The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) has announced that it has acquired the former Westside Pavilion shopping mall, which it plans to convert into the UCLA Research Park, a hub for innovation, discovery, and economic growth.
The UCLA Research Park will be a state-of-the-art facility that will house research labs, offices, classrooms, and event spaces for UCLA faculty, students, staff, and partners. The park will also include a potential performance space that could host cultural and artistic events for the campus and the community.
The park will span across the eastern and western portions of the former mall, which are currently owned by Hudson Pacific Properties and Macerich, respectively. The eastern portion, which was previously leased to Google for a 14-year term, has already been renovated into a 584,000-square-foot office complex by Gensler. The western portion, which still retains some of the original mall features, will undergo further development by UCLA.
The acquisition of the former mall, which covers a total of 820,000 square feet, is one of the largest in UCLA’s history. The university has not disclosed the terms of the deal, but it is expected to close in the first quarter of 2024.
UCLA Research Park: A Catalyst for Innovation
The UCLA Research Park will serve as a catalyst for innovation and collaboration among UCLA’s diverse and interdisciplinary research areas, such as engineering, medicine, arts, humanities, and social sciences. The park will also foster partnerships with industry, government, and non-profit organizations, as well as provide opportunities for entrepreneurship, technology transfer, and community engagement.
The park will complement UCLA’s existing research facilities, such as the UCLA Grand Challenges, the UCLA Innovation Fund, and the UCLA Technology Development Group. The park will also leverage UCLA’s proximity and connections to the Silicon Beach, the entertainment industry, and the Los Angeles metropolitan area.
The park will support UCLA’s mission of advancing knowledge, addressing societal needs, and creating a positive impact on the world.
UCLA Research Park: A Response to the Pandemic
The UCLA Research Park is also a response to the challenges and opportunities posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has accelerated the demand for remote work, online learning, and digital transformation. The park will provide a flexible and adaptable space that can accommodate the changing needs and preferences of the users and the environment.
The park will also incorporate sustainability and resilience features, such as energy efficiency, water conservation, waste reduction, and green transportation. The park will aim to achieve LEED Platinum certification, the highest level of green building standards.
The park will also reflect UCLA’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, by ensuring that the park is accessible, affordable, and welcoming to all.
The UCLA Research Park is expected to open in phases, starting from 2024. The park will create thousands of jobs and generate millions of dollars in economic activity for the region and the state.