Fallbrook Student Resource & Learning Center – Coming Soon!

Expanding Access, Learning, and Student Support in North San Diego County

The Fallbrook Student Resource and Learning Center is a new 40,000‑square‑foot, two‑story facility at Palomar College’s Fallbrook Education Center that will open in early 2027. The building expands instructional space, student services, and community‑focused areas that support student success across the region.

Through this project, Palomar College strengthens access to higher education while creating an environment that supports students academically, personally, and professionally. In addition, the building reflects the College’s commitment to equity, engagement, and long‑term community partnership.

The facility was designed by HMC Architects and is being constructed by Balfour Beatty.

  • Exterior rendering of the Fallbrook 40 Student Resource and Learning Center showing a two‑story building with large windows, an extended roof canopy supported by columns, landscaped walkways, stairs to the upper level, and people moving along the campus approach.
  • South exterior view of the two‑story Fallbrook 40 building featuring covered walkways, modern architectural lines, and landscaped surroundings.
  • Southeast exterior perspective of the Fallbrook 40 building with landscaped grounds, sidewalks, and surrounding roadways.
  • A landscaped courtyard at the Fallbrook Education Center with outdoor tables, shaded seating, walkways, and views of the Fallbrook 40 building.
  • Aerial rendering showing the Fallbrook 40 building, courtyards, surrounding modular buildings, and campus circulation.
  • Interior view of the student services area with service counters, seating, and open circulation paths.
  • Student services area with multiple service stations, open waiting areas, and modern interior finishes.
  • Library interior with service desk, bookshelves, study tables, large windows, and views of the surrounding landscape.
  • Wide view of the Fallbrook Education Center library with study seating, shelving, artwork, and natural daylight.
  • Interior view of a faculty and administration suite with offices, meeting spaces, glass walls, and natural lighting.
  •  Interior view of a group study room with couches, tables, and a glass wall allowing visibility into adjacent spaces.
  • Small group study room with flexible seating, geometric wall design, glass partitions, and collaborative work areas.
  • nterior view of a student lounge with flexible seating, open layout, natural lighting, and adjacent study spaces.
  • Student lounge with open seating areas, patterned flooring, and large windows providing outdoor views.

A Hub for Learning, Support, and Community

The Fallbrook Student Resource and Learning Center brings classrooms, student services, wellness resources, and student life together in one location. As a result, students can navigate the campus more easily and access support in a clear and welcoming setting.

The new facility was designed through collaboration with Palomar College departments, local high schools, tribal partners, students, and the Fallbrook Education Center Community Advisory Council to ensure it meets the needs of the community it serves.

At the same time, the project more than doubles the center’s permanent facilities while maintaining strong connections to the surrounding landscape and community.

Academic and Instructional Spaces

The building provides modern, flexible spaces that support diverse learning styles and academic pathways.

These spaces include:

Together, these spaces support many learning styles. They also encourage collaboration and academic success.

Student Services, Wellness, and Basic Needs

The Fallbrook Student Resource and Learning Center also strengthens access to essential student services. By centralizing support functions, the building reduces barriers and improves the student experience.

Available services will include:

  • A comprehensive Student Services Department
  • An on‑site Health Center, including behavioral health counseling
  • A Food and Nutrition Center
  • A Bookstore

In addition, the facility includes Palomar College’s first multi‑user, all‑gender restroom, supporting dignity, inclusion, and accessibility.

Student Life and Community Connection

Beyond academics, the building provides spaces that support connection and engagement.

These include:

  • A student lounge for Student Life and Leadership activities
  • Informal gathering and collaboration areas throughout the building
  • Outdoor courtyards and covered seating areas

With this space, students can connect with peers, participate in campus life, and engage with the college community.

Sustainability and Outdoor Environment

In alignment with Palomar College’s commitment to environmental stewardship, the building incorporates several sustainable design features:

  • A 155‑kilowatt solar photovoltaic system
  • Extensive daylighting and indoor‑outdoor connections
  • Edible landscaping, including citrus, grapes, and loquat trees
  • A Contemplation Garden offering a quiet place for reflection

These features support wellness, sustainability, and a strong connection to the natural environment.

Honoring Culture and Community

The design of the Fallbrook Student Resource and Learning Center reflects collaboration with students, faculty, local schools, community partners, and local Native American Tribal Nations.

Cultural design elements are integrated throughout the building and landscape through color, texture, pattern, plant selection, and naming. In this way, the project honors the history of the land and the community it serves.

Serving Fallbrook Today and Into the Future

The Fallbrook Student Resource and Learning Center represents a long‑term investment in education, access, and community connection. By expanding learning environments and strengthening student support, Palomar College continues to serve the Fallbrook & surrounding communities today and for generations to come.

Image Sources

  • West Approach Rendering: HCM Architects
  • Exterior-South View: HCM Architects
  • Exterior-Southeast View: HCM Architects
  • Courtyard View: HCM Architects
  • PCCD FEC Aerial: HCM Architects
  • Student Service View 1: HCM Architects
  • Student Service View 2: HCM Architects
  • Library View 1: HCM Architects
  • Library View 2: HCM Architects
  • Faculty Suite Perspective: HCM Architects
  • Group Study Room – Mountain Theme 2: HCM Architects
  • Group Study Room – Mountain Theme 1: HCM Architects
  • Student Lounge View 1: HCM Architects
  • Student Lounge View 2: HCM Architects
  • West Approach Rendering (1): HCM Architects