Ground broken for USF’s Uptown Landing

After extensive planning, ground has officially been broken for the largest public-private partnership in the history of the State University System of Florida. University of South Florida leaders, staff and students came together with community members Tuesday to celebrate Uptown Landing, which was once known as the Fletcher District project.

The first phase of the effort will be constructed on approximately 30 acres near Fletcher and 46th Street in Tampa. It will feature student housing, four to six restaurants, a hotel, conference center and an academic research building. Additionally, the district will be in close proximity to USF’s on-campus $348.5 million football stadium, which is currently under construction. 

“People from across our region and beyond will come here to eat, shop, stay, explore and discover USF,” said USF president Moez Limayem. “This will be a connector to our university, our stadium and our community.” 

USF leaders anticipate that the first phase will be completed by fall 2028. The estimated cost is nearly $500 million. Hillsborough County and the state of Florida are contributing funds for the effort. 

“This won’t be remembered for its buildings,” Limayem continued. “It will be remembered for the people who cross paths here who otherwise would have not.”

A rendering of Uptown Landing. Image provided.

USF Board of Trustees chair Mike Griffin said that the site was previously home to the university’s golf course, The Claw. 

He explained that the course “no longer represented” the long-term vision of USF. Griffin added that there have been “a lot of attempts made in this part of the city for many, many years to elevate it and to bring a sense of center of gravity to it.” 

“USF is one of the county’s largest, most important economic engines with over 16,000 employees,” said Hillsborough County Commissioner Ken Hagan at the Tuesday event. “It was very easy to see the value in the Fletcher District because this development will completely transform an underperforming asset, add to the tax base and create an economic hub in an area that’s been largely deprived.” 

 “Academically, athletically and on the research front, USF is on the rise and has a truly remarkable upward trajectory,” he continued. “USF’s overall transformation will play a critical role in Tampa’s emergence as a world-class city.” 

The project is being developed through a Master Development Agreement with ACE Fletcher, LLC, which comprises Capstone Development Partners, Capstone Communities, Aureate Development and Ellison Development.

Helena Ardigo is currently a senior at USF pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in public relations and advertising. She is originally from Brazil.

Ardigo explained that “when you’re away from home, your friends become part of your family.” More so, colleges can become anchors for students who live out of state or out of the country. 

“I feel that university is now my place to land,” she said. “I think the development is going to be great for the social life of students and also they are going to have hotels close to campus where their families can come and stay.” 

Ardigo added that Uptown Landing will provide more options for the educational institution’s attendees. She argued that students like to live on campus, but housing options are “always full.” 

To learn more about the project, visit this link.