The University of Tampa is nearing groundbreaking on its next major student housing project, an 11-story residence hall planned just south of its campus at 110 South Boulevard.
The large-scale development, which has been moving quietly and quickly through permitting, is expected to open ahead of the Fall 2028 semester. Once complete, the building will deliver more than 800 beds across approximately 210,000 square feet, making it the largest residence hall in the university’s history.
The project is being developed through a public-private partnership between the University of Tampa and RISE Real Estate. Juneau Construction is serving as general contractor, while Niles Boston Associates is leading architecture and FBR Design is handling interior design.
The proposal marks the second major development planned for the site. An earlier concept for the parcel called for a 22-story, 250-foot mixed-use tower containing 182 residential units and roughly 2,835 square feet of retail space. That proposal ultimately fell through, and the property was later acquired by the University of Tampa for approximately $10.25 million in early 2025.
The new development is intended to address rising student enrollment and growing demand for university-led housing rather than off-campus housing by private developers.
Inside the Project
Targeted toward first and second-year students, the residence hall will contain 238 units totaling 833 beds, according to plans submitted roughly two weeks ago. Units will range from one-bedroom to two-bedroom layouts.
According to the university, the building is being designed around the student experience: “The residence hall will provide a modern, intentionally designed living environment that supports academic success, community connection and student well-being. The building will include suite-style units with shared living space, along with study lounges, two common rooms, dining facilities, bicycle storage, and surface parking.”
At ground level, plans call for approximately 2,040 square feet dedicated to dining facilities, alongside a lobby and other uses. The project will also include 46 parking spaces. This relatively low parking count reflects university policy. First-year students at the University of Tampa are not permitted to have vehicles on campus.
Architecturally, the building will rise 153 feet to its highest architectural point, or approximately 141 feet to the roofline. Exterior materials will include brick masonry, red brick facades, stucco, and glass.
According to the university, the design is intended to “complement the existing UTampa campus while respecting the character of the surrounding neighborhood.”
Progress/Permitting:
The development has already entered multiple phases of permitting.
Applications tied to utilities, right-of-way work, and a general construction permit for the structure itself are currently awaiting approval. Notably, the city lists the project’s general construction filing under an Affordable Housing Accelerated Plan Review designation, potentially providing permitting advantages compared to more traditional developments.
The residence hall is also being designed to meet LEED standards through the U.S. Green Building Council.
The project will represent the university’s latest student housing expansion following completion of Grand Center Residence Hall, which accommodates nearly 700 first-year students.