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Groundbreaking Ceremony to Begin KGI’s Shift to a Residential Campus

For the first time ever, Keck Graduate Institute (KGI) students will be able to call campus “home.”

To celebrate the start of the housing development, KGI will host a groundbreaking ceremony on Thursday, May 11.

The event represents a monumental shift in the institute’s culture as the commuter campus transitions to a residential setting. The groundbreaking ceremony will begin with a reception at 5:30 pm with refreshments and appetizers, followed by the program at 6 pm. Guests can RSVP at build.kgi.edu.

“We are honored to invite the Claremont community to attend the groundbreaking ceremony,” KGI President Sheldon Schuster said. “It will be an exciting opportunity to learn more about the development and to share in the celebration of KGI’s future. Our ability to offer on-campus housing will bring a much-needed benefit to our students.”

In Fall 2016, KGI received approval from the city of Claremont to proceed with the campus housing development. In late April, the institute’s leadership finalized the construction timeline. The four-level facility, which will include 419 beds and span 225,000 square feet, is expected to open in Fall 2018.

“The addition of campus housing will improve the quality of life for students and also increase community interaction,” KGI Vice President of Finance and Operations Michael Jones said. “Our enrollment numbers and academic offerings continue to grow, and this facility will make KGI truly feel like home for our students.”

The development highlights include an open outdoor plaza, student lounges, a swimming pool, fitness center, BBQ area, and 10,000 square feet of classroom space. It will also feature environment-friendly aspects, including LEED Gold certification, walkable communities, and lower water consumption. The project will accommodate the housing needs of the growing campus while also helping to revitalize the surrounding area.

The floor plans consist of studios along with one- and two-bedroom apartments. The units can be fully furnished with bathrooms, full-sized kitchens, and hardwood-style flooring. Multiple laundry facilities will be available on each residential floor.

The complex will feature state-of-the-art amenities, picturesque outdoor gathering spaces, and much-needed study and instructional space. The housing development will enhance a key component of KGI’s success – intellectual exchange and student collaboration.