University Village

Student Residences Phase I

The campus has grown significantly in its first decade to now serve over 6,000 students and continues to grow by more than 500 students each year. In 1999 the university conducted a market and financial feasibility study of the demand for on-campus student housing. Based on the recommendations contained in the results of that study, the university determined that there was demand for at least a 400-bed facility. In the spring of 2001, the market study results were updated, demonstrating a continued demand for campus housing in light of steadily increasing rents throughout the region in general and in the San Marcos area in particular.

The university carefully explored options to build suitable and affordable housing for Cal State San Marcos students and chose to pursue a variation of a public/private partnership model. The purpose of this undertaking was to further establish the project’s financial viability and develop a proposal. By using an RFQ/RFP process, the university selected Allen & O’Hara Educational Services, LLC, to develop a project proposal for consideration by the trustees

The proposed project includes four buildings that cover 189,685 gross square feet on 18.9 acres of undeveloped land on the northeast portion of the campus. Three of the buildings are three-story residential buildings that are connected by covered, unenclosed walkways at each level. Every floor will have a laundry room and a multipurpose room to be used for study or relaxation. Each floor of each building accommodates approximately fifty residents, which is the appropriate number of residents to be overseen by a resident advisor.

The fourth building is a single-story commons facility for use by all residents. The commons includes a mail distribution room, game room, multipurpose room with adjoining kitchen, and administrative and student government offices. All buildings will be enclosed by a fence to allow late hours entry into the student-housing complex only through a secure station in the commons.

The exterior of the buildings will be stucco. Forms and colors of the buildings are consistent with university architectural guidelines. The three residential buildings form courtyards enclosed on three sides. The development of these courtyards for student programming and informal use by the residents is in accordance with university planning guidelines.

The parking needs for the Student Housing Phase I will be provided by the construction of 243 new parking spaces, plus the use of existing campus parking.

Estimated Timetable

Basic Statistics