As a new student housing development located in a previously isolated area of Merced, California, Scholars Vista breathes new life into the University of California, Merced (UC Merced) locality. With the campus on one side and wetlands teeming with wildlife on the other, KTGY’s architects utilized every opportunity to engage the pedestrian level and contribute to the carless lifestyle this site already promotes. The ground level features 20,000 square feet of retail packed with a variety of quick-serve restaurants to satisfy the student population, while a network of paseos and outdoor spaces create an urban pedestrian experience that encourages active mobility. Unlike many other student housing developments, KTGY’s architects created a significant sense of place by clustering the retail and amenities — like the pool, fitness center and outdoor courtyards — to make Scholars Vista feel more like home rather than just a sea of apartments.
