Hillsdale College Expands Presence in Roseville with New Downtown Property Purchase

The Michigan-based private college plans to use the new property for events and as part of its broader goal to build a Northern California campus.

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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Hillsdale College, a private college based in Michigan, is expanding its presence in Placer County, California by purchasing a new property in downtown Roseville. The college plans to use the property primarily for event pick-up and drop-off as well as additional parking during programs hosted at the nearby historic Tower Theatre, where Hillsdale has been hosting speaker-style events about once a month. The property purchase is also connected to Hillsdale's broader goal of building a new campus on hundreds of acres in unincorporated Placer County, just outside the Roseville city limits.

Why it matters

Hillsdale's expansion in Roseville is part of the college's long-term plan to build a Northern California campus that could eventually serve about 6,000 students. The project is expected to bring a significant investment of around $30 million to the area and contribute to the growth and development of downtown Roseville, which local business owners hope will bring more visitors and activity to the community.

The details

Hillsdale College recently purchased a quarter-acre lot just west of the historic Tower Theatre in downtown Roseville. College leaders say the property will be used primarily for event pick-up and drop-off and additional parking during programs hosted at the theater. Hillsdale has been using the venue for speaker-style events and plans to host programs there about once a month. The property purchase is also connected to Hillsdale's broader goal of building a new campus on hundreds of acres in unincorporated Placer County, just outside the Roseville city limits. If completed, the campus could eventually serve about 6,000 students and include more than 1,100 student housing units.

  • Hillsdale College purchased the new property in downtown Roseville in 2026.
  • Hillsdale has been using the Tower Theatre for speaker-style events about once a month.
  • Hillsdale's plan to build a new campus on hundreds of acres in unincorporated Placer County was first announced in 2021 when the land was donated by the University Development Foundation.

The players

Hillsdale College

A private college based in Michigan that is expanding its presence in Placer County, California by purchasing a new property in downtown Roseville and planning to build a new campus in the area.

Robert Norton

The vice president and general counsel for Hillsdale College.

Jennifer Steele

The owner of Bartlett Flowers, a local business near the Tower Theatre in downtown Roseville.

Mike Esparza

The owner of All-Cal Insurance Agency, a local business in downtown Roseville.

California State University, Sacramento

Also known as Sacramento State, the university is developing a satellite campus in unincorporated Placer County outside Roseville.

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What they’re saying

“We're the kind of place where people hold the doors open for each other and try to exhibit a lot of kindness.”

— Robert Norton, Vice President and General Counsel, Hillsdale College (cbsnews.com)

“Education is so important. It helps secure better futures for people and then they pour back into the community.”

— Jennifer Steele, Owner, Bartlett Flowers (cbsnews.com)

“If we had more education, more students down here, that's certainly a good thing.”

— Mike Esparza, Owner, All-Cal Insurance Agency (cbsnews.com)

What’s next

Hillsdale College says major infrastructure work must first be completed before construction can begin on the new campus in unincorporated Placer County. College officials are currently looking to develop the first 50 percent of the property, including installing sewers, water lines, and utilities to the campus site.

The takeaway

Hillsdale College's expansion in Roseville, including the purchase of a new downtown property and plans for a larger Northern California campus, represents a significant investment in the local community. While the project faces some infrastructure challenges, it has the potential to bring more educational opportunities, visitors, and economic activity to the Roseville area.