Photo: The 80,000-square-foot building will serve as a centralized hub for student resources and a new entrance to the 67-acre campus. | Photo Credit: Courtesy of XL Construction
By Lindsey Coulter
SAN FRANCISCO — City College of San Francisco has officially opened its new Student Success Center, a $141.8 million facility designed to consolidate more than 30 student services under one roof and provide a clear gateway to the Ocean Campus.
The 80,000-square-foot building will serve as a centralized hub for student resources and a new entrance to the 67-acre campus. A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held Aug. 28, marking the completion of the progressive design-build project delivered by XL Construction and Gensler, in collaboration with construction manager Kitchell.
The Student Success Center houses admissions and records for both credit and non-credit students, financial aid, outreach, student affairs, student health services, student activities, counseling and tutoring as well as career, transfer and international student counseling. The all-electric facility is LEED Silver certified and net-zero ready.
“As a community college grad and someone who has been deeply involved in this project since 2020, I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved together and eager to see the positive impact it will have on our students and community,” said Erin Allred, Project Executive at XL Construction, in a statement. “It is because of the collaborative delivery approach CCSF chose that we are standing here celebrating the building’s opening today.”
The design emphasizes efficiency and collaboration. By consolidating departments that were previously spread across 10 campus buildings, planners reduced the overall space needed by 6,000 square feet. That optimization allowed the college to invest in more durable finishes and building systems.
“The building is like a flag for CCSF at the corner of Frida Kahlo and Ocean Avenue, saying Welcome!, We are here!” said Sandy Mendler, Design Principal and Education Practice Leader for Gensler, in a statement. “The design is all about offering a clear front door to campus, and a ‘flow through’ lobby that will encourage students to become familiar with the building and the services it offers all in one place, rather than distributed across the campus.”
CCSF Chancellor Kimberlee S. Messina, who began her role July 1 after six years leading Spokane Falls Community College, called the project a major step in improving equitable access.
“We’re thrilled that academic counseling, tutoring, admissions and records, the career center, and transfer center, the Queer Resource Center, and much more are under one roof,” Messina said in a statement. “Centralizing these resources in a single, accessible location enhances the overall student experience, particularly for historically marginalized populations. This integrated model of service delivery is a strategic investment in equitable access, student retention and long-term enrollment growth.”
The Student Success Center was designed through CCSF’s shared governance process, incorporating input from across the college community. Leaders said the facility will play a critical role in enrollment growth and student retention by providing easier access to essential services.
“First and foremost, the opportunity to come to City College is open to everyone; we don’t have entrance exams,” said Dr. Lisa Cooper Wilkins, CCSF Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs, in a statement. “You can get an associate degree to start your own business or to begin your career, or transfer to a college or university in California and beyond. We’re proud that many of our students can attend for free if they are eligible San Francisco residents via our Free City program.”
The ribbon-cutting ceremony featured remarks from key stakeholders and members of the project team, followed by a celebratory reception inside the new center.