Campus Construction and Maintenance Projects
Active Projects
As of February 2026, the following are new or ongoing facilities projects. Some may impact access or regular use of buildings or services or pose a significant disruption to regular operations like classes, research, or work due to noise, debris, relocations, utilities interruptions, or other impacts.
- Outdoor Spaces Upgrades
- Central Classroom Building construction
- Tower Hall façade repair
- Duncan Hall Space Renovation
Do not enter fenced areas or touch equipment stored in or around the construction zones. Exercise caution if crossing outside the recommended detour route and be aware of uneven pavement if using mobility devices. Interior construction work happening during the academic year will impact regular operations through noise or access disruptions. FD&O and/or each affected College and/or department(s) will communicate additional information to building occupants when necessary.
Contact Facilities Development and Operations (FD&O) at (408) 924-1990 to report any facilities issues.
Outdoor Spaces Upgrades
Now through December, FD&O will enhance campus with new convertible benches solar-powered smart trash cans, creating cleaner, greener, adaptable and more welcoming outdoor spaces.
In Progress: Convertible Benches
Phase one of installation of new convertible benches is complete, transforming outdoor
areas into more inviting, versatile spaces for study, connection, and relaxation.
Phase two, featuring 28 additional benches, will roll out across campus throughout
October.
Complete: Smart, Sustainable Upgrades to Waste Collection
FD&O has deployed 250 custom-branded, solar-powered BigBelly smart compaction bins across campus through funding from our internal sustainability program. These next-generation waste stations utilize integrated solar panels and on-board compactors to increase container capacity by five times compared to traditional receptacles, while providing real-time fill-level notifications to optimize collection routes.
The previous campus trash receptacles were approximately 25 years old and held approximately 30 gallons. Each new BigBelly unit holds up to 150 gallons — a 400% increase in capacity. This substantial increase significantly reduces overflow conditions and improves overall campus cleanliness.
Because each unit can store five times the volume of a conventional bin and communicates when service is required, waste collection is now demand-based rather than schedule-based. This operational shift has resulted in:
- Fewer collection stops
- Reduced labor hours per service cycle
- Reduced vehicle wear and maintenance
- Decreased greenhouse gas emissions
The reduction in service frequency also lowers hauling demand with our waste vendor, creating measurable operational savings for the university while simultaneously reducing Scope 3 emissions associated with contracted waste services.
In addition to direct cost savings, this investment advances FD&O’s sustainability objectives by reducing carbon emissions, lowering operational impacts, and supporting a cleaner and more welcoming campus environment.
Central Classroom Building: Occupational Therapy Spaces Renovation
This is an interior renovation to upgrade five rooms on the first and second floors. The scope of work addresses Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) deficiencies by creating a new interior ramp, upgrading restroom fixtures and entry to provide sufficient space for all users.
This project's goal is to create functional spaces to meet programming needs, and includes equipment, new millwork, and improved lighting, abatement, and new furnishings. The demolition and abatement was completed this summer.
The project is still in active construction, and the fence at the southside of CCB must stay in place during this time, but is anticipated to be completed in October. To support this work, fencing encloses a staging area behind the Student Wellness Center which is planned to be removed mid-September.
Ongoing Tower Hall Façade Repair
The exterior plaster on some parts of Tower Hall is delaminating, or coming apart from the concrete structure. This issue was reviewed by a specialty architect last summer who tested the façade to assess the conditions and provide recommendations in a feasibility study and report. Design work will commence this fall 2025 semester.
While the fence may impact movement around Tower Hall and disrupt iconic visual sightlines to this prominent landmark, fencing will remain to keep passers-by safe from any potential falling debris.
Duncan Hall Space Renovation
22 spaces in Duncan Hall will undergo renovation, asbestos abatement and new finishes to serve as refreshed offices for faculty and staff and to support academic programming and other College of Science space needs. This work supports the moves from the old Science Building and promotes smarter use of limited building spaces.
This renovation will entail the removal of older laboratory utilities and benches, electrical work, and fresh paint and new finishes. Preliminary utilities cutting and capping at lab benches is already substantially completed. Major work will begin in September and complete through November 2025. Renovations will take place while classes and labwork are happening but a high degree of safety and containment measures will be in place. Expect noise and disruption as well as additional communication either from the College of Science or FD&O.
