Vista del Campo, a student housing development on the University of California, Irvine campus, was named Best Student Housing Apartment Community by the National Association of Home Builders. The award went to the complex's architectural firm, KTGY Group, for the 1,488-bed community developed and managed by American Campus Communities.
"The University appreciates the spirit of cooperation between the developer, owner and architects on this project," said Richard Orr of UCI. "This award signifies how a synergistic approach to a privatized development results in a thriving student community."
Vista del Campo's 16,800 square-foot community center features a state-of-the-art theater, a computer center, game room, conference room, social lounge with fireplace, dining room with kitchen private study rooms, modern fitness center, laundry facilities and management offices. Outside amenities feature a resort-style swimming pool with spa, courtyards with barbeque grills and picnic areas, sand volleyball court and a basketball court. The community combines numerous small courtyards that provide easy points of social interaction along a 28-foot wide Great Street, a pedestrian and bicycle traffic area functioning as the artery of the community
"The design concept came when we observed students flocking to densely populated areas like Balboa Island," said Clint Braun of ACC. "We attempted to replicate that social atmosphere by breaking a large development into smaller neighborhoods."
The community has been successful in attracting students UCI to Vista del Campo. Ten months before opening, Vista del Campo was leased to capacity. The community currently has 1,000 students on the Fall 2005 waiting list. Following the success of the $104.5 million Vista del Campo, a second phase with 1,564 beds is under construction and scheduled for completion in Fall 2006.
"In keeping with the architectural style and Great Street of Vista del Campo, phase two aims to give more students access to an environment that energizes interaction at a social and academic level," said Dan McAllister, KTGY principal. "Vista del Campo has a unique draw for the students, largely because of the design and planning. KTGY Group is proud to be a part of this venture and to receive NAHB's Pillars of the Industry Award."
American Campus Communities is a Real Estate Investment Trust focused solely on student housing in the United States.