Cal Poly Humboldt to Open Largest-Ever Student Housing Complex: Hinarr Hu Moulik (2025)

Saturday, 12 April 2025, 12:00 am Staff17 comments

Press release from Cal Poly Humboldt:

An artistic rendering of Hinarr Hu Moulik Student Housing Complex.

This fall, Cal Poly Humboldt will open the doors to Hinarr Hu Moulik, the University’s largest student housing project in its history. The name—meaning “Our House/Home” in the Wiyot language—reflects a deep commitment to community, inclusion, and sustainability.

(Pronounced hee-NOD huh MOO-leek).

Located just a half mile north of campus, the $226 million, student-centered complex will house up to 964 students across two multi-story apartment-style buildings, meeting the growing demand for housing. With its state-of-the-art amenities, environmentally conscious design, and community-focused spaces, Hinarr Hu Moulik epitomizes Humboldt’s transformation into California’s third polytechnic university.

“This project reflects the values of our University—academic excellence, environmental responsibility, and a student-first approach,” says Mike Fisher, Acting Vice President for Administration & Finance. “It’s not just housing. It’s home.”

It will, in fact, be a home base for future scientists, engineers, educators, artists, and innovators.

“Hinarr Hu Moulik represents a bold investment in our students and in the future of Cal Poly Humboldt,” says Chrissy Holliday, Vice President for Enrollment Management & Student Success. “It’s not just about meeting the need for high-quality, affordable housing—it’s about creating a space where students can thrive.”

Funded from the state’s historic $458 million investment in the University’s polytechnic transformation, this housing complex is the first major facility built as part of that effort. It’s also the first student housing development since the College Creek Apartments in 2010, increasing the University-owned housing capacity by nearly 50%.

Students will enjoy a wide array of on-site amenities, including:

• Study spaces and computer rooms
• Community lounges and television rooms
• An exercise gym and conference rooms
• A café/market dubbed 101 Express
• Covered and secure bicycle parking
• Ample parking and EV charging stations
• Green space for recreation and relaxation

The Hinarr Hu Moulik Housing Complex will also include access to theAnnie and Mary Trailsystem, which connects to Arcata Marsh and the Humboldt Bay trail. The Annie Mary trail will also serve as the primary pedestrian route to the main campus via Sunset Avenue. Additionally, Cal Poly Humboldt has been working with the City of Arcata and Cal Trans District 1 on plans and funding to improvepedestrian safety across the Sunset overpass, with plans for construction to begin as early as 2026, making it easier for students to commute to and from campus.

In keeping with the University’s legacy of environmental leadership, the project incorporates sustainable features like high-efficiency irrigation, energy-efficient lighting and appliances, water-saving plumbing, and durable exterior materials. The complex will also feature on-site solar energy production and use Energy Star appliances throughout. The building is built to a LEED Gold equivalent.

Safety is also a cornerstone of Hinarr Hu Moulik’s design. Built to meet or exceed all California Fire Code and Building Code requirements, the facility will include advanced emergency and security systems, non-combustible construction materials, sprinkler systems, and strategically placed hydrants. The complex includes an added emergency access route to Eye Street, which will improve response times and emergency preparedness.

The Hinarr Hu Moulik East building will open to students in August, just in time to welcome transfer and returning undergrad and graduate students before the Fall semester begins. The Hinarr Hu Moulik West building will follow shortly after, ensuring continued housing availability for transfer and returning students and making room in other on-campus housing for incoming first-year students eager to live in the heart of a vibrant, supportive community.

For more details, go to theStudent Housing Project website.

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