Talks of constructing a union building at San Jose State University began in 1927, without much materializing until November 1963 when the Associated Students of San Jose State University drafted a ballot measure to create a proper student union for the school.

The measure drew in a record 9,134 ballots, with support of the student union surpassing the required 2/3rds majority needed.

Initial room names included Umunhum, Guadalupe, Pacheco, Loma Prieta, Costanoan, Diablo, Almaden, Laguna Seca, Pacifica, Madrone, Manzanita, and Verde.

Architectural firm Perkins&Will was chosen to complete the project, and added one wing to either end of the building which increased the floor area by an extra 104,000 square feet.

[8] In 2016, ahead of the opening of the new wings, it was announced that philanthropist Lupe Diaz Compean donated $15 million to establish scholarships and pay for operation of the building.