View of Tuscany site from Beaujolais housing project.

Construction Begins on Tuscany Housing Phase

Construction of Tuscany, the next phase of housing at Sonoma State, has begun. Designed to hold almost 700 students, the Tuscany project (situated just south of Beaujolais Village) is scheduled to open in the fall of 2009. Once completed, the campus will be able to accommodate almost 3,200 students in residence, nearly 40% of its estimated population.

"When the project is complete, Sonoma's ratio of residences to students will be among the highest in the CSU system," said Tim Tiemens, Director of Housing Services.

The Tuscany project consists of eight, two-story residence clusters and a Student Activity room spread over the 12-acre site. 114 town homes will be situated within the eight buildings and, in response to student feedback, will feature the best aspects of Sauvignon and Beaujolais Villages. Each town home will have four bedrooms (two singles and two doubles) and four bathrooms, a kitchen with breakfast bar, dining room and living room.

The exterior of Tuscany will be similar to that of Sauvignon Village with each building featuring two tone stucco, redwood trim and red tile roofs. Buildings will surround separate courtyards and residents will have access to laundry facilities within their village and will be able to enjoy the pool at Beaujolais Village.

Additional construction for the Tuscany project will include the addition of a Student Activity room which will be located near a new entrance on East Cotati Avenue. The room will be used to house student related functions and accommodate meetings. A new parking area will border the south side of the project adjacent to East Cotati Avenue providing space for Tuscany residents. Finally, Beaujolais Village will receive a community building for student activities.

Preparation of the site began in December with the clearing of Eucalyptus trees along East Cotati Avenue. These trees were not native to the area, posed a fire hazard and because of their age, were a falling risk to students, cars and buildings. They will be replaced by trees and landscaping more appropriate to the University environment which will block the buildings from road noise and provide aesthetic beauty.

For more information, contact Ryan Ernst 4-2533, ryan.ernst@sonoma.edu.