Golden shovels are being dusted off and hard hats are being shined in preparation for the April 29 groundbreaking ceremony for the College of Business Administration’s three-building complex — a facility that will transform the college’s future as well as Cal Poly Pomona’s.

The university community, alumni and the surrounding community are invited to the 10 a.m. event near the W.K. Kellogg Rose Garden. President Michael Ortiz, Dean Richard Lapidus and others will speak. Refreshments will be provided by Einstein Bros. Bagels, which will have a cafe in the complex.

The 70,000-square-foot complex, which is expected to take two years to complete, will have three buildings and a central courtyard. Design flourishes include a grand canopy made of copper and cedar that will help make the complex an architectural gem on campus.

The interior will feature two auditoriums, one of which will seat 200 people, as well as several case rooms with tiered-seating that will encourage meaningful interaction between students and professors. Adjustable workspaces are designed with group projects and team-building exercises in mind. All classrooms will be wired to offer the latest technical advancements in teaching and research.

“This is much more than a bricks-and-mortar project,” Lapidus says. “The College of Business Administration prides itself on fostering a community of learning and embodying the university’s polytechnic, learn-by-doing mission. It is an investment in the future and an opportunity to build on excellence.”

Currently, faculty and students are working out of classrooms and offices that are spread throughout campus. A centralized location will unify and energize the College of Business Administration, and bolster opportunities to interact and collaborate.

The college has been planning for a new facility for more than a decade. Due to state budget woes, construction on the complex suffered setbacks, but university officials, state lawmakers and the CSU Chancellor’s Office fought for its completion. The $30 million project is predominately funded by the voter-approved California Proposition 1D — The Kindergarten-University Public Education Facilities Bond Act of 2006 — as well as donations from foundations and private donors.

“This is an important initiative for the university and the business community,” Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs Marten denBoer says. “The funds from the voter-approved bond will provide much-needed laboratory and classroom space for the College of Business Administration as well as create new opportunities for other programs across campus.”

The new complex will provide common ground for anyone interested in business. The College of Business Administration often partners with businesses wanting to collaborate with faculty on research projects, recruiters looking for interns and alumni who mentor the next generation of business leaders .

Lapidus is looking forward to celebrating a new era for the college.

“So many people have worked tirelessly to make this project a reality,” Lapidus says. “It is now our responsibility to serve as good stewards and ensure that our students are provided the skills and experiences needed to be both personally successful and meaningful contributors to the community.”

(Top photo: An artist’s rendering shows the central courtyard connecting the three buildings in the College of Business Administration’s new complex. Middle photo: The aerial view of the complex. Bottom photo: The main entrance will include grand canopy made of copper and cedar.)