Midvale Plaza: A Hub of Housing, History, and UCLA Student Life
Midvale Plaza stands as a significant location for UCLA students, offering housing options and a vibrant community. Its history is intertwined with the development of Westwood Village and the experiences of generations of students. This article explores the various facets of Midvale Plaza, from its role in providing student accommodation to its connection with the broader Westwood community.
Housing at Midvale Plaza
Midvale Plaza offers a range of apartments catering to university students, with prices ranging from approximately $1,000 to upward of $3,000 per month. The apartments are popular among students due to their proximity to UCLA and the social life they foster. According to Jorge Gonzalez, general manager of Midvale Plaza, students look for apartments based on price, size, and location.
Andrew Melcer, a fourth-year history student living in a shared two-bedroom apartment at Midvale Plaza, advises prospective tenants to start their search early. He signed his lease around April or May, emphasizing the importance of securing a lease and putting down a payment promptly. Melcer also noted that apartments offer a greater social life compared to on-campus housing, with the added benefit of no resident advisors (RAs).
UCLA Student Life and Accommodation
UCLA offers a variety of accommodation options to its students, with approximately 35 percent of undergraduates living on campus, according to the UCLA housing website. On-campus housing with meal plans costs approximately $10,000 to $15,000 each year. However, many students choose to live off-campus for various reasons, including cost and social opportunities.
Student.com lists well over 100 properties near UCLA, offering a wide variety of off-campus student housing, from stylish private student apartments to modern, well-equipped co-living spaces. These options provide students with comfortable and affordable places to call home near campus. The available UCLA student accommodation room types include shared rooms, private rooms, and entire places (studio apartments). Most apartments listed in Los Angeles have bills included in the rent, and the majority of off-campus student housing options near UCLA are fully furnished.
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Westwood Village: A Thriving Community
Westwood Village, where UCLA is located, is a unique and vibrant commercial district situated in the middle of several affluent neighborhoods, including Beverly Hills, Bel Air, Santa Monica, Brentwood, and Century City. The village embodies the essence of Los Angeles, blending art, culture, commerce, and cuisine.
The neighborhood's main commercial area, "The Village," boasts historical landmarks, Mediterranean-inspired architecture, and a wide variety of activities, entertainment, shopping, and dining options. Students and locals alike can enjoy iconic theaters, museums, fast-food joints, upscale eateries, sleek cafes, and shops that cater to diverse tastes.
Historical Context of Westwood
The history of Westwood is relatively recent, with significant development occurring in the early 20th century. In 1919, the California State Legislature officially created the Southern Branch of the University of California, which would later become UCLA. The Westwood subdivision began in April 1922 after the Janss Brothers learned that Westwood/Los Angeles had been selected as the location to which UCLA would be moving from its original Vermont Ave. location.
The Janss Investment Corp sold their first lots in the Pico/Sepulveda area, and the first homes were built in 1923. These original homes sold for around $2,300 and were designed predominantly in the Spanish style. The Janss legacy is deeply engraved throughout the community, with their stamp visible on sidewalks and their company's building standing as a landmark in the center of the Village.
Community Engagement and Local Events
Westwood Village is a hub of community engagement, with various events and initiatives that bring residents and students together. The Westwood Village Improvement Association plays a crucial role in enhancing the neighborhood and addressing local issues.
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The Westwood Village Improvement Association announced that it found housing for its first unhoused client through the Midvale Housing Program. Michael Russell, the executive director of the Westwood Village Improvement Association, said that the association found housing for their first unhoused client in the Midvale housing project - an initiative to move people experiencing homelessness in and around Westwood into housing. He added that 10 new business locations opened in Westwood within the last nine months, including 2nd Street and Noodle St. Russell also said Oakley’s Barber Shop - the oldest business in Westwood - will celebrate its 100th anniversary with an all-day event Sept. 27. A German-style Oktoberfest event will be held Oct.
UCLA's Impact on the Community
UCLA's presence significantly impacts the Westwood community, contributing to its cultural richness and economic vitality. Carmen Zambrano, the assistant director of UCLA Government and Community Relations, said the Career Center hosted a Sept. 10 event for local businesses that are looking for ways to connect with UCLA students. She urged community members to contact legislators and share personal stories about UCLA’s impact using #ResearchPowersProgress in response to the suspension of federal research funding.
The university's commitment to research and innovation has paved the way for groundbreaking discoveries that have helped influence global change. UCLA’s strong commitment to research and innovation has paved the way for groundbreaking discoveries that have helped influence global change. The university’s proximity to the heart of the entertainment industry, coupled with its strong ties to Silicon Beach, offers its students unique opportunities for internships, collaborations, and real-world experience. This fusion of academia and industry prepares UCLA graduates to thrive in an ever-evolving world.
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