public spaces that are meant to promote walkability and further facilitate connection with the Seaside community. The City of Seaside is hopeful that Campus Town will expand affordable housing with approximately 842 for-sale homes and roughly 600 apartments. There are also plans for a 250-room hotel and a 75-room youth hostel. Developers are anticipating this space will not only supply much needed housing to the local community, but create a blend to support daily life of CSUMB students.