Reposted from the Hornet – Fullerton College Student Newspaper: https://fchornetmedia.com/38481/showcase/fullerton-college-reintroduces-historic-300-building-after-two-years-of-construction/

Fullerton College President Cynthia Olivo, trustees and distinguished guests celebrate the 300 building’s reopening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Photo by Jayden Kay Linayao

 

The new home for Business and Computer Information Systems is finally open after construction began in spring 2024.

Fullerton College celebrated the reopening of its 300 building on August 31, 2026, after two years of construction, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony that took place in the quad, introducing updated technology such as smartboards and projectors.

The building was originally built in 1937 and had been home to the Business and Computer Information Systems division for over 100 years. It had not undergone any major renovation since it was constructed, according to Fullerton College President Cynthia Olivo.

The project prioritized the preservation of many of the building’s historic characteristics while being sure to update it for modern instruction and accessibility, according to Vice President of Instruction Carlos Ayon. The Construction Management Association of America, an organization that focuses on the practice of professional construction management in the United States, gave the project an award for building preservation in the education section for projects that cost less than $50 million.

“You all deserve to study in beautiful buildings that match your ambitions and your dreams,” Olivo said.

Improvements include a new study nook, upgraded bathrooms and more accessibility features, such as ramps and elevators. The renovations were also made to bring the building into compliance with the new Americans with Disabilities Act requirements. Such additions include an elevator, ramps and wave-to-open doors.

The project was funded through taxpayer funds and donations, including a large donation from a Fullerton College alumnus and current professor with the intention of personally funding the study nook in the upstairs part of the 300 building. However, rising construction costs after the COVID-19 pandemic affected the original scope of the project, which called for renovations to both the 300 and 500 buildings. The project ultimately focused on completing the 300 building because business is a very popular major at the college, with over 4800 students declared as business majors.

Classrooms were redesigned to keep up with new instructional methods and technology, with the safety and learning of both the students and the teachers in mind. For students studying architecture, the changes provide an example of how older campus buildings can still be preserved while also being adapted to the modern needs of the community.

Architecture major Jaydon Rubio agreed that the updated technology will benefit the students in the business programs.

“Technology is a key tool now, and having better technology and better buildings for business majors means more efficient learning for all the students,” Rubio said.

While construction was underway, the Business and Computer Information Systems department found a temporary home in the 1000 and 500 buildings to continue serving its students.

“They say that a building makes an argument before the architect even says a word…300 makes the right argument,” said Byron Freedman, who was involved in the project.

The reopening is part of a larger effort by Fullerton College to improve its campus facilities, including plans for a performing arts center across the street from the college’s main campus, which would require the demolition of buildings 1300 and 1100. The college is also looking to improve its STEM vocational building and upgrade the softball field. Similar to the 300 building, both projects are expected to rely on a combination of taxpayer funding, donations and bonds.

Related

Discover more from Fullerton Observer

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.