Florida Construction News staff writer
The University of South Florida Board of Trustees voted Thursday to advance plans to transform the university’s former 138-acre golf course into a mixed-use development known as the Fletcher District.
The project will include student and multi-family housing, restaurants, retail, a hotel and conference center, an academic research facility, and recreational spaces. USF officials say the district will create a hub of activity that aligns with the university’s strategic vision and supports economic growth in the Tampa Bay region.
“The Fletcher District will be transformational for the University of South Florida and will help to further elevate and drive economic development in the Tampa Bay region,” USF President Rhea Law said. “We are creating a dynamic destination to live, work, learn and play that provides exciting new opportunities to bring together members of the USF and surrounding communities.”
The development will be managed through a public-private partnership with ACE Fletcher LLC, a newly formed entity comprising several development firms:
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Capstone Development Partners and Capstone Communities: USF’s long-standing partners specializing in student housing.
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Aureate Development: Led by USF benefactor Dr. Kiran Patel, focusing on mixed-use development.
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Ellison Development: A Tampa-based commercial real estate developer specializing in mixed-use projects.
Phase one of construction will cover roughly 27 acres north of Fletcher Avenue and east of North 46th Street. It will be developed as a public-private partnership, with USF entering into a master development agreement with ACE Fletcher, LLC. Each component will be managed through separate ground subleases with private developers, while the university retains ownership of the land.
Plans for the initial phase include:
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Student housing: About 700 beds in 335,000 sq. ft., aimed at attracting and retaining additional residential students.
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Multi-family housing: Roughly 150 units in 160,000 sq. ft. for graduate students, employees, lifelong learners, and other USF community members.
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Hotel and conference center: Approximately 150 guest rooms in 78,000 sq. ft., including a 5,000-square-foot conference space, fitness area, and lounge.
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Restaurants and retail: Around 60,000 sq. ft., including four to six restaurants.
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USF academic research building: About 350,000 sq. ft., developed and funded by the university, supporting its strategic goals and expanding its academic footprint north of Fletcher Avenue.
The Fletcher District will be within walking distance of USF’s new on-campus stadium, offering opportunities for students, alumni, fans, and visitors to gather before and after football games and other events.
USF plans to seek approval from the Florida Board of Governors in November. If approved, construction on the first phase is expected to begin in spring 2026 and open by fall 2028. University officials emphasized that the project does not include development of the USF Forest Preserve.
Additional information about the Fletcher District is available on USF’s website.