Project Spotlight: Topaz – A New Chapter in Sustainable Student Housing at SDSU
We’re excited to highlight a recent project, Topaz, a brand-new 53-unit, 169-bed student housing development by Pierce Education Properties for San Diego State University (SDSU). This thoughtfully designed space is more than just a place for students to live—it’s a vibrant community hub. Located just two blocks from an underground trolley station, Topaz is part of a transit-priority area that encourages sustainable, car-free living for students.
McCullough collaborated closely with the project team, including designer Frank Wolden and architecture firm KTGY, to create a dynamic landscape and streetscape that reflects the natural beauty of San Diego’s coastal and canyon landscapes. The ground floor offers a lively mix of restaurants and retail spaces, while the second and third floors are dedicated to student amenities, creating a seamless indoor-outdoor experience that’s perfect for San Diego’s year-round mild climate.
Residents entering Topaz are welcomed by a striking entry stair that leads to a series of custom raised planters filled with low water-use shrubs and ornamental grasses. These drought-tolerant plants not only enhance the building’s sustainability efforts but also mirror the look and feel of San Diego’s diverse ecosystem. On the third floor, common spaces are designed to evoke the calm and cool of the region’s shady canyons, offering areas for students to gather, relax in the spa, or simply enjoy the view of the street below.
“The Topaz Mixed Use project was an exciting collaborative exercise that allowed multiple stakeholders to voice their desires, concerns, and opinions, helping to guide the design process in a fruitful direction. In the end, I believe the project achieved its highest goal; that of providing a living, thriving, and ever evolving green space for residents to enjoy rest, relaxation, and camaraderie with their neighbors.”
-Zeek Magallanes, MLA, ASLA, Studio Team Leader and Project Manager, McCullough
Beyond its visual appeal, Topaz incorporates advanced stormwater management features. The on-site raised planter system captures runoff from the roof, which is then directed to a modular wetland system located underground. This system stores and slowly releases the water into the city’s storm system, minimizing impact on local infrastructure.
With its focus on sustainability, connection to the outdoors, and thoughtful integration into the surrounding community, Topaz sets a new standard for student living at SDSU. We’re proud to share this project with you.
