The University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee campus plans to build a new $6.5 million STEM academic facility, a project that leaders say will expand access to high-quality lab instruction in chemistry, biology and physics for students across the university system.
The 7,000-square-foot building will include modern labs, prep space, utilities, restrooms, site work, equipment and furnishings. Construction is expected to begin in 12 to 18 months, with the facility scheduled to open in fall 2027.
The new facility follows the expiration of USF Sarasota-Manatee’s lease for lab space at Mote Marine Laboratory, in May. During the 2025 fiscal year, the campus taught 39 sections of biology and chemistry to more than 460 students at Mote. For the 2026 fiscal year, USF Sarasota-Manatee will lease temporary space at the Roskamp Institute until the new labs are ready.
The proposal received support from USF President Rhea Law and Provost Prasant Mohapatra and won unanimous approval from the USF Board of Trustees Finance Committee in late August.
*The rendering above is conceptual. The final design is subject to change.