Construction Updates

Welcome to the Future U Construction Updates Page

The transformation of the University Student Union (USU) is almost underway! This page will serve as your go-to resource for the latest construction news, progress reports and important updates related to the Future U project.

Friendship Walk Stairs Construction

Construction begins on the first phase of the Future U University Student Union renovation project with the temporary closure of the Friendship Walk Stairs. The stairs will be closed to pedestrian traffic beginning April 14 with an expected completion date of August 2025 before the start of the fall semester.  This project ensures that ADA-accessible pathways remain available throughout the University Student Union (USU) closure and renovation.

During construction, alternate pathways will be available:

• Pedestrian traffic coming from the direction of the College of Professional and Continuing Education (CPACE) can redirect to the Central Plant ramp/elevator and through the east entrances of the USU near Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf.
• Pathways on the north side of the USU (by the Health & Human Services Building) and the west side of the USU (by the Go Beach sign) will be uninterrupted.
• Pedestrian traffic through the USU elevator will remain uninterrupted.
• Beginning April 14, be sure to enable the “Future U” layer on the interactive campus map for alternative pathways and step-by-step directions around the construction.
• All ADA paths remain open during this stage of construction

The Friendship Walk Stair Improvement project is an important ADA barrier removal measure to improve universal accessibility for all campus users. Although several aged trees are being removed to make way for the new stairs and sloped walkways, they will be replaced with many more new trees, all California native species. The trees will be 100% repurposed to meet university sustainability goals.

Additionally, the remaining trees along Friendship Walk Stairs are being protected and carefully monitored by a certified arborist during construction. Precautions include health support measures like inoculations and protective fencing around tree roots. A biologist is also on site to monitor for bat roosting and bird nesting, ensuring environmental mitigation compliance.

This approach ensures that while some trees are removed, many more are restored and protected, contributing to a healthier, safer, and accessible campus environment.

A tentative construction milestone schedule is below:

• Project Fence Installation - 4/14/2025
• Hardscape Demolition Complete - 5/8/2025
• New Sloped Walkways Construction Complete - 7/22/2025
• New Stairs Construction Complete - 8/12/2025
• Project Fence Removal - 8/21/2025

Stay Informed

Check back here for updates as we move forward with creating a student-centered space designed for the next generation of Long Beach State students.