Poly Canyon Village

Cal Poly’s Master Plan called for the construction of residential communities to more than double available housing for students living on campus. With close to 3,000 beds, this housing complex includes three residential neighborhood areas on 30 acres, north of Brizzolara Creek. The nine buildings and two parking lots include 615 student apartments, 2,661 student beds, and 1,926 parking spaces. The project also includes commercial areas with retail and food service space as well as a recreation center with a swimming pool. The apartment units offer full kitchens, laundry areas, study areas, and utilities, including high-speed internet access.

The size of this project offers Cal Poly a unique opportunity to create a twenty-first century living and learning community. The program components and physical design embody key values of the Cal Poly Master Plan, particularly with respect to establishing an atmosphere that is student-centered, stimulating, socially supportive, and environmentally responsible.

The design team was awarded this project as the result of a design-build competition. Cannon was selected to provide civil engineering services. The scope of work included preparation of grading, drainage, improvement, and on-and off-site utility plans. Cannon also assisted with environmental permitting and Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification for the complex. Poly Canyon Village is the first LEED certified project for new construction on campus and is the largest LEED certified project in the California State University system. It is also the single largest construction project in the history of the CSU system with $299 million in bonds. As a result, Poly Canyon Village received recognition from American Society of Civil Engineers’ San Luis Obispo and Los Angeles Sections for Outstanding Sustainability Project of the Year.