Butte College Breaks Ground on Chico Center Expansion

Butte College officially broke ground on its Chico Center Expansion Project, a $27.2 million investment that will add nearly 24,000 square feet of new facilities to serve students in Chico and the surrounding communities.

The project includes two new buildings:

• Cosmetology and Barbering Facility (18,100 sq. ft.)
  The state-of-the-art, Field Act-compliant building will relocate Butte College's cosmetology program to the Chico Center, doubling capacity from 60 to 150 students annually. The facility will feature two cosmetology labs, one barbering lab, one esthetician lab, one manicure/pedicure lab, a classroom, and eight faculty offices, along with a centralized supply dispensary and color bar. Students will also benefit from on-site access to the Chico Center's full range of student services, including counseling, tutoring, and financial aid. Construction begins September 2025 and is scheduled for completion in December 2026, with classes starting January 2027.

• Science Laboratory (5,872 sq. ft.)
  The science building will include a 34-student general science lab, a science stockroom, and four faculty offices. Designed to mirror the labs in Butte College's new Science Building on the main campus, it will provide Chico-area students with a consistent STEM learning experience while reducing travel barriers. Construction will begin January 2026, with completion expected in March 2027 and classes beginning in fall 2027.

"This is truly a community project, built by local hands and designed to support local students," said Kim Jones, Butte College's Director of Facilities. "These facilities will give students modern, permanent spaces to pursue their education - from cosmetology and barbering to science and STEM pathways."

Superintendent/President Virginia Guleff highlighted the importance of the expansion.

"When we open these two new buildings, we'll not only expand our programs but also expand opportunities - opportunities for students to pursue careers in high-demand industries, opportunities for Chico-area residents to access education closer to home, and opportunities for our community to grow together," said Guleff. "This groundbreaking isn't just about construction. It's about creating opportunity and pathways to success - right here at the Chico Center."

The construction contract was awarded to Chico-based DH Slater & Son for $22.5 million, with 48% of subcontractor and vendor participation coming from local businesses. Funding for the project comes from district capital funds.

The Butte College Chico Center is located at 2320 Forest Avenue in Chico.

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