Building 100, one of Chabot College’s oldest and most recognizable structures, is now officially under threat of its stance on Chabot’s campus and is being considered for demolition according to recent campus planning discussions.

Sitting at the physical and symbolic center of campus, building 100 is more than concrete and architecture, it is one of the last remaining pieces of Chabot’s early history. Built in 1961 as the colleges original library, the circular structure has long been viewed as a symbol tied to Chabots identity. Today, the lower level is still alive with student centers, offices, and Chabots television studio on the bottom portion of the building. But above all of the action, on the top portion of the building, sits a dead and empty skeleton of Chabot’s previous library.

This isn’t the first time The Spectator has covered concerns over building 100. We previously covered the new library building and the closing of building 100, and from what was gathered from interviews, students had a very strong opinion on the closing of building 100. For many it was a memorable sanctuary and historical reminder of Chabot College’s legacy.

Many students argue that instead of demolition, the space could be revived as a home for clubs, programs, and student services . With Chabot already undergoing more than three years of disruptive constriction, another major construction project in the core center of campus raises concerns about accessibility and student impact.

“I don’t think they should get rid of it ,then this whole area is gonna be closed off for a while, why do it just keep it.” – Akia, Chabot student.

Chabot Student Catherine Carroll summed up the debate as “Retention versus Demotion”. According to Carroll, the physical condition of building 100 is still in outstanding conduction compared to other buildings on campus, and would benefit more from being repaired rather than removal. “The exterior overhangs and the circular covered walkways arcade central circulation route, make demolition very tricky and extremely costly.” Carroll explained. “The integral connection to other roofs will make a demo scenario possibly extremely lengthy, messy , and environmentally destructive”.

‘‘Compared to the library right here I like the contrast between it and I think having the history here is important. I think they should make use of the space I don’t think they should get rid of it.” – Akia

A new center for Natural Living Principles and Sustainability has been brought to the attention of campus and the Student Senate by Catherine as an adaptive reuse of building 100. A new environmental program for Chabot would not only be extremely beneficial or the college but would also serve as a space for natural sciences, cultural history, social sciences, engineering and architecture. Making it the perfect building to refurbish and reuse of a environment sustainability centered program. Chabots Student Senate President, Theresa Pedrosa, has shared that she and many long time staff members are deeply concerned about the removal of building 100. Theresa explained that her first job was inside the building, along with many other current staff members, she stated that the building is like a second home for many and is “more than a building. It’s part of the community of Hayward… It’s always been a home for somebody.”

To many, she added, Chabot wont feel like Chabot without building 100. Despite the concerns from students and the Student Senate, Theresa says the college has made the decision to move forward with the demolishing of building 100. “They already have in their minds what they’re going to do. They don’t ask the students anything, and that’s the problem.” While concern is growing, Theresa emphasized that there is still time to act! Saving Building 100 will require the support of its students, staff, alumni and the broader community. Theresa argues that this effort is not only about preserving the building but about maintaining a historical building and a core part of Chabot’s identity kept alive for many more years and generations to come.

“I can’t save the building by myself. I need people behind me.” – Theresa Pedrosa