California community colleges have a demanding battle when it comes to incentivizing commuter students to stay on campus during the day. And studies show that students who spend more time on campus are more likely to succeed, so Los Angeles Harbor College set out to create a new student union with recruitment, retention, and student success in mind. The new student union is envisioned as the center for civic and social activities on campus—a place where students can go and spend their time in-between classes and get involved in student life activities.

Scheduled to open in the winter of 2018, the 59,500-SF student union will centralize all of Los Angeles Harbor College’s student life programs and become the new social hub on campus. Located at the intersection of two major pedestrian paths on campus, and adjacent to the future main quad, the student union is designed to encourage everyday use. With floor to ceiling glass windows, the ground floor will blend indoor and outdoor spaces to create an inviting area for dining and a multi-purpose lounge for student activities. A bookstore will also be located on the first floor, with culinary arts classrooms and spaces for student government located on the second floor.