California Construction News staff writer
Devcon Construction has officially broken ground on Costa Vista, the new student housing development at Cabrillo College in partnership with the University of California, Santa Cruz. The project, set to open for the Fall 2027 semester, will provide much-needed affordable on-campus housing for students.
Costa Vista marks a first-of-its-kind collaboration between a California community college and the University of California system, co-locating housing on a community college campus. Designed by WRNS Studio, the project includes three residential buildings totaling approximately 624 beds, along with childcare facilities, wellness and study spaces, and wrap-around student services aimed at fostering stability, connection, and belonging.
“This milestone represents an exciting chapter for Cabrillo College and the surrounding community,” said Devcon Construction. “We’re thrilled to begin construction and look forward to delivering a transformative space for students in the years ahead.”
The project demonstrates how thoughtful design and collaboration can expand access to affordable student housing while strengthening community ties. Cabrillo College aims to deliver this first on-campus housing in just 36 months, supported by SB 169 funding and an innovative public-private partnership model with UC Santa Cruz and the development team. Apartment-style units, childcare, wellness, and essential student services create a 24/7 campus neighborhood connected to nature and inclusive for all students, including working, caregiving, and first-generation students.
Team members:
- Developer & Property Manager: Greystar
- General Contractor: Devcon Construction
- Architect / Design: WRNS Studio
- Structural Engineer: DCI Engineers
- Landscape Architect: RHAA Landscape Architecture + PlanninCivil Engineer: BKF Engineers
- Mechanical Engineer: Emerald City Engineers, Inc.
- Electrical Engineer: ArchKey Sprig
- Plumbing Engineer: W.L. Hickey Sons, Inc.
- Lighting Design: WATT Lighting
- Waterproofing: RDH Building Science
- Acoustics: Salter
Costa Vista offers a replicable model for community colleges statewide, advocating that well-designed, affordable student housing is a right, not a luxury.
