Folsom Lake College new state-of-the-art science building opens

Folsom Lake College's long-awaited new science building is officially open, just in time for the new school year to begin. The 75-thousand square foot instructional building, which is named Oak Hall, is the largest science facility within the Los Rios Community College District and will allow FLC to answer the growing demand for students pursuing a career in the sciences. The facility is home to six biology labs, six chemistry labs and a 4-thousand square foot science center. Construction on the state-of-the-art building has been a highly visible work in progress these past few years for the Folsom community, as it sits perched above East Bidwell Street and welcomes visitors to the main campus area at 10 College Parkway. Folsom Lake College has had a growing emphasis and acknowledgement of the increasingly coveted careers in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields in recent years, and this new facility is a reflection of that, according to FLC officials. According to a statement from the college, this increased space will allow FLC to significantly expand its science programs for its student body who are seeking degrees and certificates in these fields now more than ever before. The construction cost of the new science facility was approximately $70 million, funded by local bond Measure M which voters approved in 2008 to support the construction of new facilities and modernization of existing facilities in the Los Rios Community College District. Additional funding was also provided by the State of California. HMC Architects designed the building, Otto Construction served as the lead contractor, and Sixth Dimension provided construction management. FLC officials said the building also emphasizes smart and sustainable construction practices and will feature eight electrical vehicle charging stations. With the state-of-the-art new instructional building complete, classes are set to be offered in the building for this Fall 2025 semester.