The 5th annual Community Facilities Challenge in Fresno is underway. The Challenge, administered in partnership with California State University, Fresno (FSU) and supported by Comerica Bank, provides a unique opportunity for FSU students to apply their education and skills in real estate development, financial analysis, and engineering to an authentic real estate project that benefits low-income communities in the Central Valley.
Students are comprised of undergraduates from FSU’s Lyles College of Engineering, Craig School of Business and the Department of Art and Design and work in teams with local community-based projects seeking development advice on enhancing their facilities to better meet the needs of the communities they serve.
This year’s Challenge supports serves several Fresno-based community centers owned by the City of Fresno Parks and Recreation Department. These centers provide space for children and families to gather, as well as programs promoting arts, health, and well-being. 2016 Challenge participating centers include:
- Fink White Community Center
- Frank H. Ball Community Center
- Sal Mosqueda Community Center
- Ted C. Wills Community Center
The complete real estate feasibility analysis created by the students consists of a financial analysis, property valuation, preliminary design concepts, engineering review, construction schedule, and other relevant components. The final competition is judged by an esteemed group of local community development professionals. This year’s competition and awards ceremony will be held on April 27th at FSU’s Smittcamp Alumni House in Fresno. Additional details forthcoming.
