Hinarr Hu Moulik, meaning “our house/home” in the Wiyot language, embodies the University’s commitment to affordability, sustainability, and inclusive student success. The complex is made up of two buildings: the East, which was the first to open its doors, and the West, planned to open this winter. It is located just a half-mile north of campus and offers modern, apartment-style housing for nearly 1,000 students.
“Hinarr Hu Moulik reflects the heart of who we are as a university: welcoming, inclusive, and deeply connected to this land and community. We’re grateful for the many hands and hearts who made this possible—from state partners, the California State University, and local leaders to our students, faculty, and staff. This is what transformation/collaboration looks like, and we did it together,” says Interim President Michael Spagna.
“Hinarr Hu Moulik embodies the Humboldt experience—a place where students can build a community, form friendships, and shape their futures here at Cal Poly Humboldt,” says Chrissy Holliday, Vice President for Enrollment Management & Student Success.
“Today was a big one! Housing is one of the greatest needs we have on the North Coast, and right here on campus,” Senate President pro Tempore Mike McGuire says. “Cal Poly Humboldt has incredible momentum and this major investment in student housing is a huge step toward realizing the full potential of California’s newest (and best) polytechnic university. Welcome home, Jacks!”
“Hinaar Hu Moulik is a great addition to the Cal Poly Humboldt residence hall lineup! With so much to do in the halls and the backyard, I can tell it will be a great place for students to relax and have a little fun in between the stresses of school life, and we will do our best as resident advisors to help foster that,” says Wildlife major Cedrik von Briel, who is part of the first cohort of resident advisors living in Hinarr Hu Moulik. “I’m excited for what this first year in the new building has in store for us, and all the great connections students will make.”
Funded through the state’s historic $458 million investment in Cal Poly Humboldt’s polytechnic transformation, Hinarr Hu Moulik is the first major facility completed under that initiative, and the first new student housing project since the opening of College Creek Apartments in 2010. The development increases the University’s total housing capacity by nearly 50%.
Student Experience and Amenities
Students moving into Hinarr Hu Moulik will benefit from a variety of on-site amenities, including:
- Study spaces and computer labs
- Community lounges and television rooms
- Exercise gym and conference rooms
- Café/market (101 Express)
- Covered, secure bike parking
- Vehicle parking and EV charging stations
- Outdoor green spaces for recreation
The complex will eventually connect directly to the Annie & Mary Trail, providing students with access to the Arcata Marsh, Humboldt Bay Trail, and campus via Sunset Avenue. In partnership with the City of Arcata and Caltrans, Cal Poly Humboldt is also working to enhance pedestrian safety on Sunset Avenue, with improvements scheduled to begin in 2026.
Commitment to Sustainability and Safety
Designed with environmental stewardship in mind, Hinarr Hu Moulik incorporates:
- Energy-efficient lighting, appliances, and HVAC systems
- Water-saving plumbing and high-efficiency irrigation
- Durable, non-combustable building materials
- On-site solar energy systems
- LEED Gold-equivalent design standards
The facility also prioritizes resident safety, with non-combustible construction materials, sprinkler systems, and advanced emergency and security infrastructure. A new emergency access road to Eye Street has been constructed in partnership with Arcata Fire District and the City of Arcata to improve emergency response times.
Construction of Hinarr Hu Moulik West is currently underway and is expected to be completed in time for Spring 2026 occupancy. This second phase will further expand housing availability for transfer and returning students, allowing more space in on-campus residence halls for incoming first-year students.
See more photos from the ceremony here.