LAKELAND, Fla. (March 19, 2015) – The Board of Governors of the State University System of Florida has approved Florida Polytechnic University’s 2016 Housing Plan. The University will enter into a lease and operating agreement with Jacksonville-based Vestcor Communities, Inc. to build and operate a new 543-bed student housing facility on campus.
This will be Florida Poly’s second on-campus residence hall.
Located near the first residence hall, the new 131,000-square-foot, five-story dormitory will include amenities such as an outdoor pool and volleyball courts. Florida Poly expects the project will be completed in July 2016.
“We’re pleased to offer students another great on-campus option, designed to meet the demands of our growing University,” said Florida Poly President Dr. Randy K. Avent. “I’m grateful to the Board of Governors for their guidance and support during this process.”
Florida Poly’s first residence hall opened for students this fall. It is also owned and operated by Vestcor. Both the existing residence hall and the new facility are structured as public-private partnerships in which Vestcor bears all responsibility and risk associated with financing, designing, building, furnishing, operating and maintaining the facilities.
“All of our student housing options are designed with the modern student in mind,” said Dr. Steve Warner, Director of Student Affairs. “We want to make certain that our students are safe, comfortable and have the amenities they need to study, socialize and enjoy the University experience.”
Florida Poly’s existing residence hall will accommodate more than 400 students beginning fall 2015. The University is also exploring interim off-campus housing solutions to serve additional students until the new residence hall is complete.
Florida Poly officials anticipate that by 2016, the University will have more than 750 on-campus beds.