A downtown campus for a University of South Florida medical school cleared a hurdle Thursday with a unanimous approval from the Board of Governors.
School officials went before the board today with a detailed presentation to request another $57 million in funding for the project. The board granted $5 million towards the project last month but wanted additional information before granting additional funds.
The USF medical school and Heart Institute is slated to be built at the corner of Meridian Avenue and Channelside Drive, on land donated by Tampa Bay Lightning owner Jeff Vinik.
In October, USF and Vinik announced plans for the new medical school in downtown Tampa. The new 12-story campus is a key part of his $1 billion redevelopment plan for the Channelside area of downtown Tampa.
The City of Tampa and Community Redevelopment Agency have committed funding to restore the surrounding street grid and make needed infrastructure improvements to support the area’s redevelopment.
State lawmakers and Gov. Rick Scott will make the final decision on how much money USF will receive for the project.
Following today’s vote, Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn spoke about what the project could mean to a revamped downtown.
"This is a big, bold collaboration," Buckhorn said. "It takes imagination, public and private financial commitment, and tenacity to see a vision as dynamic as this through to fruition.
"In only a few years, USF teachers, researchers, and students will join thousands of residents and tens of thousands of office workers in downtown Tampa – walking to and from the office, enjoying dinner or drinks along the waterfront, walking along the Riverwalk, and so much more."