UC Davis has selected University Student Living of New Jersey to enter exclusive negotiations to develop two major housing projects on campus, at Orchard Park and at West Village. The selection follows a request for proposals issued in June. 

As originally conceived, the proposed projects would provide more than 2,775 beds for graduate and transfer students, as well as those with families. With the developer selection completed, UC Davis and the developer will continue to evaluate affordability and density options to exceed the prior target of 2,775 beds.

“We are excited to see both of these projects move forward to provide more on-campus housing options for our student population,” said Emily Galindo, associate vice chancellor and executive director of Student Housing and Dining Services.

University Student Living was selected from among six developers previously vetted through the UC Student Housing Initiative.

Redevelopment of the Orchard Park site will provide at least 200 affordable, two-bedroom apartment units to serve UC Davis students with families and accommodation for more than 700 single graduate students. Overall, the new Orchard Park will serve more than 900 students (plus family members), four times the number previously accommodated.

At West Village, UC Davis aims to provide at least an additional 1,875 beds in apartment-style housing, primarily for transfer and continuing students. 

Since the old Orchard Park closed in 2014, UC Davis has engaged in extensive consultation with students and residents, led by the Orchard Park Project Advisory Committee. Nine students served on the committee, providing valuable service and having input on the design concepts and development partner selection process. Based on student input, the overall goals for the projects are affordability, innovative design and quality of life.

The proposed projects at Orchard Park and West Village are part of the most ambitious student housing program in UC Davis’ history. Other near-term projects include replacement of Webster Hall, to open in 2019 and Emerson Hall, to open in 2022. The draft proposal for the campus 2017 Long Range Development Plan charts potential increases in student beds on campus from about 9,400 in 2015-16 to a total of 15,600 at full implementation. In addition, UC Davis continues to evaluate increased density at housing sites for additional student housing increases.