Tampa, Florida
The University of Tampa opened its largest and newest building, Grand Center, in October 2024. Dedicated to holistic student development, this 10-story building is home to a residence hall and to many student resources that were intentionally included in the design to develop a sense of belonging and well-being within the student community.
The residential portion of Grand Center is located on the top five floors of the building and offers almost 700 beds in double and triple apartment-style layouts. Students have access to many areas throughout the residential portion of the building depending on their needs. There are private study areas but also communal lounges and kitchen areas for larger groups to socialize in. And connecting all of this is their residential curriculum, called Spartan Ready, which is made up of three competencies: life skills, interpersonal abilities, and equity and inclusion.
Rounding out the welcoming and supportive options for students are the student veterans’ lounge and a courtyard named Sky Park. The lounge gives veteran students space to connect and to access resources tailored to them. The courtyard offers students green space and a place to relax and connect with nature. There is also a Starbucks if they want to grab coffee and snacks and hang out in one of these comfortable spaces.
Grand Center caters to academic space as well. It has five classrooms and 64 offices for faculty and staff, as well as the Southard Institute for Sales Excellence and offices for International Programs and for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.
Featured artwork from local artists such as Unmarid “Tony” Eitherong placed throughout the building adds the finishing touch to Grand Center. Their work was specifically chosen because it reinforces the qualities that Tampa wants to instill in its student body: resilience, community, and creativity.
“My favorite aspects of Grand Center include the vibrant artwork, all commissioned from local artists, which brings the space to life,” says Sarah Hart, director of residence life. “I also appreciate the numerous gathering areas throughout the building, especially the standout Sky Park. Designed with community building at its core, the space provides ample opportunities for students to connect and interact.”
Staff and students also find it convenient to drive or bike to Grand Center. There are 441 parking spaces in the parking garage along with 22 charging stations for electric cars. Cyclists can utilize a bike storage facility that offers a repair shop along with a shower and changing room for those who bike to campus regularly.
Tampa is also committed to sustainability and put Grand Center on the path towards LEED certification with energy efficient lighting structures, water-saving plumbing structures, and solar-reflective paving and roofing materials. — Camille Perlman