University of South Florida leaders, students and community representatives gathered Tuesday to mark the groundbreaking of Uptown Landing, the largest public‑private partnership in the State University System of Florida’s history.
Project scope and timeline
The first phase will be built on roughly 30 acres at the intersection of Fletcher Avenue and 46th Street in Tampa. When completed, the district will feature student housing, four to six restaurants, a hotel, a conference center and an academic research building. The site sits adjacent to USF’s new $348.5 million football stadium, which is still under construction.
USF President Moez Limayem said the development will serve as a “connector to our university, our stadium and our community,” adding that the true legacy will be the people who cross paths there. He noted that the first phase is slated for completion by fall 2028, with an estimated cost of nearly $500 million. Funding comes from a combination of university resources, Hillsborough County and the State of Florida.
Local economic impact
Hillsborough County Commissioner Ken Hagan highlighted USF as one of the county’s largest economic engines, employing over 16,000 people. He said the project will transform an underperforming asset, expand the tax base and create a new economic hub in an area that has long been deprived.
USF Board of Trustees chair Mike Griffin explained that the former golf course, The Claw, no longer fit the university’s long‑term vision. He said many attempts have been made over the years to give the neighborhood a “center of gravity,” and Uptown Landing finally fulfills that goal.
Student perspective
Senior public‑relations student Helena Ardigo, originally from Brazil, praised the development for its potential to enhance campus life. She said, “When you’re away from home, your friends become part of your family. This project will give students more housing options and hotels for families visiting campus.”
Ardigo added that student housing is often at capacity, and the new residences will help meet demand while providing a vibrant social environment.
Development partnership
The project is being executed under a Master Development Agreement with ACE Fletcher, LLC, a consortium that includes Capstone Development Partners, Capstone Communities, Aureate Development and Ellison Development.
For more information about Uptown Landing, visit the university’s project page.
Original reporting: St. Pete Catalyst — read the source article.
