Construction Updates
Welcome to the Future U Construction Updates Page
The transformation of the University Student Union (USU) is underway! This page will serve as your go-to resource for the latest construction news, progress reports and important updates related to the Future U project.
Construction began on the Friendship Walk Stairs in April 2025. This project ensures that ADA-accessible pathways remain available for the duration of the University Student Union (USU) closure and renovation.
During construction, alternate pathways will be available:
- Pedestrian traffic coming from the direction of the College of Professional and Continuing Education (CPACE) can redirect to the Central Plant ramp/elevator.
- Pathways on the north side of the USU (by the Health & Human Services Building) and the west side of the USU (by the Go Beach sign) will be uninterrupted.
- The new east stairs and southern sloped walkways (by the Bloc Tower and Molecular & Life Sciences Center) will open Aug. 15, 2025. The full stairway will open by Dec. 1, 2025.
- Be sure to enable the “Future U” layer on the interactive campus map for alternative pathways and step-by-step directions around the construction.
The Friendship Walk Stair Improvement project is an important ADA barrier removal measure to improve universal accessibility for all campus users. Although several aged trees are being removed to make way for the new stairs and sloped walkways, they will be replaced with many more new trees, all California native species. The trees will be 100% repurposed to meet university sustainability goals.
Additionally, the remaining trees along Friendship Walk Stairs are being protected and carefully monitored by a certified arborist during construction. Precautions include health support measures like inoculations and protective fencing around tree roots. A biologist is also on site to monitor for bat roosting and bird nesting, ensuring environmental mitigation compliance.
Please note that the university has a tree replacement policy: for every one tree removed, two are planted on campus. The size of the new trees depends on the maturity of the trees being replaced. This approach ensures that while some trees are removed, many more are restored and protected, contributing to a healthier, safer, and accessible campus environment.
A tentative construction milestone schedule is below:
- East Stairs Open - 8/22/2025
- Robeks & Coffee Bean Open (Exterior Access Only) through 9/17/2025
- Stairs Landscape Complete – 12/1/2025
- The Nugget Open through 12/15/2025
- Full Stairs Open - 12/31/2025
