by San Diego Community College District
The San Diego Community College District (SDCCD) celebrated a historic milestone recently with a special sneak peek event marking the start of construction on the district’s first-ever affordable student housing community at San Diego City College.
Featuring immersive virtual reality (VR) walk-throughs, the event gave students, faculty and staff an early look at the transformational new development, designed by TCA Architects.
Formal construction, led by the Clark Building Group, begins later this month.
Developed in partnership with The Michaels Organization, a nationwide affordable and student housing development company, the seven-story, all-electric mid-rise will include 283 apartment-style units supporting nearly 800 beds, offering a safe, modern, and affordable place for students to live while pursuing their education. Shared spaces include study lounges, tutoring rooms, a mental health and wellness center, outdoor courtyards, a community kitchen, a basic needs food pantry, and a top floor meeting room space with views of downtown San Diego.
This marks the first student housing community built in the district’s 110-year history, addressing a critical need for stable student housing.
“This new housing initiative is about equity, access, and the belief that every student deserves a safe and affordable place to call home,” said Geysil Arroyo, president of the SDCCD board of trustees and a former City College student. “For far too many City College students, housing insecurity stands in the way of their education. This new community brings hope, stability, and opportunity within reach, and it shows that our district is serious about student success.”
The student community housing will provide critically needed student housing at the heart of downtown San Diego, offering rates significantly below those of UC and CSU dormitory housing, making it more attainable for SDCCD students. These new apartment-style homes will support low-income students, veterans and former foster youth, helping to ease the burden for students balancing school with work and other challenges and responsibilities.
San Diego City College President Ricky Shabazz underscored the impact of the development. “Too many of our students face the heartbreaking reality of housing insecurity, with as many as 23% of our students on the verge of homelessness while attending classes,” he said. “This project tells them: You belong here. Your education matters. And your community is investing in your success. This housing community will change lives for generations.”
Chancellor Gregory Smith emphasized the long-term impact on students, families, and the regional workforce pipeline. “Affordable student housing strengthens educational access and helps more students stay enrolled, graduate, and enter high-demand careers,” Smith said.
“This community represents our commitment to removing barriers and investing in the future of San Diego,” he added. “It is a major step forward in our mission to help every student be, belong, and become.”
A highlight of the day was a virtual reality “experience” featuring 360-degree simulated views of residential units, community spaces, exterior gathering areas, and shared amenities highlight. Offering a transparent look at what’s ahead. Designed to promote student excitement and campus engagement, the VR tool allowed attendees to see the building before construction crews mobilize onsite.
The housing community is scheduled to open in fall 2028.
“City College has always been a place where people rebuild, restart, and reimagine what’s possible,” said Celina Martinez, a City College student and president of the Associated Student Government. “This new housing community takes that spirit and – literally – builds it into the center of campus life. It’s a place where students can be, belong and become with confidence and without insecurity.”
Approved by voters in November 2024, Measure HH provides $3.5 billion to modernize, future-proof and transform SDCCD campuses, create state-of-the-art workforce training facilities, upgrade aging infrastructure, and enhance access to innovative learning environments.
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