Construction activity is moving forward on a major higher education healthcare project in Northern California as contractor Sundt Construction begins work on a new training and education center at Cal Poly Humboldt.
The $30 million renovation project will convert the university’s Stewart Building in Arcata into a Healthcare Education Hub designed to support expanded instruction for nursing students and allied health professionals. University leaders and project stakeholders say the investment is intended to strengthen the regional healthcare workforce pipeline at a time when many rural and underserved communities continue facing labor shortages across medical occupations.
The two-story renovation covers approximately 41,781 square feet and will modernize the existing building with simulation-based training environments, updated classrooms and student-focused support areas. The facility is expected to serve students from both Cal Poly Humboldt and College of the Redwoods.
In addition to nursing education, the project will support hands-on instruction for emergency medical technicians, paramedics, respiratory therapists and radiology technicians. Expanding access to clinical and technical training programs has become a growing priority for universities and public institutions seeking to address long-term healthcare staffing needs.
“Strong partnerships are key to delivering projects that create lasting community impact,” said Dylan Rogers, Sundt project director. “We’re proud to continue our work with Cal Poly Humboldt on a facility that will help strengthen the region’s healthcare workforce.”
For contractors and institutional owners, the project reflects continued investment in adaptive reuse and renovation work within higher education campuses. Rather than constructing an entirely new facility, the university is redeveloping an existing structure to support evolving academic and workforce requirements while extending the value of campus assets.
Healthcare education projects have remained an active segment within institutional construction as colleges and universities respond to increasing demand for workforce-ready graduates in medical and technical fields. Owners are also prioritizing simulation technology and flexible learning environments that mirror real-world healthcare settings.
The Healthcare Education Hub also deepens Sundt’s relationship with the university system. The builder previously completed Cal Poly Humboldt’s Hinarr Hu Moulik student housing development and renovations to Jenkins Hall.
The project adds to a broader trend of public-sector and education clients pursuing workforce-centered capital investments tied to regional economic development goals. For construction owners, these projects often create long-term community benefits while positioning campuses to attract future enrollment and workforce funding opportunities.
Source: SunDT.
