This article was originally published in UC San Diego Today
UC San Diego recently celebrated the completion of its Ridge Walk North Living and Learning Neighborhood, a transformative new campus community designed to bring together housing, academics, wellness resources, and student life in a single inclusive environment.
The 972,000-square-foot, $537 million design-build project was delivered by Hensel Phelps in collaboration with EYRC Architects and HMC Architects. In fall 2025, 2,400 students moved into the new residential community, helping UC San Diego expand its on-campus housing capacity to a record 22,000 students and advance its goal of offering a four-year housing guarantee at approximately 20 percent below market rates.
Located at the heart of Thurgood Marshall College, Ridge Walk North was designed to support academic achievement, personal well-being, and a strong sense of belonging. Three residence halls are complemented by study lounges, collaborative workspaces, fitness and wellness facilities, recreation areas, and a network of welcoming outdoor spaces.
The mixed-use neighborhood also provides a new home for Thurgood Marshall College and the Department of Economics, along with classrooms, administrative offices, a Basic Needs Center, an E-Sports Center, and Goody’s Marketplace. By placing residential, academic, cultural, and social resources within easy reach, the project creates more opportunities for students to connect, collaborate, and participate in campus life.
The design reflects the history and values of Thurgood Marshall College, which was founded on principles of justice, diversity, civic engagement, and student participation. Throughout the planning and design process, the team worked closely with the college community to translate those values into spaces that can support generations of students.
Ridge Walk North also strengthens connections across the larger UC San Diego campus. Revitalized pathways, plazas, and gathering spaces link the neighborhood to the Historic Grove, Geisel Library, and other key campus destinations. Landscaped areas throughout the community provide settings for conversation, recreation, reflection, and relaxation.
Designed as an all-electric community and targeting LEED Gold certification, Ridge Walk North incorporates high-performance strategies such as water-efficient fixtures, access to natural light and views, and durable materials. Together, these features support UC San Diego’s broader sustainability goals while creating a healthy and resilient environment for students.
HMC is proud to have collaborated with UC San Diego, Hensel Phelps, and EYRC Architects to create a living and learning neighborhood centered on connection, inclusion, and student success.
Learn more about the Ridge Walk North Living and Learning Neighborhood.
