University of Tampa Breaks Ground on $153M Science Center

The University of Tampa began work Wednesday on a 153,000-square-foot science building. It's the biggest investment in the school's 94-year history. The Dickey Science Innovation Center will pull biology, chemistry, and biochemistry departments into one spot near the Hillsborough River.

The five-story structure will contain 25 teaching labs and 23 research labs, three microscopy rooms, four aquarium research labs, a bioinformatics and computational sciences classroom, two tissue labs, and 73 faculty offices. Forensic science and marine science programs will operate from there too.

According to the Catalyst, Paul Greenwood, dean of the College of Natural and Health Sciences, said that the departments are scattered across multiple buildings on campus. "Sciences and healthcare are two of the most important areas for growth in this region and, frankly, in the nation," Greenwood said.

He described how students currently work in separated locations because of this arrangement. "Especially for the bench sciences, biology and chemistry, we haven't made a structural investment for quite a number of years," Greenwood said.

A gift from the Dr. Stephen F. and Marsha Dickey family will support construction. Dr. Dickey, a trustee emeritus of the board of trustees, founded the Tampa-based Doctor's Walk-In Clinic.

"The design reflects an understanding that science, technology, and how we teach and learn will continue to evolve," he said in a prepared statement. "This facility will strengthen the University of Tampa's ability to attract high-quality students and faculty and will benefit the entire University community."

The building will sit 17 feet above the river to guard against flooding. Scott Gossen, the associate vice president of design and construction facilities, said the height was needed after hurricanes hit in 2024.

The side facing campus will show red brick, while the river-facing side will have glass. Staff and architects are creating outdoor spaces that support botanical research and the academic curriculum.

The facility should be done by fall 2028 or spring 2029. Site prep has been going on for several months.