News Summary
The University of South Florida (USF) has approved plans to redevelop its former golf course into the Fletcher District, featuring student housing, retail spaces, restaurants, and more. The project aims to enhance community engagement and support USF’s strategic vision for economic development in the Tampa Bay region. The first phase is scheduled to break ground in 2026, pending approval from the Florida Board of Governors.
Tampa, FL – The University of South Florida (USF) has initiated plans to redevelop its former 138-acre golf course into a mixed-use project called the Fletcher District. The USF Board of Trustees voted recently to advance this significant project, which aims to transform the area into a vibrant center for student life and community engagement. The Fletcher District will feature housing, restaurants, retail spaces, a hotel, a conference center, an academic research facility, and recreational space.
This redevelopment is designed to support USF’s strategic vision for the future, with USF President Rhea Law highlighting its potential to drive economic development throughout the Tampa Bay region. The project not only aims to create a hub of activity for students but also opens new opportunities for interactions with the broader community.
The initial phase of the redevelopment will encompass roughly 27 acres located to the north of Fletcher Avenue and east of North 46th Street. The project will be a public-private partnership, with USF entering into a master development agreement with ACE Fletcher LLC, which will oversee each component through separate ground subleases. Importantly, USF will retain ownership of the land throughout the duration of the project.
Early estimates for the redevelopment include the construction of approximately 700 student housing beds within a 335,000-square-foot complex and around 150 multifamily housing units within a 160,000-square-foot development intended for graduate students, faculty, and staff. Additionally, the project is set to include a 150-room hotel with a total area of about 78,000 square feet, including 5,000 square feet allocated for conference space. Plans also envision 60,000 square feet dedicated to retail spaces and restaurants, along with a new academic research building developed by USF, which is projected to cover around 350,000 square feet, although specific details are yet to be finalized.
Significantly, the project is positioned within walking distance of USF’s upcoming on-campus stadium, likely enhancing opportunities for gatherings during game days and major events. This aspect of the project aims to bolster engagement among students and the local community, which has historically been noted for its limited attractive gathering spaces.
The redevelopment project is pending approval from the Florida Board of Governors, with a vote scheduled for November. If approved, construction for the first phase is projected to begin in fall 2026, aiming for completion by fall 2028.
USF’s former golf course, referred to as The Claw, closed on September 5, 2023, after more than 50 years of operation, mainly due to financial losses estimated at $200,000 annually. USF has been exploring redevelopment options since 2021, noting the necessity for revitalizing the surrounding economic landscape and enhancing community safety and engagement in the area.
The UPSIDE partnership—which includes Capstone Development Partners, Capstone Communities, Aureate Development (affiliated with Dr. Kiran Patel), and Ellison Development—has been engaged in formulating proposals for the project. Notably, the final plans do not encompass the adjacent USF Forest Preserve, indicating a focused approach to the development’s scope.
This redevelopment is part of broader ongoing efforts around USF, including the remodeling of the University Mall into a mixed-use project named “Rithim.” Such endeavors highlight the institution’s commitment to enhancing the local environment and offering more attractive spaces for students and the community.
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Additional Resources
- USF Oracle: USF Mixed-Use Development
- Wikipedia: Mixed-use Development
- Business Observer: USF Closer to Redeveloping Golf Course
- Google Search: University of South Florida redevelopment
- ConstructConnect: USF Greenlights Major Mixed-Use Development
- Encyclopedia Britannica: University of South Florida
- USF Oracle: Opinion on Fletcher District Redevelopment
- Google Scholar: Redevelopment Project University of South Florida
- WTSP: Fletcher District USF New Mixed-Use Housing
- Google News: Fletcher District USF
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