Construction and Parking Updates as Campus Transformation Continues

During the summer months, construction crews finalized new upgrades and campus beautification projects at San Diego State University, including new terracing and steps that can be used as an outdoor classroom at the Engineering and Interdisciplinary Sciences Complex. 

An East Campus Gateway now enhances the entrance to SDSU, and new furniture, carpeting and smart classroom technology upgrades were introduced in 14 campus locations.  

The student residential community has seen significant changes, with new construction and major renovations designed to greatly enhance student engagement and campus safety, said Eric J. Hansen, director of SDSU’s Office of Housing Administration.

“Our whole reason for existing is to help students to transition and to be successful at SDSU, and we know that the built environment and residential environment both can have a significantly positive impact on a student’s ability to meet their personal and academic goals,” Hansen said. 

“Our construction is not just about building additional capacity, it is also about building an environment that supports higher levels of engagement among students, faculty and staff and, as a result, will help our community members to be more successful,” Hansen said.  

Villa Alvarado, Granada, Cuicacalli and Chapultepec have seen some interior renovations as well as walkway improvements on both the east side and west side of campus for ease of movement and safety. Also, the campus is introducing the newest student housing development, Montage, in partnership with Capstone Development Partners.

Parking Update

SDSU is hosting move-in over the course of two days, Aug. 23 and 24, from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. The two days of move-in is required to accommodate nearly 6,000 first-time freshmen and sophomore residents and their families.

Significant traffic and parking impacts are expected during these two days, especially in structures P6, P7, P12 and lot P15. Also, P6 Levels 1-4 will be closed both days. 

To help mitigate the disruption, SDSU has augmented staff to manage traffic congestion and expedite the move-in process. Faculty and staff are encouraged to plan alternate transportation options to get to campus or park east of College Avenue. 

Also, Parking and Transportation Services will be providing a shuttle service from P6B to the east side faculty and staff lots from 7-9 a.m. and also 3-5 p.m. for those who normally park in P6.

Montage 

Montage, built in partnership with Capstone Development, is a public-private partnership project model where Capstone has designed, built and financed a student housing project that will be operated jointly with SDSU’s Housing program to provide much needed student housing without SDSU’s Housing program assuming any debt or on-going financial obligations. 

At 124,306 square-feet and with an August 2018 opening, Montage will primarily serve SDSU sophomore students, with 302 beds allocated to students. 

The SDSU student-centered apartment complex also has parking, a spool (combination spa and pool), a fitness center, outdoor recreation, a technology lounge and other modern amenities, and is located on a walkable site with land owned by the SDSU Foundation. 

The apartment complex also features sustainable design features following the LEED for Homes Mid-rise checklist. 

Tenochca Hall Renovations and Tula Community Center Construction

Tenochca Hall reopens along with the new Tula Community Center. Renovations included exterior renovations to windows and painting on Tenochca Tower. The common area portion of Tenochca is an all new structure with considerably enhanced meeting and community space, a community kitchen, renovated pool area amenities, and a roof deck.  

Residential Education has introduced a 24-hour study space and STAR Center in Tenochca Hall that will be open every day of the week. Team members will staff the center during select hours, and the center will convert into an open study space at all other times. 

The adjacent outdoor space will continue to be renovated featuring an outdoor basketball court, sand volleyball, and a putting green, all of which will be available to residents in Maya, Olmeca, Zura, and Tenochca. Completion is anticipated in early October.

The new 9,000-square-foot Tula Community Center, slated to be open for campus events in September 2018, holds a 4,035 square feet conference area and a 2,500 square feet exterior courtyard and a service kitchen. The center is intended to be used primarily by the residential community and conference guests, but will also be available to campus departments throughout the school year and summer months.  

Maya and Olmeca Halls

Renovations of Maya and Olmeca Halls continues with Maya Hall being completed at the end of the fall semester, and the Olmeca Hall renovation beginning after the university assists in moving residents from Olmeca to Maya during the winter break.

This phased renovation project, set for completion in fall 2019, includes the replacement of HVAC systems, piping, fixtures and finishes in restrooms. The project also includes finishes in common areas and resident rooms. 

SDSU will continue offering its STAR Centers, spaces for students to study, print documents and seek tutoring support, among other benefits. The centers are located in Chapultepec Hall, University Towers, South Campus Plaza North and Tenochca. One more center will be renovated and available during the spring semester with the completion of the Maya Hall renovation, said Kara Bauer, director of Residential Education at SDSU.

Centennial Mall around Love Library

Improvements to the pavers in the area that also includes the Bookstore and East Commons have been completed.

Constructed during the mid-1990s, the walkway had become uneven over the 20-year period. This construction reinforced the base, smoothed out the surface and provides an ADA compliant path of travel for wheelchair access.
Future phases of the project will extend the improvements in front of Student Services West and Manchester Hall.

New Student Residence Hall

Construction of the New Student Residence Hall, which began on the west side of campus during fall 2017, continues along Remington Road and 55th Street. The hall is expected to open for occupancy in fall 2019. 

The New Student Residence Hall will include housing for more than 800 students, along with a community space, market and coffee shop component that will also serve residents in Chapultepec Hall.