Cal State University, Long Beach commenced work this month on a new project which will bring new student housing to the west side of its campus, Perkins&Will has announced.

The La Playa Residence Hall, formerly known as the Hillside North student housing complex, is being built as part of the State of California's Higher Education Student Housing Grant Program, which is intended to increase the amount of below-rate rental housing options for university students.

Courtyard and bridges at La Playa Residence HallPerkins&Will

The $115-million building, planned near the school's Parking Lot G4, will feature 424 beds in a mix of single- and double-occupancy rooms. Plans also call for lounge and study areas, a ground-floor kitchen, apartments for staff and faculty, and other multipurpose features. Two dedicated offices for the University's Counseling and Psychological Services programs will also be located within the building to serve students.

At completion, La Playa will consist of a trio of five-story buildings surrounded by patios, outdoor dining areas, a welcome plaza, and central lawn.

Courtyard of the La Playa Residence HallPerkins&Will

“Communities, scale, and identity. Each of these drivers strategically shaped the highly bespoke design concept for La Playa Residence Hall,” says David Damon of Perkins&Will. “This makes the project truly unique compared to traditionally shaped residence halls. By increasing bed capacity and transforming the student experience, an intentionally informed framework, the University will absolutely differentiate itself when it comes to recruitment and retention.” 

While the project is part of a larger overhaul of Long Beach's student housing facilities, which will eventually lead to the addition of up to 1,600 new student beds in the years ahead.

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