The University of South Florida has officially begun construction on a mixed-use scheme valued at nearly $500 million, while unveiling its permanent name as Uptown Landing.

During a groundbreaking ceremony, university officials confirmed that the development will replace the previous working title of Fletcher District. The project is situated within walking distance of the university’s new on-campus stadium and is designed to serve as a hub for students, residents, alumni and visitors.

Spanning an initial phase of roughly 30 acres north of Fletcher Avenue and east of North 46th Street, the development will feature 700 student housing beds, between four and six restaurants, retail spaces, a hotel and a conference centre. It will also house a substantial academic facility named the Translational Research Institute, designed to accommodate around 100 investigators funded by the National Institutes of Health alongside approximately 1,000 additional researchers.

The scheme is structured as a public-private partnership, marking the largest project of its kind across Florida’s State University System. Funding for the first phase is divided into approximately $270 million for the private partnership components and roughly $225 million for the research facility. Construction is being delivered under a Master Development Agreement with ACE Fletcher, LLC, a consortium formed of Capstone Development Partners, Aureate Development and Ellison Development.

Officials expect the first phase of Uptown Landing to open ahead of the autumn 2028 academic term.

Commenting on the project, USF President Moez Limayem said: “Uptown Landing is much more than a new neighborhood. This will be a destination anchored by USF, but created for the entire community. Uptown is a name this district has earned through decades of research, innovation, jobs and investment. We’re not creating an identity here. We’re helping write its next chapter. Landing is the word we bring. Tampa Bay began at its landings. A landing is where a journey stops and becomes a place for connection. What we’re building with Uptown Landing is a front door for USF and a gateway for the Tampa Bay region. A place to arrive, to belong and to launch.”

USF Board of Trustees Chair Mike Griffin said: “At the University of South Florida, our time is now. Uptown Landing will absolutely transform our area of the city and USF is proud to anchor this transformative development. We are deeply grateful to our partners, and our state, city and county leaders who have supported this innovative project. We could not have gotten here without them.”

Ken Hagan, chair of the Hillsborough County Board of Commissioners, said: “USF is one of the county’s largest and most important economic engines, with a truly remarkable upward trajectory. Hillsborough County is proud of our long-standing partnership and excited to see the continued growth through transformative projects like Uptown Landing and the on-campus stadium that are shaping the university and county’s future.”

Delo Baker of Aureate Development said: “USF continues to be the anchor that pushes the Tampa Bay region to new heights. With the redevelopment of Uptown Landing, USF has taken an old golf course and redesigned the experience for students and the community to form a vibrant, activated venue. Uptown Landing will elevate the gameday atmosphere and serve as a 365-day-a-year amenity that has never existed in this area.”

Walker May of Capstone Development Partners said: “Today’s groundbreaking marks an important milestone for the Uptown Landing mixed-use P3 and reflects the power of a shared vision between the University of South Florida and an exceptional team of development partners. We are grateful for USF’s trust and collaboration, and we look forward to delivering a vibrant district that enhances campus life, expands housing opportunities and supports the university’s long-term growth.”

Casey Ellison of Ellison Development said: “USF is entering an important next chapter, and as an alumnus, I’m proud of our role in helping bring it to life. The new stadium, advances in academics and athletics, and investments across campus are transforming the USF experience. As master plan developer for Uptown Landing, we’ve worked closely with the university to shape a district that builds on USF’s momentum and reflects where it’s headed. Today’s groundbreaking is an exciting step in turning that vision into reality.”

USF senior Helena Ardigo said: “I cannot wait to come back as an alumna — to stay at our hotel, have dinner here, walk to a Bulls game in our new stadium and see another generation of students building their own lives in a place we helped begin today.”