C.W. Driver Companies, a premier California builder specializing in educational facilities, celebrated the completion of two new student housing buildings at California State University Northridge (CSUN). The $56M project is comprised of Joshua Tree Hall and Hibiscus Hall, which collectively bring 198 beds within dual occupancy rooms alongside administrative, community, and multipurpose space to enhance the student living experience. The project marks the first approved affordable student housing for the California State University system, setting an example for projects to come.
Both buildings are four stories tall, with the three top levels containing residences and one floor that holds administrative and multipurpose space. Joshua Tree Hall will hold community space, study rooms, and a large multi-purpose room, while Hibiscus Hall will house administrative offices for student housing facilities operations and mail services, among other gathering spaces.
The 60,290 square-foot project is equipped with safe and efficient fixtures throughout each of the complexes. Both buildings contain a central elevator, secure access, and building services. Additionally, the buildings underwent sitework and landscaping services to provide a courtyard connection to the campus’ student housing offices, food service complex – Geronimos & Bamboo Terrace, alongside outdoor dining; a shaded, permanent photovoltaic canopy; oversized ceiling fans and a large, outdoor TV for hosting movies and watching athletic games.
C.W. Driver incorporated sustainable features throughout Joshua Tree Hall and Hibiscus Hall, helping both buildings obtain the LEED Gold certification.
C.W. Driver worked swiftly with its partners to build the student housing complexes ever since the project broke ground in May 2023. The turnaround greatly benefited CSUN as the demand for student housing continues to grow, post the Covid-19 pandemic.
“The demand for student housing is high for universities across California.” said John Kately, project executive, C.W. Driver Companies. “It was a pleasure to collaborate with CSUN to deliver two robust housing facilities that tailor to the needs of all students.”
Each building contains dual occupancy rooms, with four students sharing each bathroom. These rooms were built to foster connectivity while maintaining elements of privacy. Additionally, each floor has one suite-style living room, inviting students to collaborate or unwind in a comfortable setting.
“CSUN has worked with C.W. Driver over the years and we appreciate their collaboration in developing student housing that truly meets the needs of our students.” said Noah Rubin, Campus Architect at CSUN.
C.W. Driver partnered again with architect AC Martin on Joshua Tree Hall and Hibiscus Hall, phase three of CSUN’s Freshman Student Housing plan.
A $37.5M affordable housing grant from the California Higher Education Student Housing Grant Program funded part of the project.
Freshman Student Housing Phase 3 (Hibiscus Hall + Joshua Tree Hall) is C.W. Driver’s 5th project at CSUN. Previous projects include Freshman Student Housing Phase 2 with AC Martin, Student Recreation Center, The Soraya Performing Arts Center, and the Physical Education Building, which was completed in 1997 and started their relationship with CSUN.
The firm’s portfolio includes a wide range of innovation-driven educational projects throughout California, such as CSU Dominguez Hills’ Student Housing & Dining Commons, Ph. IV, the Health, Wellness, and Recreation Center. Center for Science & Innovation and Innovation & Instruction Building; California State University Fullerton’s ECS Innovation Hub and Visual Arts Campus; CSU San Bernardino – Coyote Village and Coyote Commons and Palm Desert Campus, Student Services; CSU San Marcos – Integrated Science & Engineering Building and Student Health & Counseling Building; and UC Santa Barbara’s Interactive Learning Pavilion and Davidson Library, Addition & Renewal.
About C.W. Driver Companies
C.W. Driver Companies is a premier builder serving California since 1919. In 2019, the historic company proudly celebrated its 100-year anniversary. As a leader in general contracting and construction management services, C.W. Driver Companies are on the cutting edge across a broad spectrum of industries, including education, commercial/office, technology, healthcare/biomedical, mixed-use, assisted living, entertainment, retail, industrial and civic. Ranked in Engineering News-Record’s Top 150 General Contractors and Top 100 Construction Managers, C.W. Driver Companies has the ability to build a variety of projects, from large tenant improvements to small renovations and specialized projects through its affiliates Driver SPG and Good & Roberts. C.W. Driver Companies has offices located in Los Angeles, Rancho Cucamonga, Anaheim, San Diego and Carlsbad. For more information, please visit www.cwdriver.com. Follow C.W. Driver Companies on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.
Feature Image Courtesy of: C.W. Driver Co
