Ohlone College is undergoing a major transformation at its main campus on Mission Boulevard in Fremont. Funding for the construction comes from the $349 million Measure G bond passed by voters in 2010. The investment is going toward the construction and enhancement of new and existing facilities, including athletic facilities and a parking infrastructure. The goal of the project is to modernize and enrich Ohlone’s academic programs through a new Science Center, Art Building and a new Learning Commons, which will include the library, tutoring labs, and collaborative learning centers. All of the buildings will feature technology-enhanced classrooms, laboratories, and lecture halls.

At the center of the renovation is “The Academic Core Project.” The project includes construction of three new academic buildings totaling 180,000 square feet in the heart of the campus as well as improvements and updates to other buildings in the campus infrastructure. Construction for the academic core buildings is expected to be completed before the end of 2018, while other projects will extend past that date. A five-floor, 900-space parking structure is currently under construction on the south side of the campus and is slated to open in time for the 2015 fall semester.

Rendering of “The Academic Core Project” with the Art Building and Learning Commons in the background. Art supplied by Cannon Design.

In addition to the Academic Core Project, Ohlone has a long-term goal of achieving net-zero energy consumption. The campus already has a fully operational one megawatt solar farm and is using other innovative energy reducing strategies, including a “geothermal ground loop” system to heat and cool buildings.

Rendering of “The Academic Core Project” withthe Art Building and Learning Commons in the background. Art supplied by Cannon Design.

Once completed, the renovated campus will be environmentally sustainable with contemporary state-of-the-art academic buildings, new athletic fields, updated furnishings, and LED lighting. The 525 faculty members and more than 15,000 students will soon experience a beautiful, modern academic environment with more opportunities for interactive learning.