Gilbane and Ohlone College enter strategic partnership to provide students with new, affordable on-campus student housing
NEWARK, CA – September 28, 2022 – Gilbane, one of the industry’s largest privately-held, family-owned real estate development and construction firms, is pleased to announce Gilbane’s selection by Ohlone College as partner in the advancement of Ohlone’s student housing initiative. This comprehensive initiative will include services related to the planning, programming, designing, permitting, financing, construction, maintenance, management, operation, and overall development of the College’s first residential student housing project. The project will be located on the District’s Newark Campus and will be developed under a public-private partnership model that includes the potential for a P3 project financing structure under a long-term ground lease. OCCD and the development team plan to submit a grant application to the state of California to apply for funds in accordance with Senate Bill 169 – Affordable Student Housing Budget Investment (SB169).
The project will deliver housing for approximately 300-400 students, with +/- 400 beds, in both single student and family configurations and is intended to serve the full student demographic spectrum. The Program will be designed to enhance the student experience and promote academic success by providing students with a holistic residential experience, and to support the whole student by providing access to affordable and quality housing.
“Gilbane recognizes the importance of affordable student housing across the country, and we are so pleased to bring our expertise in partnering with higher education institutions and in creating dynamic student communities to meet the housing needs of the students of Ohlone College,” said Geoff Eisenacher, senior development director with Gilbane Development Company.
Project features under consideration include a childcare center for student parents, to be operated by a third-party service provider; options for accessibility of food in proximity to the community; and, student counseling services. Additionally, the partnership is focused on the ways in which new housing can best support the District’s disproportionately impacted students.
“Ohlone College is committed to breaking down barriers that prohibit any student from receiving a quality higher education. A student’s primary focus should be on their studies, not finding housing. Providing affordable student housing is just one step in assisting students to reach their fullest potential,” said Dr. Eric Bishop, Ohlone College Superintendent/ President.
Construction is expected to begin prior to the Fall of 2023, allowing for student occupancy by July 2025. For more information on the Ohlone Student Housing project visit: https://www.ohlone.edu/affordablestudenthousing.
The project team includes Gilbane Development Company as developer, Gilbane Building Company as builder, and PBK + Mogavero Architects as design team. Gilbane has delivered over 50,000 beds of student housing and has delivered or has underway more than 40 public private partnerships totaling over $3.8 billion.
About Ohlone College
Ohlone College was established in 1965 and services the cities of Newark, Fremont, and part of Union City. Ohlone College is part of the Ohlone Community College District. The Ohlone College Newark Center for Health Sciences and Technology offers a variety of programs and courses during the day, at night, and on the weekends to accommodate student scheduling needs. The eco-friendly campus is the first “green” community college campus in the nation. Environmental and sustainability components have been implemented across the curriculum. Program offerings include Biotechnology; Environmental Studies; Physical Therapist Assistant; Registered Nursing; and Respiratory Therapist. A selected array of General Education; fitness and wellness; and lifelong learning courses are also integrated into the Newark campus curriculum.
About Gilbane
Gilbane, Inc., a private holding company, is one of the largest family-owned construction, investment, and real estate development firms in the industry. Gilbane Development Company is the project development, financing, and ownership arm of Gilbane, providing a full continuum of real estate development and project management services. Gilbane Building Company is a full-service construction services firm providing preconstruction, general contracting, construction management, and design-build services on some of the nation’s most complex projects. Gilbane’s Public Private Partnership Group has delivered nearly $4 billion in P3 projects for healthcare, higher education, K-12 schools, and federal/state/municipal clients. To learn more, visit www.gilbaneco.com.