In March of 2024, the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) San Luis Obispo Branch honored Cal poly’s William and Linda Frost Center for Research and Innovation with the Architectural Engineering Project Award. Completed in May of 2023, this cutting-edge facility embodies the university’s ethos of “Learn by Doing”, encouraging interdisciplinary collaboration among the College of Liberal Arts, College of Science and Mathematics, and College of Agriculture, Food, and Environmental Sciences.

Cannon’s civil engineering services played a significant role in shaping the architectural design of the Frost Center, to align with the campus’s educational objectives. Drawing inspiration from Italian hill towns, the architectural concept seamlessly integrates tower blocks to complement the site’s landscape, enhancing accessibility and harmonizing with existing structures. The facility offers modern amenities, including adaptable research spaces, areas for student collaboration, and faculty offices. Using passive design strategies and natural ventilation, the Frost Center prioritizes sustainability and promotes a healthy indoor environment worthy of its LEED Gold® certification.

The success of the Frost Center was greatly influenced by the generous contributions and support from donors, such as William and Linda Frost, Jim and Suzanne Boswell, and Jack and Felisha Cashin, whose philanthropic efforts were instrumental. Moreover, collaboration among university stakeholders, including the Frost Foundation, architects, contractors, and project managers, was vital in bringing the project to fruition.