KEY POINTS
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The University of Tampa is building a 153,000-square-foot Science Center, its largest academic investment ever, to centralize and enhance science education and research.
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The facility will include 48 modern teaching and research labs to support disciplines such as chemistry, biology, immunology, and genetics.
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The Science Center aims to expand opportunities for students and faculty while solidifying UTampa’s long-term impact in the sciences.
University of Tampa to Break Ground on Modern Science Center
The University of Tampa (UTampa) is preparing to launch its most ambitious academic facility project yet, with plans to build a cutting-edge Science Center designed to transform science education and research.
Announced in a January 26, 2026, release, the five-story, 153,000-square-foot facility will become the central hub for the College of Natural and Health Sciences, uniting teaching and research spaces currently scattered across the downtown Tampa campus. 
A rendering of the University of Tampa Science Center, slated to begin construction in 2026. Image: University of Tampa
Located along the Hillsborough River, the Science Center will feature modern teaching and research laboratories designed to foster collaboration, interdisciplinary learning, and innovation.
The building will house the departments of biology, chemistry, and biochemistry, as well as programs in forensic science, marine science, and other in-demand fields such as healthcare and biotechnology.
“This Science Center is a transformative, forward-facing facility that represents a major step forward for UTampa’s science programs and for the University as a whole,” said Mike Stephenson, UTampa provost and chief academic officer.
“It will enhance our ability to attract talented students and faculty and provide a collaborative environment where teaching and research can thrive.”
Building Features and Design
The Science Center’s modular and adaptable design will support evolving scientific research and teaching needs.
Key features include:
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25 teaching laboratories and 23 research laboratories for disciplines such as genetics, marine biology, microbiology, and forensic science
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Specialized spaces, including three microscopy rooms, four aquarium research labs, and two tissue culture labs
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A bioinformatics and computational sciences classroom
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An advanced instrumentation lab and a general-use classroom convertible to a 20-station instructional lab
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73 faculty offices
Construction manager Barr and Barr noted on its website that the Science Center’s mechanical infrastructure will feature chilled water supplied by a campus-wide energy plant, an enthalpy recovery wheel, gas-fired condensing hydronic boilers, plate and frame heat exchangers, and heat recovery chillers.
Electrical power will be supported by a 2,500KVA transformer, a 4,000-AMP normal switchboard, a 1,250 KW natural gas generator, and a 2,500-AMP emergency switchboard.
Architecturally, the building will blend UTampa’s historic and modern campus aesthetics, officials said. The west-facing side will feature red brick to complement Plant Hall, while the east-facing side will incorporate glass and contemporary angles to maximize views of the river and downtown Tampa.
Three distinct outdoor spaces are included in the design, including the Riverside Garden, Northeast Quadrangle, and the Entrance Plaza, which will provide gathering and relaxation areas.
The project, designed by HDR Architects and built by Barr and Barr, will also pursue U.S. Green Building Council LEED certification, incorporating sustainable and accessible design elements.
A panel of interior images rendering the University of Tampa Science Center, slated to begin construction in 2026. Image: University of Tampa
Largest Facility Investment in 94-Year UTampa History
The Science Center represents the largest academic facility investment in UTampa’s 94-year history. Construction is supported in part by a significant gift from the family of Dr. Stephen F. and Marsha Dickey, longtime supporters of the University.
Dr. Dickey, a trustee emeritus of the UTampa Board of Trustees and founder of Tampa-based Doctor’s Walk-In Clinic, emphasized the project’s adaptability and long-term vision.
“The design reflects an understanding that science, technology, and how we teach and learn will continue to evolve,” Dr. Dickey said. “This facility will strengthen the University of Tampa’s ability to attract high-quality students and faculty and will benefit the entire University community.”
UTampa President Teresa Abi-Nader Dahlberg echoed this sentiment, describing the Science Center as a defining investment in the University’s academic future. “This Science Center will expand opportunities for our students and faculty and strengthen the University’s impact in the sciences for generations to come,” she said.
What’s Next
A groundbreaking ceremony is planned for the spring semester, with construction set to begin shortly thereafter. The Science Center is scheduled to open in Spring 2029, marking a new era for science education at the University of Tampa.
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