The University of California, Davis, announced today the availability of Requests For Qualifications (RFQ) for prospective development partners to help implement the first phase of the UC Davis West Village.

"We are very excited to take the next step in implementing this important campus initiative," said John Meyer, UC Davis vice chancellor for resource management and planning. "We hope to attract innovative and experienced developers to make West Village a model for the region."

Two RFQs are available. One is for development of faculty and staff housing. The other is for development of mixed-use student housing. Prospective developers may submit for either or both projects.

The UC Davis West Village master plan envisions a vibrant and integrated mixed-use community to serve the needs of students, faculty and staff of UC Davis.

Phase One of the West Village project comprises approximately 117 acres and includes approximately 290 rental and for-sale housing units for faculty and staff, 500 units of student apartment housing, educational facilities, local-serving commercial uses, and recreational amenities.

Phase Two comprises approximately 97 acres and will include approximately 185 units of faculty and staff housing, 365 student apartment units, and additional recreation and open space improvements.

The third and final phase would add about 165 units of student housing on about 10 acres.

The West Village plan was approved by the UC Board of Regents in November 2003.

The campus has established a Web site for the West Village project that includes the RFQs and master plan. That site is http://www.westvillage.ucdavis.edu/.

Responses to the RFQs are due Sept. 30. Meyer said the campus hopes to select one or more developers and begin detailed design by the end of 2004.

Design of the backbone infrastructure systems, including water, wastewater, storm drainage and roadways, is currently under way. Groundbreaking for the infrastructure and Phase One development is currently anticipated in 2006. Groundbreaking for Phases Two and Three will depend on the success of Phase One and timing of future growth, among other factors.