Amid the buzz about the addition of Starbucks to the University Union, the possible Recreation Center expansion and various construction projects around campus, Poly Canyon Village quietly awaits in the corner, slowly taking the form of what will be a significant on-campus housing complex in a matter of months.
The complex, which can house 2,700 students in its nine high-rise buildings, is now accepting applications for fall 2008.
The project started in March 2005 and will cost the university an estimated $300 million by the time it is finished.
Five of the nine buildings, which can hold approximately 1,500 residents, will be available for move-in by fall, as well as part of the new parking structure.
“We’re hoping to have all nine buildings open by summer of 2009,” said Preston Allen, the director of Housing and Residential Life.
Poly Canyon Village is set up much like the Cerro Vista Apartments, with 80 percent of the apartments containing four private bedrooms with two bathrooms. All apartments come furnished with a weekly custodial service and will cost about $690 per month.
“It’s an absolutely beautiful complex with views of the sunset and the hills. The hardest part is trying to convince you to actually go to class,” Allen said.
Poly Canyon Village will feature hiking trails, a pool, study facilities, a post office, a market, a recreation center and conference rooms. Cal Poly is also introducing Peet’s Coffee, Einstein Bros. Bagels and Jamba Juice in the complex as well as a central plaza for entertainment.
“We’ll work with (Associated Students Inc.) to bring events to Poly Canyon Village,” Allen said. “We really want students to have an enhanced living experience. We want to fully integrate students into campus life and get them involved. Hopefully we can create a positive environment that is a win-win for the students, campus and the community.”
Students living off campus are hoping to benefit from the grand opening of Poly Canyon Village as well. The addition of 618 on-campus apartments promises to reduce the competition for housing in San Luis Obispo, as well as alleviate traffic on campus.
Poly Canyon Village residency is open to all Cal Poly students, but sophomores are given priority in the registration process as part of Cal Poly’s Sophomore Success Program, a resource to sophomores living on campus meant to assist their transition to junior year.
Freshmen currently living on campus have the first opportunity to apply online between Feb. 5 and Feb. 18. Freshmen living off campus can also apply after attending one of the mandatory information sessions, which are being held Jan. 23 to Jan. 28.
Six hundred students have already signed up for the meetings, Allen said.
Beginning March 14, all continuing students will have the opportunity to place their names on the Poly Canyon Village Apartment Interest List.
“Hopefully having more students on campus will lead to more recreation and campus life and make it the kind of college community that students can be excited to be in,” Allen said.