By Althea Johnson, University Communications and Marketing
The University of South Florida today released four new renderings of the Fletcher District, the university’s planned mixed-use destination featuring student and multifamily housing, restaurants, retail, a hotel and conference center, an academic research facility and recreation space.
The fresh looks at the new district come as the Florida Board of Governors approved development plans for the project on Thursday.
“The Fletcher District will be a vibrant new hub of activity for our students, other members of the university community and the surrounding area,” USF President Rhea Law said. “The project provides a unique opportunity to transform an underutilized part of our campus into a prime destination to live, work, learn and play.”
The new renderings provide a more detailed look at the district, including street-level views and an image from the planned hotel offering a top-floor glimpse of the proximity to USF’s new on-campus stadium scheduled to open in fall 2027. The Fletcher District will be located within walking distance of the stadium, allowing students, alumni and fans to come together before and after football games and other major events.
“The Fletcher District is a dynamic project that aligns with USF’s strategic vision for the future,” said Jennifer Condon, USF vice president of business and finance. “It will offer tremendous benefits for the entire USF community and exciting opportunities for visitors to enjoy the space in a variety of different ways.”
The first phase of the project is located north of Fletcher Avenue and east of North 46th Street. It will be developed as a public-private partnership (P3), with the university entering into a master development agreement with ACE Fletcher, LLC. Each component of the project will be managed through separate ground subleases with private developers. Though phase one uses approximately 27 acres, the full site is 138 acres, which could be used for future development. The nearby USF Forest Preserve will not be developed.
“This isn’t just a real estate development because we had some land that wasn’t performing. It is going to be mission-led, it is going to be mission-driven. The profits that we receive from this will be reinvested in student success. This will help us attract students, world-class faculty and staff,” said USF Board of Trustees Vice Chair Mike Griffin, who was also reappointed to another term on the board during Thursday’s meeting.
Several members of the BOG praised the project.
“I think this is fantastic,” said BOG Chair Brian Lamb.
“I am very supportive of this. I think it is a model of exactly how P3 should be going forward,” said BOG member Eric Silagy.
“This is an absolutely great deal, so I commend you for it,” said BOG Vice Chair Alan Levine.
Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners Chair Ken Hagan also attended Thursday’s meeting and spoke of the project’s impact.
“USF is one of the county’s largest and most important economic engines,” Hagan said. “On behalf of the Board of County Commissioners, I am very pleased to be here to show the county’s unconditional support for USF, and as you’ve seen today, this truly transformative project. Along with the on-campus stadium, this project is a critical piece of this overall transformation and Hillsborough County is very proud to partner in this growth.”
Construction is planned to begin in spring 2026, with the project opening in time for fall 2028. Additional information about the district can be found here.