USF breaks ground for new research park building

With helmets and shovels in hand, the new Innovation building will soon break ground at the USF Research Park.

The 120,000-square-foot building will be located at the northeast corner of Spectrum Boulevard and Fowler Avenue. It will be the first new building in USF’s research park since 2005.

“Construction is scheduled to begin later this spring after some initial groundwork is complete,” USF spokesperson Adam Freeman wrote in an email to The Oracle. The building is scheduled to open in fall 2021.

About 100 people gathered for the groundbreaking ceremony Tuesday at the building’s site. Former USF President Judy Genshaft, USF President Steven Currall and Board of Trustees Chairman Jordan Zimmerman were among the guests.

The new facility will feature laboratory, office and meeting spaces for both established and start-up companies. In addition, the building will also have retail and dining options.