Florida Construction News staff writer
Balfour Beatty has partnered with the University of Florida to deliver the first phase of a long-term student housing redevelopment program that will add thousands of new beds to the Gainesville campus.
The project will redevelop the existing Trusler, Simpson and Graham Hall sites into modern residential communities as part of the university’s 10-year Housing & Residence Life capital plan.
Balfour Beatty Campus Solutions will serve as developer of the new student housing campus, while Balfour Beatty’s U.S. Buildings operations will lead design-build delivery through a 65:35 joint venture with Stellar Group. The project team also includes architecture firms Clark Nexsen and Walker Architects, with Rieth Jones Advisors serving as an adviser to the university.
The multi-phase development will include four residential buildings totaling more than 680,000 square feet and providing 2,217 student beds.
The new communities will feature a range of amenities and support spaces, including a café and Amazon Market, a package distribution center, multipurpose event space, study and collaboration areas, social gathering spaces, floor-level laundry rooms and shared kitchens.
The project also includes an approximately 18,000-square-foot Disability Resource Center that will centralize accessibility support services for more than 8,000 University of Florida students.
“This development represents an exciting opportunity to partner with the University of Florida in delivering a transformational residential experience for students,” Jeffrey Tate, vice president of Balfour Beatty Campus Solutions, said in a statement. “The project reflects a shared commitment to creating modern, vibrant living-learning environments that support student success and strengthen the campus community for years to come.”
John Harris, executive vice president of Balfour Beatty U.S. Buildings operations in Florida, said the company’s integrated developer and design-builder approach allows the team to address project goals related to schedule, budget and campus needs.
“This project reflects our ability to work collaboratively from the outset to deliver modern, high-quality living environments that support the university’s vision for the student experience,” Harris said.
The project represents the first phase of the university’s plan to add 10,000 new student housing beds over the next decade, an 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,” 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.”
Construction is underway, with two residential buildings scheduled for completion in fall 2028. The remaining two buildings are expected to open in late fall 2028.
