The CSU Board of Trustees will address a proposal on Sept. 21 to develop and construct a new student service and administrative building to replace the CLA building, which has several construction flaws, has mechanical system problems, is energy inefficient and sits atop an earthquake fault. The cost to repair the CLA building and relocate personnel into surge space is estimated at around $80 million. Cal Poly Pomona and CSU leadership, as well as external consultants, have concluded that a new facility would be the best use of public funds.
The following are answers to some frequently asked questions:
How would the new facility be funded?
Funds would be allocated from the Chancellor’s Office utilizing state construction bonds.
Where would the new facility be built?
Options would be reviewed over the next academic year, ensuring that the new location provides functional access to the campus community and is clear of any fault lines.
Why is it better to build a new building than fix the old one?
It is unrealistic to believe that any construction improvement to the CLA would give the university a long-term cure for all of the building’s inherent problems. In addition, a reinforced CLA would still reside on a fault line. For a similar cost, the university can construct a facility that would better meet student, academic and administrative needs, receive LEED certification and be optimally positioned away from a seismic zone.
What would happen to the current CLA?
While a number of things still must be considered, the CLA complex would likely be demolished after the new building is constructed.
What would happen to the Aratani Japanese Garden?
The Aratani Japanese Garden would be temporarily closed during the razing of the CLA. Plans call for an expanded and improved garden in the future.
Is the existing CLA complex safe to occupy?
Yes. The campus and the CSU have investigated the safety of the CLA, and although it requires some improvements, it is safe to occupy. During recent seismic activity, including the 5.4 Chino Hills earthquake in 2008, the building performed well.
What is the expected timeline?
If approved, all aspects of planning will be finalized over this academic year, with the design work carried out in 2011-12. Construction could start sometime during 2013 with completion 18 to 24 months after the groundbreaking.
Where would the CLA’s occupants go during construction?
They would remain in the CLA until the new facility is completed.
Who would occupy the new facility? Would everyone fit?
The two current CLA buildings comprise over 200,000 square feet of office, laboratory, classroom, studio and meeting areas. The new facility will be smaller, requiring that some programs be relocated to other places on campus.
The CLA tower is an iconic building, part of the university identity and logo. Would that change with the razing of the CLA?
Cal Poly Pomona will celebrate its 75th anniversary during the 2012-13 academic year. Diamond anniversary events and projects will likely include the development of a new logo for the university.