Florida Construction News staff writer
The University of South Florida (USF) has released new renderings of the Fletcher District, its planned mixed-use development featuring student and multifamily housing, restaurants, retail, a hotel and conference center, an academic research facility, and recreation space. The Florida Board of Governors approved development plans for the project on Thursday.
The first phase of the district will occupy approximately 27 acres north of Fletcher Avenue and east of North 46th Street, within a total 138-acre site designated for future development. The project will be delivered as a public-private partnership (P3), with USF entering into a master development agreement with ACE Fletcher, LLC. Individual components of the district will be managed through separate ground subleases with private developers. The USF Forest Preserve adjacent to the site will remain undeveloped.
Construction is scheduled to begin in spring 2026, with completion planned in time for fall 2028.
Architectural renderings show street-level views of the district, along with perspectives from the planned hotel overlooking the university’s new on-campus stadium, set to open in fall 2027. The development is designed to bring students, alumni, and visitors together before and after games and major campus events.
USF officials highlighted the project’s role in supporting student success and university growth. “This isn’t just a real estate development because we had some land that wasn’t performing. It is mission-led, it is mission-driven. The profits that we receive from this will be reinvested in student success,” said Mike Griffin, USF Board of Trustees vice chair.
“The Fletcher District will be a vibrant new hub of activity for our students, other members of the university community, and the surrounding area,” said USF President Rhea Law.
The development is expected to serve as a model for P3 projects in higher education, combining academic, residential, and commercial uses while enhancing campus amenities and supporting university revenue streams.
