DAVIS, CA – The University of California, Davis (UC Davis) opened phase one of The Green at West Village student housing project, adding more than 1,000 beds to the university's West Village neighborhood. Once the entire project is completed, the residential complex will add nearly 3,300 beds to the campus. This makes it the largest student housing estate currently being built in the USA. The students officially entered Phase I on September 15th.
The full project cost of $ 575 million will come from the proceeds of a tax-free bond sale, the largest bond sale ever for a student housing project in the United States. The Michaels Organization, a leading national company for residential real estate, works with the global design, architecture and engineering office Stantec, which provides leading services for the project in the areas of architecture, interior design, building technology and landscape architecture. CBG Building Company is the general contractor.
Upon completion of the project, the project will consist of nine four-story residential buildings as well as indoor and outdoor common areas and recreational fields on 34 hectares. A fitness center, multipurpose room and support services will be housed in a 10,000 square meter communal building. With its expansive solar power systems, The Green contributes to the overall neighborhood goal of zero net energy, which means that the project should generate as much energy as it consumes within a year.
During Phase I, the team delivered the first three residential buildings, a farm building (including a work area for operations and maintenance personnel) and courtyards between the residential buildings for the students to collect. Each apartment building has furnished bedroom and living areas, a fully equipped kitchen and a common room, as well as social and work areas on each floor.
"This student housing community shows what can be done when the public and private sectors partner and leverage each other's strengths," said Joe Coyle, president of Michaels Student Living. "We are grateful for the guidance of our university partners and are honored to provide this affordable, sustainable living environment for UC Davis students."
"We are excited to meet this important milestone on schedule," said Richey Madison, Stantec director of West Coast Education. "This year has faced unprecedented obstacles to the ongoing effects of the pandemic. The first wave of students moving into The Green is humiliating for our entire public-private partnership team. This is a truly transformative project for the UC Davis student body and one that we are proud of. "
The apartment community is run by Michaels Student Living Management. The Collegiate Housing Foundation will sign the long lease with the University of California. UC Davis Student Housing and Dining Services will be responsible for on-site marketing, leasing, and life support services.
