MALVERN, PA — The University of Florida has begun construction on the first phase of a long-term campus housing expansion, partnering with Balfour Beatty to deliver a 2,217-bed residential development as part of a broader initiative to add 10,000 student beds over the next decade.
The project represents the opening phase of the university’s more than $2 billion Housing & Residence Life capital plan, which aims to expand on-campus housing capacity as UF seeks to accommodate enrollment growth and remain competitive in attracting students.
Balfour Beatty’s Campus Solutions division will serve as the project’s developer, while the company’s U.S. Buildings business will oversee design-build delivery through a 65:35 joint venture with Stellar Group, the company said. Clark Nexsen and Walker Architects are providing architectural services, and Rieth Jones Advisors is advising the university.
The redevelopment will replace the existing Trusler, Simpson and Graham residence halls with four residential buildings totaling more than 680,000 square feet and 2,217 beds.
The development also includes an approximately 18,000-square-foot Disability Resource Center that will consolidate services for more than 8,000 students, alongside study and collaboration spaces, multipurpose event areas, social gathering spaces, floor-level laundry rooms, shared kitchens, a café, an Amazon Market and a package distribution center.
Construction is underway. Two residence halls are scheduled for completion for the fall 2028 semester, with the remaining two expected to open later that fall.
The project is the first phase of the university’s plan to add 10,000 student beds over the next decade through a capital initiative valued at more than $2 billion.
“This is Phase 1 of our plan to add 10,000 new beds during the next 10 years, an exciting $2 billion-plus initiative envisioned by the UF Board of Trustees,” UF Board of Trustees Chair Mori Hosseini said. “This project is critical to providing only the best facilities for our student body and keeping UF competitive in our ongoing push to attract and retain the best and brightest.”
John Harris, executive vice president of Balfour Beatty U.S. Buildings operations in Florida, noted that the company’s integrated developer and design-builder approach allows the project team to align construction schedules and budgets with the university’s operational needs throughout the multiyear development.
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