Fresno State opened the doors of its new affordable student housing project — the university’s first major housing initiative in over 50 years.

University and community leaders gathered alongside project partners Tuesday morning to celebrate the year-long project’s grand opening.

“The opening of our first new student housing project … marks a transformational moment for the university and the students we serve,” said Fresno State President Saúl Jiménez-Sandoval. “As this student housing also includes housing for families, this new housing development reflects our commitment to removing barriers for success to all of our students by providing an affordable, supportive place to call home.”

The 80,000-square-foot building, located on the corner of Shaw and Cedar avenues, is four stories tall and includes 228 apartment-style units.

Accommodations range from one- to four-bedroom units and includes housing for students with children. This year, six student-families will be residents in the U-shaped building.

The family units include two bedrooms with a kitchen and living room, and child-friendly flooring and furniture.

There are communal areas for residents including an outdoor play structure, basketball court, and a fire pit area for gatherings.

Additionally, the building has a gym, recreation room, and conference space

Students will begin moving into the new dorms on Thursday, Aug. 20.

Project Gives Big Boost to Fresno State Housing

The new building increases accessibility to campus housing, which now accommodates 1,598 students across 10 buildings.

“We’re thrilled to celebrate the opening of this new student housing project, a milestone that reflects our commitment to student success,” said Erin Boele, director of Student Housing at Fresno State. “This project has transformed Fresno State Student Housing by creating a welcoming, supportive place where students and their families can thrive together.”

The project was funded via a $33.7 million affordable student housing grant from the state along with about $20 million through CSU’s systemwide revenue bonds.

The CSU Board of Trustees approved the building design in July 2023 and approved financing in November.