December 11, 2024 – Classes and Buildings Impacted by Bidwell Manion Fire
Dear Campus Community,
We are devastated to wake up to the heartbreaking news that Bidwell Mansion, the historic building adjacent to our campus, was destroyed in an overnight fire. The historic home of John and Annie Bidwell has been significant to Chico State since our founding.
As we process this devastating event, the University will remain open today and most classes and activities will continue as scheduled. However, the Gateway Science Museum, Modoc Hall and Aymer J. Hamilton (AJH) and the Child Development Lab in Aymer J. Hamilton (AJH) will be closed today. Please avoid the area to allow firefighters and law enforcement to continue their response to the fire and investigation.
Students with classes in Modoc Hall and AJH should be on the lookout for emails or Canvas messages from their professors about alternative modes of instruction or assignments. Faculty or staff who need access to the buildings for critical needs should contact University Police Department at
Beyond serving as a beautiful landmark and gateway to the northeastern side of campus, Bidwell Mansion played a key role in the University’s history. It was owned for a period by the Normal School and served as a dormitory for Chico State Teachers College students. Later known as “Bidwell Hall,” it held classrooms and offices for several years. Its loss is deeply felt by all of us, and we join the Chico community in mourning the loss of this historic home.
More information on building access and operations for the remainder of the week will be provided later today. Thank you for your understanding during this difficult time.
Thank You,
Steve Perez