Just in time for the start of the new academic year, CSUN President Erika D. Beck and cabinet members unveiled two state-of-the-art student residences— Joshua Tree Hall and Hibiscus Hall— during a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Aug. 4, 2025.
The new buildings, located in University Park at the corner of Lassen and Zelzah, have been under construction for the past two years. They are the first new dorms in a decade — a $72.9 million project, funded in part by a $37.5 million affordable housing grant from the state.
“There is something very special about residential Matador life, and we’ve intentionally designed these spaces to support our students holistically— academically, personally, and professionally.” Beck noted.
Each floor of the new four-story dorm buildings includes its own laundry facilities, a separate study room and living room. The common areas include multipurpose rooms for larger gatherings and there is a fully equipped community kitchen. The residential floors offer double accommodations (two students per room). The courtyard connecting the buildings includes seating areas under pergolas, complete with fans and lights— photovoltaic panels on top create shade and also provide power to the new buildings.
Richard Quiroga, 20, a senior Deaf Studies major, is the vice president of the Residence Halls Association. The group represents community members and plans activities throughout the year— from movie and game nights to larger events, like the Halloween celebration. Quiroga said he’s looking forward to creating programs in the new areas.
“The new buildings actually give us a lot more space to plan more, bigger events,” he said.
CSUN’s University Park currently has more than 3,000 beds— each new building has 99 beds. For more details about the new digs, check out the spring 2025 CSUN Magazine online.
