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Boutique Living on a Campus Crossroads
From early morning coffee runs to game-day foot traffic and late-night study sessions, the edge of the University of Nevada, Reno campus buzzes with constant movement. This seven-story mixed-use student housing facility had to rise above one of the most active and constricted corridors in the city—Virginia Street, a key north–south route framed by restaurants, student housing, private homes, and key campus landmarks like Lawlor Events Center and the fitness complex. Building here meant planning for minimal disruption while executing an ambitious vision for student living.
Design-Assist From Day One
CA Ventures brought in Plenium Builders at the earliest stages of design to provide cost and constructability guidance as well as targeted MEP input. With 125 fully furnished units ranging from studio to four-bedroom, and a slate of lifestyle-driven amenities including a rooftop terrace, hot tub, fitness center, lounges, and private study areas, the project aimed to elevate the student experience with style, comfort, and durability in mind.
Systems, Strategy, and Smart Trade-Offs
PB’s design-assist role helped keep the project grounded during a tight design window and a sensitive budget cycle. Working in collaboration with the design team, PB supported system selection, cost comparisons, and development of the post-tensioned concrete garage with five stories of wood framing above. Special care was given to aligning mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems with long-term performance and operational needs.
A Logistical Puzzle, Solved
During construction, the challenges intensified. Material deliveries were limited to a narrow, high-traffic site hemmed in by neighboring businesses and a fully active university campus. PB used a tower crane to manage vertical construction and sourced staging space wherever possible. The team minimized lane closures and navigated local restrictions while coordinating around adjacent construction activities and city street work. Grading work was impacted by adverse winter weather, and progress continued through early pandemic-related uncertainty. Despite it all, the team delivered the project on time and on point.
