What began as a bare stretch of hillside alongside College Parkway is steadily transforming into a hub of innovation and learning. The glass façade, completed exterior walls, and active construction site now reflect how far the project has come—evolving from a steel framework into a prominent feature of the Folsom Lake College campus.
Construction on the expansive facility continues to move forward on schedule, with the college preparing to welcome students into the state-of-the-art building in fall 2025.
Drivers along East Bidwell Street can’t miss the 75,000-square-foot structure taking shape. Once complete, the building will be the largest science facility in the Los Rios Community College District, featuring six biology labs, six chemistry labs, a 4,000-square-foot science center, and additional classrooms and flexible lab spaces—all built to support the region’s growing demand for STEM education.
The $64.9 million project is being funded through Measure M—a bond approved by voters in 2008 to enhance and modernize district facilities—as well as additional state funding. Designed by HMC Architects, MTW Group Landscape Architecture and brought to reality by Otto Construction, the firms involved in the project bring over 75 years of experience to the project, with deep ties to the Sacramento region.
“This 75,000-square-foot science building will be one of the cornerstone pieces that completes our college,” Folsom Lake College President Art Pimentel told Folsom Times when the project first broke ground. “We’re excited to offer six biology labs and six chemistry labs, providing every local student pursuing a science degree a place to learn close to home.”
As the facility takes shape, college officials confirm that construction remains on schedule, with a targeted completion date of later this month.
“From the start, MTW aimed to design a space that felt like a natural extension of the campus. The circular plaza mirrors the flow of existing paths, and custom bollards were added to protect the building while tying into an existing fire lane,” shared MTW Group in an update. “We also pulled in textures and materials from around campus to make the new space feel connected and familiar. Just a couple of months left until completion—we’re almost there.”
Folsom Lake College has long faced capacity issues and student waitlists for science courses. College data highlights sustained demand for careers in science, technology, engineering, and math, but current facilities have struggled to keep up. The new building will support program growth and provide much-needed space for hands-on learning, better equipping students for competitive careers and academic transfer pathways.
Sustainability is also a core feature of the new building. The facility is being constructed to meet LEED Silver certification standards from the U.S. Green Building Council and includes energy-efficient systems and eight electric vehicle charging stations.
The science building is a central part of Folsom Lake College’s long-range master plan, which focuses on expanding educational access and serving the region’s growing student population. The college continues to welcome support from alumni and community partners to help bring the project to life.
Folsom Lake College currently serves approximately 9,000 students across its Folsom, Rancho Cordova, and Placerville campuses, as well as through online programs. When complete, the new science building will stand as a symbol of the college’s commitment to innovation, opportunity, and community growth.
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