C.W. Driver Breaks Ground on $54M, 45,000-square-foot Innovation Hub at Cal State University Fullerton

Cutting-edge engineering and computer science building will empower future engineers and technology leaders

Fullerton, Calif.  — C.W. Driver Companies, a premier builder with deep expertise in higher education and science facilities, has broken ground on the new 45,000-square-foot Engineering & Computer Science (ECS) Innovation Hub at California State University, Fullerton (CSUF). The $54 million facility is designed to foster a vibrant, hands-on learning environment that prepares the next generation of engineers, computer scientists, and technology leaders. 

Focused on engineering & computer science teaching and research, the cutting-edge building will house a series of specialized dry labs, supporting disciplines such as computing, robotics, materials testing, and cyber security. Organized in clusters and built with flexibility in mind, the labs are designed to adapt to evolving industry demands and workforce needs.  

The Innovation Hub will also feature a range of support spaces including student lounges, study rooms, wellness and meeting areas, makerspaces, and equipment rooms—enhancing collaboration, creativity, and well-being among students and faculty. Further, the building will include immersive learning spaces, and real-world, project-based experiences. The building will serve as a launchpad for talent, a hub for industry collaboration, and a driver of economic opportunity in California and beyond. 

“This is more than just a new building—it’s a transformational space that will launch careers, drive innovation, and fuel economic growth across the region,” said Jamie Macartney, project executive, C.W. Driver Companies. “Our longstanding partnership with Cal State Fullerton, and our continued work across California’s top colleges and universities, reflects our deep commitment to building spaces that empower discovery, inspire learning, and keep up with the pace of the future of STEM education.” 

C.W. Driver joined CSUF President Ronald S. Rochon and College of Engineering and Computer Science Dean Susan Barua on June 4 to celebrate the official groundbreaking ceremony, marking a major milestone in the university’s strategic vision for STEM education. 

“The ECS Innovation Hub represents the future of discovery, collaboration, and bold ideas that will shape tomorrow’s world. It’s where vision meets possibility and imagination gains the tools to become reality.” Said Sarab Singh, Associate Vice President for Capital Programs & Facilities Management, Cal State Fullerton. 

This project builds on C.W. Driver’s previous success at CSUF, including the recently completed $59 million Visual Arts Campus, the Student Recreation Center, Children’s Center and Tri-Generation Plant. The firm’s portfolio includes a wide range of innovation-driven educational projects throughout California, such as MiraCosta College’s Chemistry & Biotechnology Building; Mt. San Jacinto College’s STEM Science & Technology Buildings; CSU Dominguez Hills’ Center for Science & Innovation and Innovation & Instruction Building; and UC Santa Barbara’s Interactive Learning Pavilion. 

Project partners include Gensler, Saiful Bouquet, P2S, LandLab & KPFF. The ECS Innovation Hub is slated for completion in Spring 2027 and is located at 800 N State College Blvd, Fullerton, CA 92831. 

About C.W. Driver Companies  

C.W. Driver Companies is a premier builder serving California since 1919. In 2019, the historic company proudly celebrated its 100-year anniversary. As a leader in general contracting and construction management services, C.W. Driver Companies are on the cutting edge across a broad spectrum of industries, including education, commercial/office, technology, healthcare/biomedical, mixed-use, assisted living, entertainment, retail, industrial and civic. Ranked in Engineering News-Record’s Top 150 General Contractors and Top 100 Construction Managers, C.W. Driver Companies has the ability to build a variety of projects, from large tenant improvements to small renovations and specialized projects through its affiliates Driver SPG and Good & Roberts. C.W. Driver Companies has offices located in Los Angeles, Rancho Cucamonga, Anaheim, San Diego and Carlsbad. For more information, please visit www.cwdriver.com. Follow C.W. Driver Companies on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.