Florida Construction News staff writer
Construction is underway on a new six-story student housing complex at Florida Institute of Technology in Melbourne, with completion expected in time for the 2026 academic year.
A groundbreaking ceremony was held April 11 at the former Southgate Intramural Field.
“We come together (today) for the best reason: students,” said college president Nicklow addressed the crowd. “Motivated by the young people who will live in this impressive structure-to-be, we will ensure they also continue to receive a renowned Florida Tech education in between spending time in these cool rooms and spaces.”
The 212,000-square-foot facility will add 555 beds to the university’s housing supply — a 27 percent increase — and is being built on the Southgate intramural sports field, located at the northeast corner of Babcock Street and University Boulevard.
The university is partnering on the project with Servitas, a nationwide student housing developer that built the nine-story, 410-bed Bayview Student Living residence hall at Florida International University.
Site preparation began earlier this year, and full construction activities are now underway. University officials have not yet released a specific opening date, but the project is expected to span multiple phases through late 2025 or early 2026.
The residence hall will feature four-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment-style units with full kitchens. Amenities will include study and lounge spaces, a multipurpose room, classroom area, e-bike parking and two outdoor courtyards designed for dining and recreation.
A pedestrian crossover may also be constructed to connect the second floor of the building across Babcock Street, pending approval from the Florida Department of Transportation.
Florida Tech’s Melbourne campus had 4,727 enrolled students this fall but only 2,034 available beds. The university welcomed its largest incoming undergraduate class ever this semester, with 1,201 students.
The project replaces the Southgate field, a recreational greenspace previously used for intramural sports and other student activities. A mural by artist Christopher Maslow featuring a panther currently overlooks the field.
Ahead of construction, Florida Tech completed a $2.8 million upgrade in summer 2023, installing synthetic turf at Rick Stottler Field and the Catanese Varsity Training Center. Lighting from Southgate will be relocated to the unlit practice field, allowing extended evening use for club and intramural sports.
