USF Unveils Ambitious Plans for New Fletcher District Amid Community Growth

USF Unveils Ambitious Plans for New Fletcher District Amid Community Growth

The University of South Florida (USF) is set to transform the former golf course site known as The Claw into an exciting mixed-use development aptly named the „Fletcher District.“ This ambitious project was outlined by USF Chief Financial Officer Jennifer Condon during a meeting with the Board of Trustees, where she highlighted plans for housing, retail, restaurants, and green spaces located at the intersection of Fletcher Avenue and North 46th Street. Construction could kick off as early as spring 2024, pending necessary approvals, with the first phase expected to open in summer 2028, right after the completion of USF’s on-campus stadium, as reported by the USF Oracle.

The Fletcher District aims to utilize 27 of the 120 acres previously occupied by The Claw, which closed its doors in September 2023 after more than 50 years of operation, mainly due to financial woes and disrepair. In this redevelopment, students and faculty can look forward to two student housing buildings with a total of 335,000 square feet, as well as 150 multi-family housing units designed for graduate students, faculty, and staff. The project boasts a variety of amenities, including a 350,000-square-foot academic research building, hotel accommodations with approximately 150 rooms, and 60,000 square feet dedicated to retail and restaurant space.

Aligning with Tampa’s Growth

USF’s plans resonate with the vibrant redevelopment scene in Tampa, which includes projects like Water Street and Midtown. As USF Vice President Carole Post pointed out, there’s a pressing need for spaces within walking distance of the campus for living, working, and recreation—something that has been echoed by students, staff, faculty, alumni, and visitors alike. Overall, this redevelopment project is part of USF’s broader mission to enhance its stature in the community, according to Dr. Eric Eisenberg, the university’s senior vice president for university-community partnerships.

In addition to the Fletcher District, USF is also contemplating various other developments, such as additional housing, a new football stadium, recreational fields, and fitness trails. Eisenberg has stressed the importance of improving mobility within the area, suggesting a revival of underused train and light rail lines to better connect the district to vibrant hubs like downtown Tampa and Ybor City. Interestingly, there are plans to commemorate The Claw by preserving some of its original holes in the new development.

Commitment to the Community

Importantly, USF is committed to ensuring that the adjacent forest preserve remains unaffected by development activities, addressing any community concerns about preserving natural spaces. With the project developer Ace Fletcher LLC already selected, USF is set to collect resumes from interested developers, aiming to issue requests for proposals in the fall, as highlighted by Fox 13 News.

This development isn’t just a localized effort; it reflects a larger trend in urban growth that USF is keenly participating in. Experts like Fadi Garcia, a USF architecture master’s graduate, point out that as Tampa Bay’s population is projected to swell from nearly 3 million in 2022 to over 3.6 million by 2050, now is a crucial time for sustainable and thoughtful urban design. The USF School of Architecture and Community Design plays a pivotal role in preparing the next generation of architects and urban planners who will shape our communities’ futures.

In essence, the Fletcher District is just one piece of the puzzle as USF and the Tampa Bay region continue to evolve, catering to a growing population and striving to provide living, working, and recreational spaces that meet the community’s needs. As these plans unfold, one thing is for certain: there’s much to look forward to in this exciting new chapter for USF and the surrounding area.

For further insights on USF’s initiatives in urban planning, check out USF News.