Sac State's HUGE Downtown Expansion! Campus & Housing Coming Soon!

Sacramento State University is embarking on an ambitious project to expand its presence in downtown Sacramento. What began as a plan to convert unused California government buildings into affordable housing is now evolving into a major expansion of the university itself.

Sac State's Downtown Vision

Sacramento State is actively evaluating the development of a new campus on Capitol Mall. This project envisions a sprawling 2 to 5 million square foot mixed-use downtown center. The center will house a campus for the School of American Democracy, student housing, and other residential options.

“This development project will offer a first-of-its-kind live, work, play model in the heart of our urban core,” stated Michelle Willard, Chief of External Relations for Sacramento State.

Repurposing State Buildings

The proposal involves converting three key state buildings into university facilities: the Employment Development Department at 800 Capitol Mall, the EDD Solar Building at 751 N St., and the State Personnel Board Building at 801 Capitol Mall. The Department of General Services has announced that EDD employees will be relocated to 1416 9th Street by early 2026.

Willard noted that this project draws inspiration from other universities that have successfully established downtown campuses and mixed-use spaces, citing Arizona State University's downtown Phoenix campus as an example.

The initial impetus for converting these buildings stemmed from a 2019 executive order by Governor Gavin Newsom, tasking the state with identifying excess state-owned properties suitable for conversion into affordable housing. In 2023, the real estate development company McCormack Baron Salazar Inc. was selected to spearhead the project.

This expansion promises to revitalize downtown Sacramento, offering students and residents a vibrant and integrated urban experience.