The Lanterman Story
A Visionary Journey: The Lanterman Development Project at Cal Poly Pomona
Cal Poly Pomona’s journey with the Lanterman Development Center, a historic 300-acre property, represents a testament to the university’s forward-thinking approach and commitment to innovation. Rooted in a decade of strategic planning, collaboration and vision, this project highlights CPP’s potential to transform this unique asset into a vibrant and valuable resource for the university and surrounding communities.
The project began in 2010 when CPP, in partnership with the CSU Chancellor’s Office, began exploring the feasibility of integrating the site into the university’s portfolio. By 2015, the State of California formally transferred jurisdiction of the property to CSU and Cal Poly Pomona. This marked the beginning of a comprehensive effort to assess, plan and position the site for long-term success.
An early feasibility study, conducted by HOK (Hellmuth, Obata & Kassabaum), confirmed the property’s extraordinary value—estimated at $80 million initially, with potential to double upon development. The study identified key opportunities, including market-rate housing for faculty and staff, academic programming expansion and partnerships with the private sector through public-private partnership (P3) models. The recommendations underscored the Lanterman property as a “gifted” asset, uniquely positioned to meet the university’s growing needs and create lasting value for the university.
To ensure continuity and expertise in managing such a complex initiative, CPP established a dedicated Project Management Team under the CPP Enterprise Foundation. This structure provided stability during a period of high-level leadership transitions within the Division of Administrative Affairs (six individuals including three interims between 2015 and 2024) and allowed CPP to engage experienced consultants to explore multi-faceted funding strategies, analyze market conditions and collaborate with stakeholders.
Over the years, CPP has partnered with experts such as Kosmont Financial Services for financing options and BAE Urban Economics for market analysis and fiscal studies. These efforts have guided the university in navigating challenges, including the unprecedented disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, which prompted a reevaluation of initial development plans.
In 2021, the university launched a new Request for Proposals (RFP) for a master developer. While discussions with the selected development team (ERG) were promising, economic shifts and the post-COVID financial climate led CPP to reassess its approach. In 2023, the decision was made to temporarily pause developer negotiations to pursue public financing options that would minimize financial risk while preserving the project’s long-term potential.
Looking ahead, CPP remains steadfast in its commitment to the Lanterman project. Revenue generated through activities such as filming at the site has provided essential funding for ongoing management and planning. With a projected market value exceeding $253 million upon full development, the Lanterman property holds transformative potential—not only for the university but also for the surrounding communities.
This journey exemplifies Cal Poly Pomona’s resilience, vision and dedication to leveraging opportunities for the greater good. The Lanterman Development Project represents a cornerstone of CPP’s strategic future, and we look forward to the possibilities it will bring in the years to come.
Project Management Team
Benjamin F. Quillian
Served as the vice president for administration and chief financial officer at Fresno State from 1993 to 2003. He then served as senior vice president for business operations and chief financial officer at the American Council of Education in Washington, DC before being named executive vice chancellor for business and finance and chief financial officer by the Chancellor’s Office in 2008. In this role, he oversaw the Division of Business and Finance—supporting the CSU’s educational mission through strong stewardship of fiscal assets, capital projects, information technology, risk management, public safety, support services and budget advocacy. Upon stepping down from the Chancellor’s Office role, he served as the Acting VP/CFO for Administrative Affairs at CPP, while a search for the permanent position was underway. With his background at the CSU campus and systemwide level, including finance and campus development, he agreed to serve as a retired annuitant and the Lanterman Project Lead.
Roberta Achtenberg
Founding Partner of ABK City Advisors and has more than 30 years of senior level leadership experience in business, government, and law, serving on private sector and public sector boards and as a corporate advisor in public policy. She is especially known for her knowledge and experience in housing financing and capital acquisition. She was a former elected member of the San Francisco County Board of Supervisors. She served 15 years as a Trustee of the California State University System and for two years as Board Chair. She was co-founder of Economic Equity Network, focused on using Opportunity Zone capital to transform communities. She served as Vice Chair of the Board of Directors of the Bank of San Francisco and spent five years as Director of the Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco where she chaired the Affordable Housing Committee. She served in US President Bill Clinton’s Administration as Assistant Secretary for Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity at the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and later as Senior Advisor to the Secretary of HUD.
In 2000, she was appointed to the Board of Trustees of California State University by Governor Gray Davis, becoming chair of the board in May 2006, serving on the CSU Board of Trustees until 2015. Achtenberg served 16 years on the California State University Board of Trustees, serving two years as chair, where she developed the Access to Excellence Plan.
Ms. Achtenberg’s experience lends itself to assisting CPP in pursuing public financing and pre-development costs for the Lanterman project; evaluating proposed financing structures and work on minimizing costs with developers; assist in communications with the CSU Chancellor’s Office and Board of Trustees on the project’s status; as well as assist in identifying potential federal and state funding sources.
Jeff Marcowitz and Sonnet Hui Project Management Advisors (PMA)
Jeff Marcowitz, co-founder of PMA, bringing extensive CSU system experience on capital projects extending back to 1994 (campuses included: CSU Bakersfield, Dominguez Hills, East Bay, Fresno, Fullerton, San Luis Obispo, and San Diego). PMA reviewed site maps, work with campus on its obligations during the Exclusive Negotiation Agreement period and educate stakeholders on the Opportunity Zone legislation. Sonnet Hui, Vice President and LA General Manager will provide project oversight and monitoring that CSU requirements are met by prospective developers. PMA will oversee and manage the Master Developer procurement and selection process, including review and evaluating proposals; work with campus stakeholders on facilitating the selection of the master developer, and give input into the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).