The Colleges at La Rue

• Project completed in 2001
• 11.3-acre complex located in western portion of Central Campus
• Five thematic courts, each housing up to 150 students
• Common green, fitness & laundry facilities, 4,000-sq ft community center
• Privately funded project built and owned by Tandem Properties

The Colleges at LaRue Living & Learning Communities on the UC Davis campus is specifically designed to foster intellectual and social growth through student participation in enriching experiences related to specific themes. This residential setting allows close interaction with fellow students with a variety of academic interests, and provides extended opportunities for debate and discussion outside the classroom.

The 11.3-acre complex is located in the western portion of the Central Campus. It is made up of five thematic courts of one- to four-bedroom apartments, each court housing up to 150 students. Each court has its own classroom and built-in study areas. The design is intended as a "living and learning center," bringing learning opportunities into students' homes by integrating academic, research, professional and social pursuits.

Providing amenities associated with off-campus residential apartments helps create an independent living environment for students. In addition to a common green, there are fitness and laundry facilities, and a 4,000-square-foot community center.

The $18-million facility was a privately funded project built and owned by Tandem Properties, who also manage the property.

In 1998, the University proposed the development of the La Rue Student Housing Site to meet a rapidly growing need for student housing. The housing supply on campus had declined due to the need to replace the seismically deficient Primero Student Housing.

On-campus student enrollment, however, had risen from approximately 19,300 in 1989 to approximately 23,500 in Fall 1997, and existing on-campus housing could only provide for approximately 20 percent of the current student enrollment. Additionally, the vacancy rate for rental housing within the City of Davis is at less than one percent.

More information:

• Official web site: The Colleges at La Rue Living & Learning Communities