A rainbow over the CLA tower
CLA Tower and Registrar Building Demolition

Frequently Asked Questions

The CLA Tower is an icon of the campus. Why does it have to be demolished?

The university considered numerous options for the building before concluding that its removal would be in the best interests of the campus — for safety and financial reasons. An earthquake fault line runs under the Tower and Registrar and pose safety risks. The sections cannot be repurposed and they cost the campus substantial resources to maintain. Demolition allows for the creation of green space and outdoor sitting and studying areas. The project represents the best use of the land. 

Can the Tower and Registrar buildings be reinforced and used again?

The buildings have major structural flaws. Renovating the buildings would be a much higher expense and may not fully address those flaws. The buildings also have mechanical system problems and are not energy efficient.  

After the buildings are demolished, can another structure be constructed at the site?

Building codes prohibit construction on land that sits atop any earthquake fault line. Taking down the buildings eliminate one of the highest priorities on the CSU Chancellor’s Office seismic safety list.

What happens to resources in the building, such as furniture and equipment?

The CLA Tower and Registrar were vacated in 2018, and the university repurposed furniture, equipment and other resources in other areas of the campus, including the Student Services Building. Per CPP contract, C.W. Driver, the demolition contractor, is removing the surplus furniture and office equipment.

What is the timeline of the project?

Visit the Timeline page for more information.

Will the Aratani Japanese Garden be closed when the project starts?

The Japanese Garden will be closed temporarily starting in late May but will be covered during demolition. The grounds will be restored after the project is completed. The project manager and contractor are conferring with a koi expert to determine how to protect and minimize impact to fish during demolition. 

My workspace is in the CLA Classroom side. Will I have to move before the project begins?

When actual demolition starts in late May after Commencement, occupants of the CLA Classroom section will be temporarily relocated and some staff will work remotely because of safety concerns. Moving occupants out of the Classroom side lowers the possibility of people being injured near the demolition site. Also, the noise level will become louder as demolition progresses. 

Why will the CLA classroom side remain standing and still be used?  

The classroom section of the CLA complex does not contain the structural flaws that are inherent in the tower side. The building has withstood previous earthquakes and not exhibited signs of damage. There are proposals in the upcoming Campus Master Plan to renovate and upgrade the classroom side.  

Is there a plan to replace or move the electrical and water lines or the IT system? If not, is there a plan to reinforce or otherwise protect that critical infrastructure? 

It is not economically feasible to move electrical and water lines that run under the CLA Tower and feed the classroom side. Relocating the telecommunications systems and the card reader system that controls access to the classroom side would require economic resources that are not available at this time.  

Why isn’t Cal Poly Pomona preserving rather than demolishing the building?

The building has structural flaws and renovating the building would be a cost prohibitive. Maintaining an empty building is a substantial financial burden for the university. The university considered numerous options for the building before concluding that its removal would be in the best interests of the campus — for safety and financial reasons.

When demolition project starts, will students, faculty and staff have to take detours?

Pedestrian traffic will be re-routed around the demolition area. Wayfinding and construction signs will be placed at key points from the parking lots. 

Will the Safer Return Public Health Testing Site for COVID-19 be moved?

The Public Health Testing Site for COVID-19 will temporarily be relocated during a portion of the project. The temporary location will be shared with the campus via email and the Safer Return website.