Group photo of the Student Services Ground Breaking

 

San Bernardino Valley College broke ground Oct. 3 on its new Student Services building. 

Construction started in April and is slated to be finished in April 2027. 

“In addition to celebrating 100 years, San Bernardino Valley College continues the legacy of elevating opportunities for the community,” said SBVC President Gilbert J. Contreras. “As we break ground today on a new student services building, we advance our college priority as a boldly student-centered college.” 

The $117 million, 102,691-square-foot building is replacing the 1970 Liberal Arts building and is designed to be a one-stop hub for student resources. It will house classrooms; tutoring, assembly, and collaboration spaces; offices; a conference room; counseling and matriculation resources; and health and wellness services. 

“When this building is finished it will be the front door to our college — a welcoming front door,” said San Bernardino Community College District Chancellor Diana Z. Rodriguez. 

Sen. Eloise Gomez Reyes, who represented state lawmakers along with Assembymember James Ramos, called the building “a welcoming gateway” where many students will take their first steps onto campus. 

A recipient of that work is student Isaiah Franco, a Navy submarine veteran who likened the building to a newly christened vessel. 

“This base will serve as a harbor for veterans seeking guidance, camaraderie, or just a sense of belonging,” he said at the ceremony. “It will be a place where we continue to build ourselves up academically, professionally, and personally.” 

Builders are aiming for LEED Platinum certification, the highest rating from the U.S. Green Building Council. The building’s sustainability features include concrete ceilings, walls, and floors; vertical windows; easy access to public transportation; trees; and native landscaping. The architect is CannonDesign and the contractor is McCarthy. 

Construction is funded by the $470 million ballot Measure CC, which passed in 2018, and the $500 million Measure M, which passed in 2008. Rodriguez said projects like the Students Services building have generated $200 million in local economic activity, including hiring local construction workers.