Final Environmental Impact Report
Completion of the USC NEXUS Study 7/14/2011 CF 08-2620
USC Nexus Study - Response to Plum Comments
Project Description: The University of Southern California (USC or University) proposes the USC Development Plan (referred to hereafter as the proposed Project), which would provide for the development of new uses on and around the University Park Campus. The proposed Project is intended to: increase the ratio of academic space per student at the Campus to a level that better supports academic excellence; to increase the amount of University-affiliated housing available in the Campus area with the objectives of making existing housing in the Project vicinity available to non-University affiliated residents and decreasing commute times and associated traffic congestion; and to provide services that meet the needs of students, faculty and staff and also enhance the community.
The proposed Project would provide approximately 2,500,000 square feet of academic and University uses; up to 350,000 square feet of retail/commercial uses; and approximately 2,135,000 square feet of student and faculty housing providing up to 5,400 student beds in a variety of housing types and configurations and approximately 250 faculty housing units. The proposed Project would also provide for an approximately 165,000 square foot hotel and conference center with up to 150 guest rooms, conference and banquet facility areas, sit down restaurant area, a swimming pool, and other related amenities. In addition, a new University-affiliated K-8 laboratory school and community educational academy comprised of up to approximately 80,000 square feet may also be developed. New landscaped public open space areas and associated facilities are also proposed to enhance the Campus and surrounding area. Furthermore, the proposed Project would also provide for improved pedestrian, bicycle, vehicle circulation, and increased pedestrian safety. The proposed Project would be developed in accordance with Urban Design Guidelines and building heights would range from 20 feet to a maximum of 150 feet in height. The proposed Project would also provide for transfers of floor area for the University Uses and the student housing between Subareas 1 and 3 as long as specified thresholds are not exceeded.
