Construction has commenced for a new student housing complex on the Long Beach City College Liberal Arts Campus, per a social media post from architecture firm AC Martin.

The $127-million project, which replaces a parking lot on the eastern side of the campus at the intersection of Clark Avenue and E. Lew Davis Street, calls for the construction of a 93,000-square-foot building containing housing for 431 students in a combination of studio, single- and two-bedroom units. The project will also include common lounge and meeting areas, kitchens, and laundry facilities.

View looking southeastAC Martin

"The residential program organizes students into 34-person pods, each featuring a shared kitchen, lounge, and gender-inclusive restrooms to promote community, safety, and belonging," reads a project description from the AC Martin website. "A mass timber structural system advances sustainability goals while creating warm, biophilic interiors that reduce stress and enhance well-being. Further improvements include a pet-friendly amenity suite, reimagined social spaces, and infrastructure optimizations that increase bed count and efficiency—all without expanding the building footprint. The outcome is a scalable, future-ready housing environment that reflects a deep understanding of how students live, learn, and thrive."

Renderings depict a contemporary four-story building with a central 12,000-square-foot courtyard.

Other members of the project team include Swinerton.

View looking southwestAC Martin

The housing complex, which is funded by Measure LB and Measure AC, is on track for completion by Fall 2028.

LBCC, in addition to the Liberal Arts Campus project, also has plans for additional housing at its campus in North Long Beach, near Michelle Obama Neighborhood Library. The approximately $32-million development would include 36 apartments for students.

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