The much-anticipated USC University Village development finally releases an official website and twitter account. “The Village at USC” is “the largest economic redevelopment project ever proposed in South Los Angeles.” The Village will replace the current “University Village” with student/faculty housing, retail, academic use, entertainment, hotel, and restaurants. “Two and a half million square feet” will be allocated to academic and university uses, “350,000 square feet of retail/commercial uses, and approximately two million square feet of faculty and student housing.” Recently they tweeted that “12,000 jobs (4,000 permanent, 8,000 construction-related) will be created throughout the development area.”
Both the website and twitter account are informative and illustrate the project in a clear, concise, and vibrant manner. The website shows that the project is not only concerned with the interests of the USC family but with the surrounding neighbors, community, visitors, cyclists, families, and Angelenos. They announced a “Community Open House” that will occur at the end of the October where individuals could “support and learn more about The Village at USC.”
In my opinion the project is essential because it will revamp the existing area. However, it will be a challenge for the developers to satisfy the various needs of the USC, local, and neighboring communities. It is imperative that the developers continue to consider the interests of a wide audience. This will allow “The Village” to thrive and impact the community as a whole.
I agree that the development of "The Village at USC" is one that will be beneficial to the community and to USC within itself. Not only will this establishment provide jobs but it will help bring a new light to USC. The university needs something like this that feels a part of the campus. The Village now is one that is used by the students but not enough. I feel like this "make over" will attract more people and create foot traffic.
ReplyDeleteWhen I first heard about this project, I was (and still am) very excited. As USC has been rising so quickly in the academic ranking in the recent years, I think the University Village redevelopment project will be just one more thing that the university can use to attract top quality students. As far as the local community and area surrounding USC, I also think it will be highly beneficial. Redeveloping what can be considered a fairly blighted area, as well as offering housing, retail, and entertainment venues will be great for students and locals alike. Also, the fact that it will create so many jobs will give so many people in the area not only opportunities to work, but opportunities to work close to home, which could have an impact on encouraging them to walk or bike to work, rather than taking their cars. My only disappointment is that we won't be students when it finally gets completed!
ReplyDeleteI have personally been following the plans for the redevelopment of "The Village at USC" and am glad that it is nearing reality. USC is a top caliber school but it truly fails when it comes to its infrastructure to support its 35,000 students. There currently is a lack of student housing, lack of recreational areas and lack of convenient shopping locations. This project hopes to fill the void that has plagued the University Park Campus due to the ongoing struggle between the university and the surrounding residents. I do understand the tension because residents do not want be pushed away from their homes because of a new development. The developer of this project has fought long and hard to please both parties and I think neutral grounds may have been met. Not only will this be beneficial to the students, but as A.W. has mentioned, it will provide both temporary construction and permanent jobs for the residents of the area.
ReplyDeleteSince I was a freshman, I always considered the current University Village to be an eyesore. It seemed to stick out and be out of place in the pomp and circumstance of USC. I couldn't be happier once I found out about the University's plan to bulldoze the existing plaza and replace it with an updated one. While our generation won't be able to reap the benefits of the decision, I am excited to come back as an alumni and explore the new addition to the USC campus.
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