The Pasadena Design Commission has signed off on plans to build new dormitories on the former William Carey International University campus, the next step towards opening a private boarding school on the property.

Switzerland-based EF Education First agreed to purchase the 15-acre campus at 1539 Howard Street from WCIU in April 2018.  Although the exact price of the transaction has not been disclosed, the L.A. Business Journal reported that the property could be worth up to $40 million.  While the two parties had reached an agreement one year ago, the deal was not expected to formally close until 16 months after the EF Education First obtained all necessary permits from the City of Pasadena.

Plans approved on June 11 by the Design Commission call for demolishing the campus' existing Aylward Dormitory and administration building, which would be replaced by a 230-unit dormitory with administrative offices and a student health center.  The completed project would house 500 students in triple-occupancy rooms.

The project, designed by Gensler, would feature four separate buildings standing between three and four stories in height.  Renderings depict contemporary low-rise buildings clad in sand-colored stucco.

A timeline for the construction of the dormitory has not been announced, though the EF Education website advertises its Pasadena campus as opening in September 2020.