Private boarding school approved for Gensler-designed student housing complex in Pasadena

School’s out for summer and work can get started on more than 200 units of housing for a new private boarding school in Pasadena.

Designs have been approved for EF Education First’s new development project at the former William Carey International University campus, according to Urbanize.

EF Education First will use the 15-acre site for its latest school.

Crews will demolish the Aylward Dormitory, built in 1945, and an administration building to make way for a 230-unit dorm with administrative offices and a student health center. The four-building development will include 130,000 square feet of space and up to 690 beds. The Gensler-designed project is developed by parent company EF Academy International Boarding Schools. It’s expected to open September 2020.

EF Education First agreed to purchase the campus at 1539 Howard Street, and a row of 16 houses along Oxford Avenue for $44 million in April 2018. The Switzerland-based education firm operates close to 600 locations throughout the world.

The plan adds to the wave of redevelopments at campuses with growing enrollment. ArtCenter College is spending $42 million on renovations at two campuses in Pasadena. The school is also planning to add a theater, classrooms, and as many as 1,500 new beds for students.

Loyola Marymount University is planning to add more than 600 beds, and UCLA is set for a 16-story project for close to 500 students. Also, Southwestern Law is planning a 133-unit dormitory, and a 128-unit facility is set to rise near California State Northridge. [Urbanize] — Gregory Cornfield