Construction activity is underway at Citrus College as the campus begins a major project focused on science education and student-veteran services. Citrus College Science Center construction marks the first significant project funded by Measure Y, the $298 million bond voters approved in 2020.
The project will create a new Science Building and Veterans Success Center on the Citrus College campus in Glendora.
Demolition began in August to prepare the project site, according to Citrus College. The work includes removing the Integrated Success Center, Liberal Arts/Business Building and Information Systems Building.
College officials expect site clearing to take about five to six months.
The new facility will include two connected, two-story wings. A second-floor walkway will connect the building with the Educational Development Center.
Citrus College Science Center Expands Learning
College planning documents describe a roughly 63,000-square-foot facility with an estimated project budget of $113.5 million.
The building will provide classrooms, laboratories, offices and interactive learning spaces. Programs expected to use the facility include biology, biotechnology, chemistry, engineering, geology, physics, astronomy and anthropology.
College officials also plan sustainability features for the project. Citrus College says the building is being designed as a Zero Net Energy facility, meaning it is intended to produce as much energy as it uses.
Plans include solar panels and energy-efficient building systems.
The project represents a major step in carrying out Measure Y. Local voters approved the $298 million general obligation bond in November 2020 to finance improvements to college facilities.
Superintendent/President Greg Schulz said the project will provide science students and student-veterans with spaces where they can thrive. He also said the improvements will help the college expand programs while fulfilling its commitment to Measure Y voters.
New Home Planned For Veterans
The Veterans Success Center will have a dedicated wing within the new development.
Citrus College has operated the center since 2009. It assists student-veterans with educational benefits, academic counseling, military transfer credits, mental health resources and other services.
Construction of the new building remains subject to final approval from the California Division of the State Architect, according to the college.
Once that construction phase begins, Citrus College expects the work to take about two and a half years. Earlier college planning documents identified February 2029 as the earliest projected completion, though the college has not announced that date as a firm opening.
Measure Y spending is also subject to independent financial audits and review by a Citizens’ Bond Oversight Committee.
For Citrus College students and neighboring San Gabriel Valley communities, the construction represents a visible beginning for the improvements promised through Measure Y. The Citrus College Science Center project will pair modern science facilities with expanded support for veterans while reshaping a significant portion of the Glendora campus.
