California College of the Arts presents campus unification and student housing plan; commissioners praise concept

California College of the Arts presented a revised Institutional Master Plan Thursday that would consolidate its San Francisco operations, add academic facilities and provide on‑campus student housing intended to serve up to half the student body.

Maralda Jardines of the Planning Department summarized the IMP and welcomed questions. David Mechkel, CCA director of campus planning, described a two‑track plan: an academic building (the ‘‘double ground’’ concept) with maker spaces and roof‑top pavilions, and an on‑campus housing project designed to open in fall 2020. Designers described the housing as a five‑story building adjacent to the main campus containing a mix of single, double and triple‑occupancy units, 164 Class 1 bike parking spaces and no vehicular parking.

Public comment and neighborhood groups—including the Potrero Boosters—expressed support for CCA’s neighborhood engagement and its commitments on transit, bike facilities and community partnerships. Commissioners commended the presentation and the department’s approach to institutions' master planning.

Commissioner Moore described the IMP as complete and praised the designs; Commissioner Koppel asked about parking and compatibility with local businesses; CCA representatives said the college will emphasize transit, bike programs and partnerships to minimize vehicle demand.

Ending: Commissioners indicated no formal entitlement action was required at the IMP hearing; future project designs will return to the commission for review.