Willow Hall, CSU Stanislaus

The opening of Willow Hall marks a new chapter for California State University, Stanislaus, one of 22 universities in the United States’ largest public university system. The $49 million project at the Stockton Campus brings a new two-storey academic building to the heart of campus, doubling laboratory classroom capacity and providing purpose-built facilities to help meet San Joaquin County’s growing demand for healthcare professionals.

For decades, the Stockton Campus relied heavily on Acacia Court, a former hospital building whose age and original purpose limited what a modern academic environment could offer. Designed by LPAS Architecture + Design, Willow Hall reflects CSU’s ongoing commitment to improving the quality of education, while creating a refreshed gateway to campus life. Its outdoor spaces give students places to meet, connect, study or simply pause between classes.

Kristopher Maddox, Associate at LPAS, worked with Street Furniture Australia’s US distribution partner, Spruce and Gander, to redefine the walkways and courtyards around the building. Furniture from the Linea Range was selected with durable aluminium woodgrain battens in Beach Oak Grey (Wood Without Worry) and Lobster Red frames, creating a distinct sense of place while ensuring performance and longevity in the outdoor environment.

Near the building’s entrance, Linea Platforms provide informal spaces to sit, relax and enjoy the sun. Throughout the courtyard, Linea Table Settings and Lookout Tables create dedicated areas for outdoor study or a quick lunch between lectures. Linea Seat Dividers are incorporated along each side of the platforms and on the outer side of the Linea Bench, helping protect the furniture from damage while allowing students to use the spaces comfortably as part of everyday campus life.

As San Joaquin County’s only public higher education institution, the opening of Willow Hall has created capacity for up to 2,000 more student enrolments, building a stronger foundation for generations of students to come.