The University of Florida has selected Edgemoor Infrastructure & Real Estate as the preferred developer for the initial phase of its new graduate campus in Jacksonville. This $287.5 million project marks a significant stride in establishing a dynamic, innovation-focused hub in downtown Jacksonville, aiming to bolster Florida’s workforce and drive economic growth.
Key Takeaways
- Edgemoor Infrastructure & Real Estate chosen as preferred developer for UF’s Jacksonville graduate campus.
- The initial phase of construction is valued at $287.5 million.
- The new campus will be located in the historic LaVilla neighborhood.
- UF aims to strengthen Florida’s workforce and fuel economic growth with this initiative.
A Transformational Partnership
The selection of Edgemoor, a national development firm, followed a competitive process that attracted significant interest from development teams across the country. Edgemoor’s team includes a robust mix of national and local partners, such as Clark Construction, Auld & White Constructors, OJB Landscape Architecture, HOK, PQH Group Design, and England-Thims Miller, among others.
Mori Hosseini, chair of the UF Board of Trustees, expressed confidence in Edgemoor’s extensive experience with higher education projects, stating, "The initial UF projects are dynamic and interdisciplinary, and this required engaging a partnership team that will challenge convention and drive decision-making across the university."
Anchoring Innovation in LaVilla
The first new building will serve as the anchor for the campus in Jacksonville’s historic LaVilla neighborhood. The University of Florida is developing a state-of-the-art graduate campus designed to enhance the state’s workforce and stimulate economic development. The city of Jacksonville has pledged substantial support, including over 20 acres of land and tens of millions of dollars for construction.
Donald W. Landry, UF interim president, highlighted the significance of this selection: "Selecting a preferred developer is a critical step as we move from planning to execution. We are excited to work with Edgemoor to deliver a facility that reflects UF’s excellence and meets the needs of students, faculty and industry partners."
Future Vision for UF Jacksonville
UF’s Jacksonville campus is slated to begin offering initial programs in existing facilities in 2026, with new construction to follow as the campus expands. The overarching vision encompasses advanced graduate programs in critical fields such as business, healthcare, and emerging technologies. This initiative is poised to establish Jacksonville as a key center for innovation and talent development, thereby enhancing professional opportunities both locally and across the state of Florida.