University of Tampa to break ground on major on-campus redevelopment
By Ashley Gurbal Kritzer
Tampa Bay Business Journal
Published: Apr 25, 2022

The University of Tampa is embarking on a major, on-campus redevelopment project that will make way for the school's largest building yet.

The university plans to demolish its old pool and aquatic center, East Walker Hall and the Robert A. Jaeb Computer Center, all of which are directly north of the Sykes College of Business. (A new Spartan swim team facility, the Benson Alex Riseman Pool House, opened in March at the Riseman Fitness and Recreation Center on campus.)

In its place, a 10-story multipurpose building will rise. Its 450,000 square feet will include space for the following:

Housing for more than 600 students, primarily freshman

40 faculty offices and five classrooms

Study rooms and a study lounge for veterans

Spaces for the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, the Institute for Sales Excellence and the International Programs Office

450 parking spaces

Construction is slated to begin in May and wrap up in 2024, the university said. DPR Construction is handling the demolition, according to city building documents.

The university is a significant driver of construction activity — both on- and off-campus. A St. Louis developer recently proposed a mixed-use project along West Kennedy Boulevard, not far from UT. In 2021, the university broke ground on a new six-story technology building on campus.