Construction Resumes on the Hilltop
Now that health restrictions have been relaxed, construction on USF’s main campus is moving forward.
Lone Mountain Residence Hall
The new residence hall is now estimated to be finished in early February 2021 rather than in December 2020. The new hall, with room for 600 students, will house continuing students, primarily sophomores, said Torry Brouillard-Bruce, senior director of Student Housing.
The residential units will have kitchens, and the buildings will also include two classrooms, laundry facilities, bike parking, and underground parking for the university community. There will be four courtyards (a contemplation space, an art space, an active/play space, and a green space) as well as common spaces that can be used as game rooms, music rooms, and lounges. The name of the new residence hall is under review.
Lone Mountain Dining Hall
The dining hall, with sweeping views of the city, is now expected to be completed by early to mid-September, said J. J. Thorp of facilities management. The space, located in the area once occupied by Wolf & Kettle Cafe and the adjacent lawn, will feature a pizza oven and a coffee bar. The name of the dining hall is under review.
Harney Science Innovation Hive
Designed to support the new engineering program, the maker space called the Innovation Hive includes an “ideation space,” where students can gather and brainstorm on projects, as well as working spaces equipped with 3D printers, power tools, and other equipment.
The Innovation Hive, now expected to be completed in late September or early October, will also be available to all USF students, faculty, and staff.
Sobrato Center at War Memorial Gymnasium
The construction continues to add a premium seating level, a hall of fame, and a multipurpose space to the gymnasium. Completion is expected in late October instead of July, Thorp said.
Once finished, the Sobrato Center will be the home court for USF basketball and volleyball games. It will also provide space for large-scale gatherings, including the Silk Speaker Series.
USF Greenhouse
One USF construction project that can be marked complete is the new greenhouse, located in the garden west of the School of Education building at 2350 Turk Blvd. Its doors opened in January 2020, and students will benefit from a space four times larger than the previous greenhouse atop Harney Science Center.
The new greenhouse uses automated watering, a shade cloth to help stabilize temperatures inside, and LED bulbs that simulate 16 hours of daily sunshine.
