The California Coastal Commission has approved UC San Diego’s Ridge Walk North Living and Learning Neighborhood Project. Covering more than 926,000 square feet on the La Jolla campus, the mixed-use development will replace more than 131,000 square feet of existing structures to provide housing for 2,400 undergraduate students. Office and classroom space for Thurgood Marshall College, the School of Global Policy and Strategy, and the Department of Economics will also be added, along with 19 new classrooms, a dining area, and a 150-seat lecture hall.
The Ridge Walk plan will comprise four buildings, ranging in height from six to 18 floors on a 20.9-acre site adjacent to Geisel Library. Work is expected to begin this summer, with completion set for 2025. The project will also feature new walkways, stormwater infrastructure, and landscaping.
The approval of the project was added to the Coastal Commission’s consent agenda, with no discussion or presentation. However, Chairwoman Donne Brownsey questioned whether more bike racks could be added and whether the planned electric bike charging stations were sufficient. UCSD reps agreed to forward the queries on to the design team for consideration.
More About the Ridge Walk North Living Neighborhood in UC San Diego
The UC Board of Regents previously approved UCSD’s request to create Ridge Walk North in March as part of a $1.1 billion project that also includes the construction of a student center. The development area is located near a portion of a eucalyptus forest, listed on both the California Register of Historical Resources and the National Register of Historic Places. As such, several requirements have been added to the development to protect the environment.
FAQs
What is UC San Diego’s Ridge Walk North Living and Learning Neighborhood Project?
UC San Diego’s Ridge Walk North Living and Learning Neighborhood Project is a mixed-use development that will cover over 926,000 square feet on the La Jolla campus, providing housing for 2,400 undergraduate students, along with office and classroom space, 19 classrooms, a dining area, and a 150-seat lecture hall.
What buildings will be included in the Ridge Walk North Living and Learning Neighborhood Project?
There will be four buildings in the Ridge Walk North Living and Learning Neighborhood Project. These buildings will range in height from six to 18 floors, with construction on a site adjacent to the Geisel Library.
When will work on the Ridge Walk North Living and Learning Neighborhood Project begin?
Work on UC San Diego’s Ridge Walk North Living and Learning Neighborhood Project is expected to start in summer. The project is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2025.
