USF unveils new plans for “Fletcher District”

TAMPA, Fla. – The University of South Florida has released its plans for a new housing and entertainment area it’s calling the Fletcher District.

The area is 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 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 first phase of the project is located at Fletcher Avenue and North 46th Street, the former location of the USF golf course.

The project will be developed as a public-private partnership and managed with private developers. Though phase one uses approximately 27 acres, the full site is 138 acres, which could be used for future development. The Phase One cost is an estimated $268 million.

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. 

Officials said the Fletcher District is a separate project from the university’s football stadium, which is under construction. However, the two projects will be located within walking distance.

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.