Fuller is facing the same challenges as other universities when it comes to evolving demands in higher education. The AMP reflects a necessary strategic repositioning of the Pasadena campus to better allow Fuller to remain agile and resilient in response to a changing landscape. Fuller as an institution remains strong with a solid financial balance sheet, recently concluding a landmark fundraising campaign that, despite facing numerous challenges (including a global pandemic), saw an increase in the number of donors and alumni contributors.

The Master Plan currently requires the buildings on the Fuller campus to be used exclusively for academic and campus-related purposes. Properties must be removed from the Master Plan boundaries to be eligible for lease to non-campus uses. Fuller will consider lease, sale, or joint venture for each property according to changing market demands and future needs of the Seminary. (Fuller is required by the Pasadena Municipal Code to have a Master Plan, as are other educational institutions.)

Non-core properties are to be removed from the Master Plan boundaries because they either currently do not provide essential operating functions or may need to be phased out as student population and programming evolves. Many of the non-core sites were slated for new development under the prior Master Plan and therefore were never envisioned to be used in their current format.

Core buildings serve a fundamental purpose, maintain an established central focus, and preserve the historic walkable spine of the campus. The majority of these buildings sit on N. Oakland Avenue and contribute to the Ford Place National Register District. Core buildings also include the Psychology Building on the corner of N. Oakland and Walnut Street, and Chang Commons apartments on N. Madison.

Once removed from the Master Plan, those sites will be relieved of the restrictions imposed by the Master Plan overlay. The underlying zoning designations will govern allowable use and development. The recently adopted Central District Specific Plan designates underlying zoning designations in alignment with the community’s vision for the area. These are discussed in Chapter II of the AMP.

Fuller anticipates the buildings on the north side of Walnut will be sold or leased soon after the plan is approved, as well as the former Horner Center on the corner of Walnut and Oakland. All other non-core buildings will remain occupied until such time that ongoing changes in academic programming demand further rightsizing to best support the evolving mission and vision for the campus. Fuller will consider lease, sale, or joint venture for each property according to changing market demands and future needs of the Seminary.

Returning underutilized properties back to the fabric of the city is the greatest benefit of the AMP by supporting economic and housing development. Sites that are not currently generating economic benefit can be transformed into much-needed housing and vibrant commercial space. Many of the sites are ideal for housing development and could help the city achieve state and local housing goals. New commercial space will create opportunities for new businesses to relocate to the city or for local businesses to expand, thereby creating new job opportunities that enrich the local community. The potential creation of new housing will add 24-hour vibrancy to the district supporting local businesses.

Fuller has historically provided housing for approximately 35% of on-campus Pasadena based students. This has resulted in a 90% occupancy rate, indicating demand has been reached. Although the number of on-campus students is decreasing, Fuller will continue to maintain housing at this ratio. Excess housing units on campus will be considered for short-term dormitory housing to accommodate new hybrid learning programs requiring students to be on campus for only days or weeks at a time.

Chang Commons has been continuously operated as affordable housing for students since construction and will continue to operate as such so long as Fuller has sufficient demand from students and faculty. However, Fuller sees a need for flexibility in the future as demand for on-campus learning, and accordingly on-campus housing, has been declining.

If Fuller sells a property outside the plan boundaries, the new owner will be responsible for determining the future use of the property and if residential, the number and affordability of housing units. The Pasadena Municipal Code requires that all new housing projects include at least 20% of the units at affordable rates. However, some developers choose to provide more than the minimum number of affordable units. Fuller is not obligated to build affordable housing or offer affordable housing outside of its students, faculty, and staff.

The AMP is designed to create an envelope of opportunity that can accommodate a range of future scenarios for Fuller and a gradual rate of change. Fuller does not anticipate needing a new AMP for at least another 20 years.

In 2014 Fuller initiated relocation of the Pasadena campus to Pomona where a lower cost of living would benefit students and faculty. That effort did not work out the way Fuller envisioned, resulted in misunderstandings, and ultimately caused concern and confusion in the community. Fuller is committed to avoiding those mistakes again and regrets the challenges it created. The AMP is a straightforward, transparent documentation of Fuller’s plans for the future and efforts to build partnerships with the city for another successful 75 years.

Fuller recognizes the importance of preserving historic properties and worked with the city to nominate the Ford Place National Register District, including 10 properties owned by Fuller. Because these buildings are designated historic resources, they are protected under the Pasadena Municipal Code and demolition or alteration must receive approval from the City’s Design Commission. Under the current Historic Preservation Ordinance, demolition would not be permitted, and exterior alterations would be mandated to comply with Secretary of the Interior Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties.