The CCA Campus Redevelopment
A large residential redevelopment of the historic 4.5-acre CCA campus, approved in 2024 but not yet built. UBA initially preferred the original design of:
- 350 residential units
- 6–7 buildings of 6 stories each
- 4,000 square feet of retail/commercial
- 25,000 square feet of institutional space (arts instruction spaces)
- 10% affordable units
Eventually, the landowner, CCA, opted for a much more profitable proposal which included the elimination of all arts education spaces and the construction of two enormous, bulky buildings.
The project was thrown into question when CCA closed all of its campuses and was purchased by Vanderbilt University in January 2026.
- Status
- Entitled by the City (Dec 2024); not yet built. Campus transferred to Vanderbilt University in Jan 2026, leaving its future uncertain.
- Location
- 5212 Broadway at Clifton Street (former California College of the Arts campus)
- Developer
- Emerald Fund / Equity Community Builders (option to purchase)
- Height
- Up to ~10 stories (95 ft)
- Units
- ~451–510 residential units
- Affordable
- ~10% (moderate income)
The former California College of the Arts campus sits on 4.5 acres at Broadway and Clifton. It is a nearly 100-year-old site with landmark buildings (the Treadwell Mansion / Macky Hall and its Carriage House), mature heritage trees, and a rich arts legacy.
After an eight-year process, the City approved the redevelopment in December 2024. In January 2026, CCA transferred the campus to Vanderbilt University as part of a larger deal, and the future of the approved housing project is now less certain. The developer holds an option to build but has said the numbers “just don’t work” at present.
For the full history, see our Historic Location and Proposed Projects pages.
Issues & Concerns
UBA's position
UBA supports housing on this site, but has consistently advocated for a height limit of about seven stories (75 ft); 20% affordable housing including units for low-income families; a large public park; preservation of the historic buildings and mature trees; and a robust arts program in the two preserved landmark buildings.
Key concerns
- Height and scale out of character with Rockridge
- Only ~10% affordable (defined as up to ~$157K for a family of four)
- Loss of historic buildings and mature trees (an Area of Primary Importance)
- Traffic and emergency access via narrow Clifton Street
- Spot rezoning without an area-wide plan