It is expected to be completed by the fall of 2028 or spring of 2029.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Features include 25 teaching and 23 research laboratories, three microscopy rooms, four aquarium research laboratories, a bioinformatics and computational sciences classroom, two tissue culture laboratories and 73 faculty offices.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cSciences and healthcare are two of the most important areas for growth in this region and, frankly, in the nation,\u201d UTampa College of Natural and Health Sciences dean Paul Greenwood told the Catalyst. \u201cEspecially for the bench sciences, biology and chemistry, we haven\u2019t made a structural investment for quite a number of years.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
He explained that the two departments are spread across multiple buildings on the campus. This is \u201cjust not a formula for success.\u201d It has resulted in students working in more isolated locations.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Creating \u201cone large, well-equipped building that\u2019s really designed around the students and the student learning experience,\u201d Greenwood said, \u201cis something that I\u2019ve been working on for the nine years I\u2019ve been here.\u201d<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/sciencecenter5.jpeg\")
<\/p>\n
A rendering of a laboratory in the new Dickey Science Innovation Center. Image: University of Tampa\/HDR Architects.<\/p>\n
UTampa staff and the landscape architects for the project have even collaborated on the facility\u2019s outdoor spaces. They are developing areas that support botanical research and the overall academic curriculum experience.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The center will also encourage more interactions between faculty and students. He explained that the building will allow them to \u201ccollide intellectually.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Greenwood added that the design of the facility is unique in comparison to other structures on the property. The side of the building that faces the inside of the campus will feature red brick, which is a traditional UTampa architectural element. The side that faces the Hillsborough River will incorporate glass. \u201cIt really welcomes that interaction between the Tampa Bay community and the university,\u201d he said.\u00a0<\/p>\n
UTampa leaders began to have conversations with HDR Architects about the project more than three years ago, Greenwood explained. While a groundbreaking was held this week, site preparation has been in the works for several months.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The construction will be supported by a gift from the Dr. Stephen F. and Marsha Dickey family. Dr. Dickey, a trustee emeritus of the UTampa board of trustees, founded the Tampa-based Doctor\u2019s Walk-In Clinic.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cThe design reflects an understanding that science, technology and how we teach and learn will continue to evolve,\u201d he said in a prepared statement. \u201cThis facility will strengthen the University of Tampa\u2019s ability to attract high-quality students and faculty and will benefit the entire University community.\u201d<\/p>\n
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