DPR's self-perform concrete team poured the building's 121,000-sq.-ft. mat foundation to help streamline the building's construction process at the Sierra College Student Housing Complex project. The mat slab uses more concrete than a strip footing foundation system but creates efficiencies by simplifying the excavation process, speeding up planning, rebar installation and concrete placement.

To complete the building’s slab, the project team developed a robust plan for three large slab pours. As with most large mat pours, the work started very early in the morning: midnight for the first two pours and 1:00 AM for the third. These three pours were close to 3000 cubic yards = 300 concrete trucks. With collaboration at the forefront of this project, GPLA, Inc., a strategic partner, provided rebar modeling and detailing, converting it from a 2D model to a 3D model.

DPR's SPW concrete team, along with Evergreen Innovation Group (EIG), a DPR family of companies, undertook much of the project. The project team included the concrete design-build in the initial proposal phase, which prevented delays in the project's schedule. EIG also assisted in the mat slab pour by ensuring proper integration of the electrical systems and compliance with codes and standards, which were critical for inspections and moving the project forward.

EIG completed the underground raceways installations, including electrical power distribution 480V, electrical lighting system and stationary standby generator 625kW and other minimal electrical work on the project.

DPR broke ground on the 121,000-sq.-ft., three-floor student housing project in April 2023. Not only will this project increase total student housing on campus, but this transformative housing project will enhance the collegiate experience for current and future students by substantially decreasing its cost of rent to below the area's market rate.

The new facility will provide housing for 348 students and 10 resident advisors. Located on the edge of campus, the building will feature accessible apartment-style residences. Each apartment is designed to be home to six students and include a small common area, a kitchenette and bathrooms.

Designed to build community and enhance student life, each floor will include reading, study/workspaces, and student life spaces. The building's common spaces will include residence management offices and workspaces, a campus security substation, laundry rooms, a fitness center, an activity room with a full kitchen and student support space. Lobbies and hallways feature an open concept to promote circulation and informal gathering.

In addition, the new student housing complex will include gaming areas, bicycle/skateboard storage, shaded social gathering spaces and an outdoor eating/cooking area. The project is scheduled for substantial completion in Summer 2025 and expected occupancy for the Fall 2025 semester.