Jacksonville, Florida, December 20, 2025
The University of Florida has secured six properties in downtown Jacksonville, spanning over 25 acres, to establish a new graduate campus. This ambitious project aims to enhance educational opportunities in the region and is set to begin classes in the fall of 2026. The campus will include the former Interline Brands building, additional parcels for classrooms and housing, and historic sites, revitalizing the LaVilla neighborhood. The City of Jacksonville is investing $100 million into the development, projected to generate nearly 4,000 jobs by 2030.
Jacksonville, Florida
The University of Florida (UF) has finalized the acquisition of six downtown Jacksonville properties, totaling over 25 acres, to establish its new graduate campus in the LaVilla neighborhood. This development is set to commence classes in the fall of 2026, marking a significant expansion of UF’s presence in the region.
Details of the Acquisition
The properties acquired by UF include:
- Former Interline Brands Inc. Building at 801 W. Bay Street: A 2.85-acre site featuring a 39,000-square-foot office building and surface parking lot. This location will serve as the initial administrative, academic, and research facility for the new campus. Classes are expected to begin here in the fall of 2025, with at least two degree programs and a minimum of 50 students enrolled by December 2026.
- Adjacent Vacant Parcels: A 2.36-acre parcel (Site A) and a 1.22-acre parcel (Site B) will be developed into additional campus facilities, including classrooms, research labs, and student housing. Construction is planned to start within the next five to seven years.
- Historic Jacksonville Terminal Train Station and Convention Center: UF has secured options to acquire these properties, with plans to integrate them into the campus to preserve the area’s historical significance.
Financial Commitments
The City of Jacksonville has committed to providing $100 million in funding for the campus development. This includes $50 million allocated for construction on Sites A and B, and an additional $50 million for campus improvements after the initial funding is utilized.
Economic Impact
The establishment of the UF graduate campus is projected to generate approximately 3,940 jobs in construction and operations by 2030. This includes 144 full- and part-time faculty instructors and support staff. The campus is expected to contribute $360 million to the regional gross domestic product and generate $80.6 million in local, state, and federal taxes.
Background Context
The decision to build the graduate campus in LaVilla follows a series of approvals and agreements between UF and the City of Jacksonville. The Jacksonville City Council unanimously approved an incentives deal with UF, providing $105 million in cash incentives and agreeing to donate over $28 million in real estate in the LaVilla neighborhood.
UF’s expansion into Jacksonville aims to enhance educational opportunities in the region, particularly in fields such as business administration, artificial intelligence in medicine, and computer science. The campus is also expected to house the Florida Semiconductor Institute, contributing to advancements in semiconductor research and development.
The project is anticipated to revitalize the LaVilla area, attracting students, faculty, and professionals, and stimulating economic growth through increased demand for housing, retail, and services in downtown Jacksonville.
Key Features of the UF Graduate Campus in Jacksonville
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Location | LaVilla neighborhood, downtown Jacksonville, Florida |
| Campus Size | Over 25 acres across six properties |
| Start of Classes | Fall 2025 at 801 W. Bay Street; full campus operational by fall 2026 |
| Financial Commitment | $100 million from the City of Jacksonville; additional funding from UF and private donors |
| Economic Impact | Approximately 3,940 jobs by 2030; $360 million contribution to regional GDP; $80.6 million in taxes |
| Academic Programs | Business administration, artificial intelligence in medicine, computer science, and semiconductor research |
| Community Impact | Revitalization of LaVilla neighborhood; increased demand for housing, retail, and services in downtown Jacksonville |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What properties has the University of Florida acquired for its new graduate campus in Jacksonville?
The University of Florida has acquired six downtown Jacksonville properties totaling over 25 acres, including the former Interline Brands Inc. building at 801 W. Bay Street, adjacent vacant parcels (Sites A and B), and options on the historic Jacksonville Terminal Train Station and Convention Center.
When is the UF graduate campus in Jacksonville expected to begin classes?
Classes at the UF graduate campus in Jacksonville are expected to begin in the fall of 2026, with initial classes starting in the fall of 2025 at the 801 W. Bay Street location.
What is the financial commitment from the City of Jacksonville for the UF graduate campus?
The City of Jacksonville has committed to providing $100 million in funding for the campus development, including $50 million for construction on Sites A and B, and an additional $50 million for campus improvements after the initial funding is utilized.
What is the projected economic impact of the UF graduate campus in Jacksonville?
The establishment of the UF graduate campus is projected to generate approximately 3,940 jobs in construction and operations by 2030, contribute $360 million to the regional gross domestic product, and generate $80.6 million in local, state, and federal taxes.
What programs will the UF graduate campus in Jacksonville offer?
The UF graduate campus in Jacksonville will offer programs in fields such as business administration, artificial intelligence in medicine, and computer science. It will also house the Florida Semiconductor Institute, contributing to advancements in semiconductor research and development.
How will the UF graduate campus impact the LaVilla neighborhood in Jacksonville?
The UF graduate campus is expected to revitalize the LaVilla area by attracting students, faculty, and professionals, stimulating economic growth through increased demand for housing, retail, and services in downtown Jacksonville.
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