The University of South Florida sought to update and expand its student housing inventory in response to unmet demand resulting from enrollment growth, deferred maintenance issues, and the misalignment of current facilities with strategic objectives.

The university also looked to bolster its retail, recreation, and dining options as part of a vibrant residential village. As advisor to the university, Brailsford & Dunlavey first defined the project through an analysis of market demand, the off-campus market, the system’s financial position, site options, and P3 options. B&D navigated USF leadership through the range of risk transfer opportunities, a process that positioned the school to select an equity model that maximizes its financial return while deferring delivery, operating, and budget risk to the private partners.

With the structure determined, B&D assisted USF in developing the public solicitation process for prospective partners and continued serving during the negotiations and approvals phases. The Village project was delivered in two phases that accommodate future enrollment growth at the university: phase one opened in Fall 2017, and phase two opened in Fall 2018.