By David Wescott
After an extensive selection process, the University of California, Davis, has selected the team of Wexford Science & Technology and GMH Capital Partners from a list of four finalists to design, finance, construct, own and manage the first phase of Aggie Square.
Aggie Square is a planned innovation district located on the university’s Sacramento campus. The project will house business partners and community-based programs with UC Davis innovation and research to create a stronger and healthier shared community.
“This has been a thoughtful process, and this is an important milestone for Aggie Square,” UC Davis Chancellor Gary S. May said. “I’m very pleased with the decision. The developer team has a long track record of success with projects of this kind. I’m also grateful to Mayor [Darrell] Steinberg and our partners at the city of Sacramento for their input and leadership.”
The first phase of Aggie Square is anticipated to include approximately 1 million square feet to support basic themes:
- Life sciences, technology and engineering
- Lifelong learning
- Food and health
Aggie Square also will include a public plaza to connect the campus with surrounding neighborhoods, as well as space for student housing.
Baltimore-based Wexford Science & Technology is known for its work with universities, academic medical centers and research institutions. “Aggie Square is emerging as a unique innovation district that will unite research and innovation from UC Davis, private sector resources and activities, and community engagement and impact,” said Jim Berens, the company’s founder and CEO. “We are excited to be a part of this project and the success that lies ahead for this emerging economic hub.”
GMH Capital Partners, based in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania, specializes in student housing.
“The Wexford-GMH team is a great fit for us,” said Robert Segar, planning director for Aggie Square. “They have strong nationwide experience creating innovation districts that link universities with business and community partners.”
UC Davis and the developer team will now negotiate business terms, conduct project design and initiate environmental review for consideration by the UC Board of Regents.
(From UC Davis News Service)
