The Lanterman Story

Cal Poly Pomona's stewardship of the historic 300-acre Lanterman Developmental Center property reflects more than a decade of strategic planning, collaboration, and long-term vision. The project demonstrates the university's commitment to transforming this extraordinary asset into a vibrant, mixed-use district that supports the university's educational mission while creating lasting economic, academic, and community value.

The university's involvement began in 2010 when Cal Poly Pomona, in partnership with the California State University Chancellor's Office, initiated discussions regarding the future of the Lanterman property. In 2016, the State of California formally transferred jurisdiction of the property to the California State University and Cal Poly Pomona, providing the university with a once-in-a-generation opportunity to thoughtfully plan the future of the site.

Early feasibility studies confirmed the property's significant development potential, identifying opportunities for faculty and staff housing, expanded academic and research facilities, student-serving amenities, recreation, commercial uses, and strategic public-private partnerships. Since acquiring the property, the university has undertaken extensive planning, market analysis, financial evaluation, and stakeholder engagement to establish a long-term vision that aligns with the university's strategic priorities.

Recognizing the complexity of the project, Cal Poly Pomona established a dedicated Project Management Team under the CPP Enterprise Foundation to provide continuity, technical expertise, and strategic oversight. This governance structure ensured project momentum through multiple leadership transitions while allowing the university to engage nationally recognized experts in finance, economics, planning, and development.

The project has evolved significantly over the past decade in response to changing market conditions. Following the selection of Edgewood Realty & Greystar (ERG) as master developer in 2021, the university entered into negotiations regarding development and financing strategies. However, as financial markets changed following the COVID-19 pandemic, both parties agreed in late 2023 to pause negotiations and allow the university to further evaluate public financing alternatives that could reduce project risk while preserving long-term value.  Negotiations were formally terminated in February 2025.

Since then, the university has advanced a new planning strategy focused on establishing a comprehensive development framework before selecting a future development partner. In Fall 2024, Cal Poly Pomona retained Kosmont Financial Services to evaluate public financing opportunities and funding mechanisms for pre-development costs.

Building upon that work, and with funding from the Chancellor’s Office in April 2025, several foundational planning studies commenced including: a comprehensive market assessment and financial feasibility analysis to determine what types of land uses are needed and financially viable (KMA); a pre-Environmental Impact Report assessment, including evaluation of any historic resources and consultation with the State Historic Preservation Office (MBI); and finally, conceptual land-use planning and infrastructure assessments that evaluate utility capacity and the costs associated with future development (Gensler).

The project has transitioned from evaluating development concepts to creating a comprehensive land use master plan that will guide future implementation and development strategies. Public engagement has become a central component of the planning process, ensuring that students, faculty, staff, neighbors, public agencies, and community partners help shape the future vision for the property.

Revenue generated through interim uses, including film and television production, continues to support ongoing operations, maintenance, security, and planning activities while preserving the site's long-term development potential. As planning progresses, the Lanterman property remains one of the largest and most significant redevelopment opportunities within the California State University system.

The Lanterman Development Project represents a transformative investment in Cal Poly Pomona's future. Guided by careful planning, fiscal stewardship, and broad community collaboration, the university is creating a long-term vision for a dynamic district where people can live, learn, work, and innovate—supporting generations of students while strengthening connections with industry partners and the surrounding communities.