San Francisco State University (SFSU) has held a ceremony to mark the completion of two buildings constructed next to each other and designed to enhance student living and health and wellness on campus.
West Grove Commons is a first-time freshman residence hall that provides more than 700 beds. The second building is home to the Gator Student Health Center and the Yerba Buena Dining Hall.
The freshman residence hall is a 120,000-square-foot, six-story, all-electric building that was developed using a cluster concept, a design strategy intended to help students form tight-knit communities. This approach fosters natural communities by grouping triple rooms with a dedicated lounge, all-gender bathroom facilities and a resident adviser.
The project addresses the critical need for affordable student housing and was built with speed and efficiency. As the first project completed under the California Affordable Student Housing grant, the university received $116 million to create an affordable housing program and build West Grove Commons.
The affordable student housing program offers students a reduction of about 25% in room fees, compared with the unviersity's standard rates.
The design of the two buildings provides West Grove residents with convenient access to key amenities. Residents can easily visit the Yerba Buena Dining Hall for a meal, pick up prescriptions at the health center and attend a workout class across the street at the Mashouf Wellness Center — all within a short, walkable distance.
The Gator Student Health Center enhances student wellness by consolidating medical services, mental health counseling and health education and promotion programs into a single location. The Health Center also features a full-service pharmacy and a Health & Wellness Hub where students can study, socialize and pick up wellness items and health materials and information.
In addition to centralizing services for students, the new health center is designed to increase student engagement and build community.
The Yerba Buena Dining Hall is a modern, light-filled space that offers a variety of meals that cater to diverse dietary needs. With its open layout, flexible seating and focus on sustainability, the dining commons serves as a hub for students throughout the day.
The architect is EHDD and the builder is McCarthy Building Companies.
