UCSD Health and Human Services Graduate Housing - Rita Atkinson Residences

The total project cost $67.1 million. It houses approximately 452 unmarried graduate students in apartment units composed of two, three and four bedrooms. This 164,454 assignable-square-foot project on 4.5 acres on the main campus is within the School of Medicine “neighborhood.” It consists of a single building composed of two backward “L” shaped wings, one of seven stories and the other nine stories. About 90 percent of the regularly occupied interior spaces will have a direct line of sight to outdoor environment. It will have a centralized reception area, administrative offices, conference and meeting rooms, fitness and laundry areas and other features, plus complementary outdoor spaces and a unique “green roof” that doubles as a social area.

Rita Atkinson Residences is convenient, sophisticated living. Located on the southwest corner of the Health Sciences neighborhood, the new apartments are close to everything you need on campus, within walking distance from local shopping, dining, and transportation. Overnight parking available on the Revelle campus.

The Rita Atkinson Residences is a design-build residential complex near the entrance of the UC San Diego campus. Designed as a graduate student apartment building, the project features 225 two-bedroom apartments, 1 three-bedroom apartment and associated support spaces including staff offices and laundry and fitness facilities.

Serving as the anchor point of the campus’ future academic mall, the project called for a combination of innovative design and practical functionality. The architecturally-stunning and energy-efficient building is composed of two L-shaped wings nested together and connected by a single elevator tower. The building’s interiors feature a modern loft-like aesthetic with exposed concrete walls, ceilings and polished floors.

As a design-build project, Webcor worked closely with the architect and the structural engineer to satisfy the University’s scope, schedule and budget. The team took the approach of splitting the project into a foundation package and a structural package which allowed Webcor to install the foundation prior to final design approval. This innovation shortened the overall schedule and helped the team finish an entire year earlier than planned by the University. Early completion allowed the University to reap a year of unanticipated rental revenue.

Just eight months before completion of the project, the University asked the team to manage the design, purchasing and installation of the furniture and fixtures. With a very limited budget, the team completed this additional scope of work on schedule and under budget.

Designed for maximum efficiency, the housing complex utilizes high-efficiency water fixtures and is landscaped with drought tolerant plantings and an efficient irrigation system. Due to Webcor’s expertise in sustainable building, the project received a LEED Gold certification—a level above the University’s requirement—at no additional cost.

Amenities include:

Fully furnished apartments
Green-roof gathering space
Built-in BBQs
Fitness room
Interior bike storage
2 Zipcars
Wireless internet available in meeting rooms, fitness room, green-roof, and courtyard