Butte College broke ground in September 2025 on a campus expansion for two new buildings designed to enhance programs and opportunities for local students.
Chico, Calif.-based Slater & Son received a $22,574,869 construction contract, with 48 percent of subcontractor and vendor participation coming from local businesses. Funding for the project, which has a total budget of $27.2 million, comes from district capital funds.
The Field Act-compliant building will relocate Butte College's cosmetology program to the Chico Center, doubling capacity from 60 to 150 students annually. The 18,100-sq-ft. 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 also will benefit from on-site access to the Chico Center's full range of student services, including counseling, tutoring and financial aid.
Construction began in September and is scheduled for completion in December 2026, with classes starting in January 2027.
The 5,872-sq.-ft. 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 in 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," Guleff said. "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 percent of subcontractor and vendor participation coming from local businesses. Funding for the project comes from district capital funds.
The Butte College Chico Center is at 2320 Forest Ave. in Chico.
