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University of Florida outlines plan for downtown Jacksonville campus around Prime Osborn Convention Center
Summary
UF told committee it selected LaVilla near the Prime Osborn Convention Center for a downtown campus. Initial programming could begin as early as fall 2025 in an existing building while design of a flagship building would start after closing on city parcels; the city and DIA expect to file a redevelopment agreement in May.
University of Florida representatives and the Downtown Investment Authority (DIA) described an emerging plan to locate a UF downtown campus in LaVilla around the Prime Osborn Convention Center.
Kirk Dudas, representing the University of Florida, said the UF Board of Trustees selected the site and directed the president and board chair to negotiate with the city. UF aims to begin initial programming in an existing building as early as August 2025, start an important business program in January 2026, and launch additional programs in fall 2026 including engineering, AI, and health sciences. UF is coordinating potential programming with the new Florida Semiconductor Institute.
Laurie Boyer, CEO of the Downtown Investment Authority, said the city expects to file a redevelopment agreement and related disposition resolutions in May so council can consider the package prior to budget decisions. The plan anticipates four dispositions to UF: vacant parcels (A and B) where new construction would occur, an improved parcel at 801 West Bay for near-term classes and research space, a portion of the convention center parcel (subject to conditions) and an option for the historic train station. Boyer said the Convention Center parcel could not be taken down until at least five years after closing on A and B, and any exercise of an option to change use would require two years’ notice; the train station parcel would be constrained by its historic designation and by public-access requirements.
City staff and UF representatives said the first closing is targeted between July and December of 2025 and that design on a new flagship building could start within six months of closing. Mike Weinstein, Chief of Staff, told the committee $50 million previously appropriated for UF has not been spent; additional funding terms would be embedded in the redevelopment agreement and presented to council in May.
Committee members asked about convention-center uses, rail accommodations, parcel ownership (801 West Bay is privately owned by an LLC affiliated with Gateway and the city is negotiating acquisition), and public-access guarantees for the train station. UF and DIA officials said they will present further details in rules and finance committee meetings scheduled later in the week.
