Random Post #2
The University Village opened in 2017 as part of a plan to upgrade the community surrounding USC. Rick Caruso, a USC trustee, said that "It makes it a much more vibrant neighborhood." The project cost $700M and is made up of 1.2 million sq. ft. on 15 acres of land. Landmark tenants include Target and Trader Joe's with student housing on top. USC built the Village where the University Park shopping center was prior to its demolishment in 2014. USC had acquired the shopping center in 1999.
The University Village also includes student housing in top of retail space. The retail space includes multiple food establishments such as Dulce, Cava, and Insomnia Cookies as well as Starbucks. Other stores include Lululemon. The Village also has a gym and a student dining hall.
The Village is a major aspect of USC's pitch to students on the unique lifestyle offered by the University. Few other universities include similar amenities. The project was also a priority of then President C.L. Max Nikias. USC had to work with the city to get approval including a $20M donation to an affordable housing trust. USC has focused on revitalizing its community and the Village is an important part of this plan.
Hi Atul!
ReplyDeleteI actually remember the "old" University Village from before the major update, and it's amazing to see how much it has changed! It is a beautiful place and definitely upgrades the community. I hear so many stories about the old village back when my parents attended USC--my mom has a fond memory of a grocery store with a meat aisle that always smelled horrible... Yikes! So glad we get to experience this Village instead :)
- Lieza
Hey Atul,
ReplyDeleteAs a foreigner and newcomer to USC, I know painfully little about LA's, or USC's, development. Your post shone a spotlight on a area I cherish, and I thank you for giving me random facts and figures to impart with my friends. Take it easy!
Hi Atul, I never knew that the Village was opened so recently so it was interesting to hear about it. It is definitely a great addition to campus with many stores and great places to eat. USC is always improving!
ReplyDeleteHi Atul,
ReplyDeleteBefore I transferred to USC, I had no idea about this. I learned about this recently and I was able to actually see pictures of how the park center used to look. I think this was a great addition for students, since a lot of us don't have cars and it can difficult to get around for simple errands.
Hi Atul! cool post. I think it is very interesting that you tackled some random fact about the USC village, a spot so used and liked by the students. I wonder if you where at the village when you wrote this post.
ReplyDeleteHi Atul! This was such an interesting read. I never knew about the history of the USC village, and your post gave me an easy to read summary of its history. After more research, I have loved learning more about the shopping center before the village and hearing stories about the movie theater and shops there. Although I am sure the previous village was wonderful, I am so grateful for the village that we have today.
ReplyDeleteHey Atul! I actually didn't know much about the history of USC. I think it's always interesting to learn there's always a story behind a construction.
ReplyDelete