The University of South Florida’s long-planned Fletcher District is one step closer to reality after receiving approval from the Florida Board of Governors.
The mixed-use project will transform an underused section of the Tampa campus into a walkable destination for students, faculty and the community.
USF released four new renderings of the project, which will feature student and multifamily housing, restaurants, retail, a hotel and conference center, an academic research facility and recreation space.
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USF President Rhea Law called the Fletcher District “a vibrant new hub of activity for our students and the surrounding area.” She said the project will turn a largely inactive part of campus into a prime location to live, work, learn and play.
A campus connected
The new visuals show street-level views and a perspective from the planned hotel’s top floor, highlighting the district’s proximity to the university’s on-campus football stadium scheduled to open in fall 2027.
USF Board of Trustees Vice Chair Mike Griffin said the initiative is about mission, not real estate. “This isn’t just a development because we had some land that wasn’t performing. It is mission-led and mission-driven. The profits we receive will be reinvested in student success,” Griffin said. “This will help us attract students, world-class faculty and staff.”
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Members of the Board of Governors praised the project, calling it a model for how public-private partnerships should be structured. “This is fantastic,” said BOG Chair Brian Lamb. BOG Vice Chair Alan Levine added, “This is an absolutely great deal.”
Building through partnership
Hillsborough County Commission Chair Ken Hagan, who attended the meeting, said the county is fully behind the effort. “USF is one of the county’s largest and most important economic engines,” he said. “Along with the on-campus stadium this project is a critical piece of this overall transformation and Hillsborough County is proud to partner in this growth.”
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Construction is expected to begin in spring 2026 and be completed in time for the fall 2028 semester.
Why it matters
The Fletcher District represents one of the most significant university-led developments in Tampa Bay in years. By pairing private investment with public purpose, USF is turning unused land into an economic and cultural asset that will attract students, professionals and visitors alike.
The project strengthens Tampa’s position as a destination for innovation and higher education while creating new opportunities for local businesses in hospitality, retail and real estate. Its proximity to the new on-campus stadium also cements the university’s growing role as both an academic and economic driver for the region.
Together, the Fletcher District and the stadium mark a new chapter in how universities shape urban growth, blending education, commerce and community in one of Florida’s fastest-growing markets.
For more information, visit USF Newsroom
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