As a part of President Alexander Gonzalez’ “Redefine the Possible” initiative, a new residence hall is scheduled to be built in Parking Lot 2 starting fall 2015.

Tony Lucas, senior director of University Transportation and Parking Services (UTAPS), said the Housing II Project will be constructed in the existing Lot 2, which services faculty, staff and students, and will have a temporary impact on space availability during construction.

UTAPS is planning to offer Lot 11, across J Street, for residential permit holders beginning in fall 2015.

The cost for parking for residents of the new Housing II Project will be the same as that paid by current residential housing students. Currently the cost of a residential parking permit is $214 per semester.

“UTAPS is planning to offer a reduced-price student permit for the fall 2015 semester to park in our off-site parking lot located on the university’s Ramona property,” said Lucas. “This parking permit will cost half the price of current permits. UTAPS will offer a shuttle from the lot to campus to facilitate its use.”

Michael Speros, director of Housing and Residential Life, said everything happening on campus is part of the initiative challenging us to be excellent and accessible, agile and efficient, modern and attractive, and a source of pride.

“Eventually, the plan is to tear down all of the current traditional halls [Sierra,Sutter, Draper,Jenkins, Desmond] and replace them with new halls,” said Speros.

Speros said the housing project is not only part of the initiative but also necessary because of the growing wait list for the Residence Hall dorm rooms. The new building will be able to house 416 more students and will primarily be set aside for first-year students.

“Ninety percent of our wait lists are made up of first-year students, thus the current need for first-year housing,” said Speros.

He also said room and board rates are set to go up 3.9 percent for fall 2015.

The new building will be located in front of Desmond Hall next to the American River. Speros said they are focusing on the building having river views.

Pam Schwindt, employee of Housing and Residential Life, said a lot of planning is required to finalize the project for both housing and parking.

“It’s still in the works,” said Schwindt. “They are still talking about it and having tons of meetings.”