Dive Brief:
- The University of Southern California on Monday announced the 15-acre, $650 million Campus Village development, expected to be completed in 2017.
- The expansion of the university will replace what was once a run-down shopping center adjacent to the campus in a move that the university says will be equally "transformative" for the community.
- To be included in the development: a "village-like setting of walkways, plazas and green space" with a grocery store and other retailers, salons, coffee shops, restaurants, a bank, a fitness center, and campus housing for 2,700 students.
Dive Insight:
The move is being hailed by officials as USC's most ambitious expansion in its 134-year history, and the university is footing the entire bill. In beautifying its campus (and, by default, the community), it is also keeping with current campus housing trends that see universities offering a number of amenities in settings more akin to off-campus apartments than the traditional residence hall. While amenities like the retail, grocery, and dining outlets will be open to the public, access will be restricted from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. daily for safety concerns.