The University of South Florida has unveiled renderings of its USF Health Morsani College of Medicine and Heart Institute that will be built in downtown Tampa.

  • A peek at the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine and Heart Institute
  • Skanska/HOK designing and constructing building
  • Building is the centerpiece of massive $3 billion Channelside redevelopment
  • Previous stories on the USF Medical school

The renderings offer an early look at USF’s newest state-of-the-art facility, which will combine under one roof a medical school to teach the next generation of physicians, and a cardiovascular research institute to pioneer new discoveries for heart health. 

The $152.6-million building features angles and facets offering unique viewpoints from within and ample windows to allow reflective light into work and learning spaces.  

The building will be located at the corner of South Meridian Avenue and Channelside Drive and will house about 2,275 faculty, staff and students when it opens in late 2019. The building will include learning and conference spaces, an auditorium, laboratories, faculty offices and a clinical research and care unit.  

The building is the centerpiece of the massive $3 billion Channelside redevelopment effort in downtown Tampa led by Tampa Bay Lightning owner Jeff Vinik. 

"These early renderings are another powerful sign of how significant the University of South Florida’s growing presence in downtown Tampa is today," said USF System President Judy Genshaft. "Co-locating our medical school and heart institute in the vibrant urban area of Tampa will attract more top-tier students and cardiovascular researchers, and energize our intent to bring more biotechnology, biomedical and pharmaceutical firms to this region. 

"We are excited about seeing the construction of this fantastic facility over the next two years, as well as its lasting impact on the Tampa Bay economy." 

The redevelopment will cover 53 acres on the southern edge of downtown, changing the area to what is being described as a multi-use, urban waterfront district that will promote a walkable, sustainable, healthy environment for downtown Tampa residents, workers, students and visitors.

"The University of South Florida’s Morsani College of Medicine and Heart Institute will be an anchor for SPP’s project and for the larger downtown community," said Vinik. "The school’s impact will extend beyond its physical presence and be felt throughout the urban core, bringing energy to the area with its students, researchers, and professors.

"I am delighted that USF is one step closer to seeing this project come to fruition."

Construction on the project is expected to begin August 2017, with building completion expected by late 2019.

The medical school and heart institute will be built with a combination of state and private funding.