Shops like Trader Joes, Target and Starbucks will be among the new options available to students living in a new campus extension of the University of Southern California. University president CL Max Nikias says the $700 million project is a historic accomplishment.
"The USC Village has forever shaped the skyline of our campus," Nikias said to cheers.
The USC Village is a new addition to the university, extending across 15 acres in an effort to provide more and better student housing and amount of academic space available. The university first broke ground on the project in September of 2014, and is part of a $6 billion campaign to increase enrollment, scholarships, research funds, and overall investments.
The new village adds a total of three million square feet of student housing, along with retail, academic and green space. Fifteen restaurants, a pharmacy, a Trader Joe's grocery store and a Target are all planned for the complex.
Former Los Angeles mayor Antonio Villaraigosa joined the crowd, taking the opportunity to talk about his run for governor.
"I hope to enjoy this village not just as a private citizen, but who knows? As a public servant as well."