A major new student housing development is moving forward near the University of Tampa, adding more than 500 beds to Tampa’s rapidly evolving urban core

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Verdex Construction has begun vertical construction on Coral Walk, a new student housing community located at 1000 W. Fig St. in Tampa. The project is planned to include 249 residential units and 533 student beds across three six-story residential buildings.

The development will also feature a six-story precast parking garage along with additional residential amenities. Site work began in May, with construction now moving into the vertical phase.

Developing a Challenging Infill Site

One of the most notable aspects of Coral Walk is the configuration of the property itself.

The development is being constructed on a long, narrow infill site measuring approximately 80 feet wide and 1,800 feet long, demonstrating how developers are finding creative ways to utilize increasingly scarce land near downtown Tampa and the University of Tampa.

The project also highlights continued investment in purpose-built student housing surrounding the university.

Another nearby community, Apella on Newport, contains 576 beds and was approximately 96% leased for the 2026-27 school year when it was listed for sale in September. The property sits less than half a mile from campus.

More Student Housing Is Coming

Coral Walk isn’t the only major housing project underway around the University of Tampa.

The university is also planning an 11-story, 833-bed residence hall at South Boulevard and Cleveland Street. Scheduled to open in fall 2028, the project is being developed through a partnership with RISE and is intended primarily for first- and second-year students.

Combined, Coral Walk and the university’s new residence hall are expected to introduce 1,366 additional student beds near campus.

The development activity reflects a broader shift taking place around the University of Tampa as student population growth, downtown development and limited urban land continue to drive demand for higher-density residential projects.

For commercial real estate investors and developers, the area surrounding the university remains one of Tampa’s more active infill development corridors, with student housing bringing additional residents and potential demand for restaurants, retail and service-oriented businesses.

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