USFSP Multi-Purpose Student Center St. Petersburg, FL

Client: University of South Florida St. Petersburg

Location: USF St. Petersburg, St. Petersburg, FL

Site: A parcel occupied by a storm water retention pond, outdoor recreational facilities, undeveloped grassy areas, and a parking lot. The site is centrally located within the University campus. It is bordered by 6th Avenue to the north, 3rd Street to the west, Harborwalk to the east, and academic buildings to the south.

Program challenge: To create a combination student union/residence hall that would serve as a central meeting and event space for students and faculty and at minimum achieve LEED silver certification.

Solution: Rowe Architects designed a project that provides the generous residential, gathering, and food service spaces requested by the client, and also reorders the exterior site elements to unify the campus and create meaningful spaces. The design creates a physical unity on campus that was previously lacking and will help ease the University’s transition from a commuter campus to one with a strong residential student presence.

Located at the "front door" to the University, and featuring a prominent two-story atrium where 6th Avenue meets Harborwalk, the student center will serve as a memorable landmark for the campus. The site also has close proximity to existing walkways, academic buildings, and the central parking facility, making it a natural meeting place. Rowe Architects maximized the site’s capacity for gathering by relocating an existing, dry retention pond to a more appropriate location within the site. The retention pond, redesigned as a water feature with fountains and sundecks, is adjacent to the new activities and events lawn. The green space is large enough to host outdoor concerts and events and features additional amenities, including upgraded play courts and a covered patio, increasing opportunities for gathering.
Inside the 83,000 square foot facility, the program includes exhibit spaces, offices, as well as study, social, and support spaces. The atrium was designed with the dual purpose of orientating inhabitants to their surroundings and serving as a special events location. The formal second floor ballrooms, pre-function space, and support spaces are situated to take advantage of the campus’s waterfront location and scenic views of downtown St. Petersburg. A 3,800 square foot food court, 4,000 square foot commercial kitchen, and various sized meeting rooms, study/lounge spaces and support spaces round out the remainder of the building’s public program.

On the northern end of the building a six-story housing bar is occupied by 98 private dual-occupancy residential units. The bar runs east/west to minimize harsh solar exposure and features limited glazing and sun shades on the south side for further limiting solar heat gain. On the north side of the building, a glazed curtain wall affords each room ample natural light and a view of the city. Finishing touches, like polished concrete floors, echo the aesthetics of a modern urban loft more than those of a traditional dorm room.

The truely multi-purpose University Student Center provides a unique environment for students to live, study, socialize, and meet, providing a backdrop that will enhance their overall college experience.