As a USC student, the University Village (UV) is a common sight. However, it’s seen better days and is in desperate need of a remodel. This view is widely shared. Luckily, plans are in place to completely revamp the center. The man behind it all: USC alumni Rick Caruso (the developer responsible for lavish projects such as The Grove and The Americana). Expected to open in at least 6 years, the final project is supposed to embody the typical “Caruso look”—a mall with a Mediterranean flare.
According to a statement by university planners, the project will cost over 1 billion dollars, create roughly 12,600 jobs, and provide housing for over 5,000 students; and that’s just the start. Several retail stores, a super market, and movie theatre will be located on the “mixed-use” site. Additional academic space is even in the plans.
I think remodeling the dilapidated UV is a great idea. After all USC is short on student housing and can always use the additional sales revenue. The jobs created from both construction and daily operations should also help Los Angeles locals who are currently unemployed. Furthermore, this development will create an expected 3.8 million dollars annually in tax revenue.
I believe if the UV looked like this instead of how it does now, it will give the campus a new sense of comfort about its surrounding area and create an even more outgoing livelihood in its students. I am actually a little jealous of the freshman coming in 6 years from now because the pictures for this planned development look amazing.
ReplyDeleteI agree, the UV desperately needs this remodel. It has been kind of a sketchy little "village" that feels more like an abandoned strip mall. These new images of the proposed remind me of UCLA's Westwood neighborhood. Definitely more people-friendly and lively. If USC had that kind of an atmosphere close to campus, campus life would be more enriched and satisfying. People would have an option to spend their weekends near campus, instead of driving to farther destinations which is time-consuming and costly. I too am jealous of all the freshman who will get to experience and enjoy the new UV.
ReplyDeleteThe only concern I have is that for the next 6-years, USC students will be limited on the food that they can eat.
ReplyDeleteHowever, USC desperately needs to improve the area, and Rick Caruso has done a phenomenal job with the Americana and the Grove. I would not be surprised either if the buildings surrounding USC developed as well and if this created a safer environment for USC residents living off campus. It will attract the right kind of publicity and attention that would make USC a more central location for people to gather.
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ReplyDeleteI saw these plans a few weeks ago and I was completely blown away. In their attempt to revitalize the neighborhood, they will almost double the size of the campus and (as mentioned) create a ton of new jobs. But as Steven Sample outlined in his 30 year plan, the university is also looking to buy any and all property they can get their hands on north of campus. Once acquired, they would begin to develop those areas as well. My only question is, what happens to the residents who once lived in these underdeveloped areas and are forced to move because they will not be able to afford the new developments. Sure jobs are created, but in the universities attempt to revitalize the area surrounding USC, what considerations have they taken for the current residents?
ReplyDeleteif the UV could be remodeled to be like in the picture, it will generate a lot of business opportunies. Currently there are not many students going out there because it looks really old. similar to Gateway, UV needs to provide a new sense of comfort and new places for dining in order to attract students to be there. As a student, i think we really care how the place looks when we choose a place to dine or chill out with friends. The target segment should be freshman students as most of them live around campus without a car. It would be remodeled like a new mini downtown at USC.
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