First look at the proposed mixed-use facility on USF campus

TAMPA, Fla. — The University of South Florida (USF) said its Board of Trustees advanced plans to create a mixed-use area with housing, restaurants, and retail.

The area will take over the university's former 138-acre golf course.

Referred to as the Fletcher District at Fletcher Avenue and east of North 46th Street, will be developed as a private-public partnership, USF said. It will have separate ground subleases with private developers, while the university retains ownership of the land.

Details of the project provided by USF:

Student housing

• Approximately 700 beds and 335,000 square feet.
• Will enhance USF’s ability to attract and retain additional residential students.
  

Multi-family housing 

• Approximately 150 units and 160,000 square feet. 
• Envisioned as a convenient option for USF graduate students, employees, lifelong learners, and other USF community members.
  

Hotel and conference center 

• Approximately 150 guest rooms and 78,000 square feet.
• Includes a 5,000-square-foot conference space, additional hotel fitness space, and a lounge.
  

Restaurants and retail spaces

• Approximately 60,000 square feet of space. 
• Four to six restaurants.
  

USF-developed academic research building 

• Approximately 350,000 square feet. Exact size and scope to be determined based on several factors, including available funding.
• Supports the university’s mission and strategic goals by providing needed academic and research space.
• Expands USF’s academic footprint north of Fletcher Avenue. 
• Will be developed and funded by the university, and USF will retain the master ground lease. 

The area will be located within walking distance of the on-campus stadium scheduled for completion in 2027.

USF said, following approval, construction of the first phase is expected to begin in spring 2026 and be completed by fall 2028.