A long-awaited new residence hall at USF St. Petersburg is one step closer to opening with exterior construction now completed. The 120,000 square-foot building will have space for 375 students, increasing on-campus housing by 70 percent. It will also be home to USF St. Petersburg’s first full-service dining hall.
"This project sends a message about the priority we place on building community, about bringing people together to create better outcomes," said USF President Steve Currall at the topping-off ceremony outside the six-story residence hall located on the northwestern corner of campus. "It also symbolizes the future of the Â鶹ÊÓƵ."
Each room will have a suite-style configuration, with majority being four-bed, two-bath units. The remaining units vary between single and double occupancy. The residence hall will have a community laundry space, with a student lounge and study room available on each floor.
"This new facility will be a place where students hang out in the lounges, study together, learn from each other, grab a bite to eat and plan a future filled with hope and a promise for a sustainable future and a better tomorrow," said USF St. Petersburg Regional Chancellor Martin Tadlock. "It means more of our students will have the opportunity to live and learn in thriving downtown St. Petersburg, just steps away from tremendous research and internship opportunities."
"Living on campus is a priceless experience," said Stephanie Goforth, USFSP Campus Board Chair and USF Trustee. "Not only do residential students tend to earn higher grades and complete their degrees on time, they also get the rare opportunity to meet a wide variety of people and develop lasting friendships. A lot of memories will be made here.
The $33 million project was made possible by leveraging the financial strength of the larger university. It is scheduled to open in July 2020.