News Summary
The University of South Florida has announced plans for a mixed-use development called the Fletcher District on a 138-acre site that previously housed a golf course. This initiative will feature residential options, dining, retail, a hotel, an academic facility, and recreational spaces, aiming to boost economic growth in the Tampa Bay area. The first phase will cover 27 acres and could start construction in 2026, pending approval from the Florida Board of Governors. The renovation is expected to elevate the appeal and safety of the surrounding area.
Tampa, Florida – The University of South Florida (USF) Board of Trustees has taken a significant step toward advancing plans for a mixed-use development on a 138-acre site that formerly operated as a golf course. This redevelopment project, named the Fletcher District, aims to transform the land into a vibrant destination featuring housing, restaurants, retail, a hotel and conference center, an academic research facility, and recreation spaces. USF President Rhea Law emphasized the project’s potential to drive economic development in the Tampa Bay region.
The first phase of the Fletcher District is set to encompass around 27 acres located north of Fletcher Avenue and east of North 46th Street. This initial stage aims to be developed as a public-private partnership with ACE Fletcher, LLC. Each aspect of the development will be overseen through distinct ground subleases with private developers, while USF will retain ownership of the land.
Initial estimates for the first phase of the Fletcher District include:
- Student housing: approximately 700 beds within 335,000 square feet
- Multi-family housing: around 150 units spanning roughly 160,000 square feet
- Hotel and conference center: approximately 150 guest rooms and 78,000 square feet, which includes a 5,000-square-foot conference area
- Restaurants and retail: an estimated 60,000 square feet of space designated for four to six restaurants
- Academic research building: approximately 350,000 square feet developed by USF
The Fletcher District’s location is within walking distance of USF’s new on-campus stadium, which is anticipated to open in fall 2027. The project awaits approval from the Florida Board of Governors, with a vote expected in early November. If approved, construction is forecasted to begin in fall 2026, with completion targeted for fall 2028.
USF initially sought proposals for the redevelopment of the golf course in 2021 and permanently closed The Claw golf course in September 2023, having incurred annual losses of about $200,000. The redevelopment project is expected to bring noticeable improvements to the aesthetic appeal and safety of the area surrounding USF, particularly along Fletcher Avenue, which has historically been perceived as unsafe and uninviting.
This transformation is anticipated to enhance the experience for both students and the broader community, creating a new hub of activity within the region. Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees, Mike Griffin, has remarked on the project’s potential to be highly transformative for both the university and the adjacent city area.
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Additional Resources
- USF Oracle: Redevelop the Bulls Neighborhood
- Wikipedia: University of South Florida
- WTSP: New Mixed-Use Housing in Fletcher District
- Google Search: Fletcher District USF
- Business Observer: USF Closer to Redeveloping Golf Course
- Google Scholar: University of South Florida Fletcher District
- Florida Trend: Monday’s Daily Pulse
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Mixed-Use Development
- USF Oracle: USF Mixed-Use Development
- Google News: Fletcher District
Author: STAFF HERE TAMPA WRITER
The TAMPA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERETampa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Tampa, Hillsborough County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Gasparilla Pirate Festival, Florida State Fair, and Tampa Riverfest. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce and United Way Suncoast, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and technology that power the local economy such as BayCare Health System, Grow Financial Federal Credit Union, and KnowBe4. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HERESTPetersburg.com, and HERETallahassee.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
