University of California, Riverside Breaks Ground on $285M Student Housing Facility

The University of California, Riverside recently broke ground on a new student housing project on its campus, according to a news release. The North District Phase 2 Student Housing Development will measure in at 424,000 square feet and cost an estimated $285 million. The residence facility will provide housing to both UCR students and students from the Riverside Community College District.

The university is partnering with McCarthy Building Companies, Inc. for the project’s construction. Both UCR and RCCD have experienced recent bursts in enrollment necessitating adequate, affordable housing for students.

“The McCarthy team is proud to be part of this revolutionary project, which helps bridge the gap between larger universities and community colleges,” said McCarthy Vice President Sarah Carr. “This housing development will provide affordable options that will enhance graduation rates not only for UCR students, but for Riverside City College students as well—a benefit to the entire community.”

The new facility will feature 429 single- and double-occupancy, apartment-style units with between one and four bedrooms, a kitchen, and living room space. The building will also include amenities like WiFi, air conditioning, study areas and communal spaces, a café, outdoor fields, and a park. Funding comes partially from the State Higher Education Student Housing Grant Program.

“We can’t solve all the problems that are challenges for students, but we can solve those two by bringing students to the campus, letting them live here, wear their UCR or RCC T-shirt, and just be part of the campus,” said UCR Chancellor Kim Wilcox. “It breaks down a barrier and aside from the housing, it provides them with a different sense of themselves.”

About the Author

Matt Jones is senior editor of Spaces4Learning. He can be reached at [email protected].

Featured

  • Haws Corporation Marks 120th Anniversary

    Haws Corporation, which provides hydration and emergency safety solutions worldwide, recently announced that the company is celebrating its 120th anniversary this year, according to a news release.

  • Montclair State University Starts Construction on $120M STEM Building

    Montclair State University in Montclair, N.J., recently broke ground on a new $120-million Interdisciplinary Science Building, according to university news. The university partnered with HoK Architects for the project’s design, and it’s scheduled to open in time for the 2028–29 academic year.

  • Phoenix School District Breaks Ground on New Prep Academy

    The Creighton Elementary School District near Phoenix, Ariz., recently broke ground on a campus replacement for Biltmore Preparatory Academy, according to a news release. The new space will allow the school to expand its enrollment by 50 percent for K–8 students and accommodate modern, collaborative learning styles.

  • Montclair State University Debuts New VR Facility

    Montclair State University in Montclair, N.J., recently announced the completion of a new virtual reality learning facility developed in partnership with Dreamscape Learn, according to a news release. The 2,450-square-foot lab space is inside the College of Communication and Media building and will serve students pursuing careers in digital media, virtual reality, and content creation.