University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee Campus

The university was undergoing a master plan to expand and support its student body. The USF Sarasota-Manatee campus previously consisted of commuter students. The site was primarily a mall-like empty space located in a heavily commercial area near the Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport, and the bustling US Highway 41.

The new Student Center consists of sustainable precast construction. The first and second floors are connected through a monumental stair and connect the mixed-use occupancy spaces with dining, student lounge, assembly rooms, gaming rooms, and university bookstore all with a matching contemporary design palette. Concrete barrel tile and porcelain are utilized throughout the facility. The interiors house acoustical slat walls with custom wall coverings. Floors three through five consist of residential spaces containing over 200 beds, promoting a residential campus environment. The sixth floor houses a community kitchen and multipurpose room offering generous views over Sarasota Bay and Gulf. The rooftop is occupiable with a patio/terrace. An elevated power system presides over the roof.

This project is seeking LEED Silver certification with energy savings equipment, daylighting, sustainable landscapes and irrigation, low VOC materials and paints, precast, and sandwich panels for a high-efficiency envelope. This project will be completed in Summer 2024.