USF Fletcher District: Golf Course Redevelopment Brings Housing, Research, and Retail to Tampa Campus

The University of South Florida is embarking on one of the most ambitious real estate projects in its history, transforming its former golf course, The Claw, into a vibrant mixed-use district that will expand academic space, housing, and amenities for students and the broader Tampa community.

From Golf Course to “Fletcher District”

The 138-acre golf course property, located just north of Fletcher Avenue near the Tampa campus, has been closed since 2020 due to financial and maintenance challenges. After years of planning and feasibility studies, USF leaders approved a bold vision: the creation of the Fletcher District, a public-private partnership (P3) development that blends university needs with community assets.

What’s Planned

The first phase of the Fletcher District redevelopment covers about 27 acres and includes:

• Student Housing: Approximately 700 new beds, adding capacity to ease Tampa’s housing crunch.
• Multi-Family Apartments: Around 150 market-rate units, offering additional housing near campus.
• Hotel and Conference Center: A ~150-room hotel with event space, serving both university and regional visitors.
• Restaurants and Retail: 60,000 square feet of dining and retail space, featuring four to six restaurants.
• Academic and Research Building: A state-of-the-art, 350,000-square-foot facility dedicated to research and academic programs.

The mixed-use vision is designed to create a “live, learn, work, play” environment directly adjacent to USF’s main Tampa campus.

Timeline and Partners

USF has entered into a partnership with ACE Fletcher, LLC, the developer selected to deliver the project through a long-term lease arrangement. The university will retain ownership of the land while the private partner oversees development and operations for non-academic facilities.

• Fall 2025: Florida Board of Governors is expected to review the project for final approval.
• Spring 2026: Groundbreaking for the first phase could begin.
• Fall 2028: Completion of the first phase, including housing, retail, and the research facility.

Community Impact and Considerations

The Fletcher District aims to serve as both a campus extension and a community hub. It is expected to attract students, faculty, businesses, and visitors, bringing economic development opportunities to the University area.

At the same time, the project has generated discussion and concern among nearby residents and environmental advocates. Traffic congestion along Fletcher Avenue and the ecological sensitivity of the surrounding forest preserve remain active topics in planning meetings. USF has commissioned ecological assessments and traffic studies to guide responsible development.

A New Era for USF

The Fletcher District reflects USF’s growing stature as a top research university and its commitment to expanding facilities that support innovation, student success, and community engagement. With its scale, mix of uses, and integration with the planned on-campus stadium, the project is set to redefine the northern edge of USF’s Tampa campus and shape the university’s future footprint for decades to come.