Magnolia Crossing, a new living area, opens to CBU students

Riverside Calif, (Sept. 2, 2020) – A spacious lobby and a grab-and-go marketplace welcomes students to Magnolia Crossing, California Baptist University’s newest living area.

The building’s first students moved in Aug. 22-23. Located near the intersection of Magnolia Avenue and Monroe Street, the four-story building can hold up to 540 residents. However, only about 250 students currently are living in the new residence because of COVID-19. Construction on the 161,415-square-foot residence began in March 2019 and cost $43.35 million.

The 93 apartments each have two or three bedrooms, a kitchen, a living area, and two or three bathrooms. Other features include a large lobby that holds multiple TVs; tables that students can use to study or eat on; several study rooms on each floor; and a dining option called The Market at Magnolia Crossing, a grab-and-go food venue.

Joe Ojeda, resident director for Magnolia Crossing, said the place made quite the impression on move-in day.

“Everyone was enamored by the look and feel of the building, which is similar to a hotel,” Ojeda said. “I had parents going ‘Is this a Marriott or a students’ living area?’ It was literally jaw-dropping for them and you could see the expressions on their faces and tell the students were excited to be here."

Mackenzie Hernandez, a communication sciences and disorders sophomore, said The Market is one of her favorite aspects of the new building.

“The Market is really cool and nice. I like that we have our own shop so we don’t have to go to main campus for meals if we don’t want to,” Hernandez said.

Hernandez said she also enjoys the residence for other reasons.

“It’s big, luxurious, and the lobby has sports playing on big screens,” Hernandez said. “I also like that it is not far from the main campus, so we still have access to everything the main campus provides. We can just also spend our downtime in a new and beautiful place.”

Taylor Salazar, a liberal studies sophomore, said she appreciates the newness of Magnolia Crossing.

“There’s more space and the furniture is upgraded, which is nice,” Salazar said. "Meeting people that I didn't know last year and the new study spaces are probably what I'm most excited for."