The University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee campus has announced plans to build a new STEM academic facility. The project aims to expand access to laboratory instruction in chemistry, biology, and physics for students across all USF campuses.
After the lease for lab space at Mote Marine Laboratory expired in May 2025, USF Sarasota-Manatee submitted a proposal to construct a new on-campus laboratory facility. President Rhea Law and Provost Prasant Mohapatra supported the initiative, which received unanimous approval from the USF Board of Trustees Finance Committee in August 2025.
The planned building will cover approximately 7,000 gross square feet and include modern laboratories, preparation areas, restrooms, utilities, site work, equipment, and furnishings. The total cost is projected at $6.5 million.
“This project represents a major step forward in our commitment to STEM education and student success,” said Interim Regional Chancellor Brett E. Kemker. “It will eliminate the need for off-campus lab leases, reduce travel burdens for students and faculty, and support the growth of programs such as nursing and other STEM disciplines.”
In Fiscal Year 2025, USF Sarasota-Manatee offered 39 sections of biology and chemistry courses to more than 460 students at Mote Marine Laboratory. For Fiscal Year 2026, temporary leased space at the Roskamp Institute will be used until the new facility is completed. Once open, the campus will no longer need off-campus lab spaces.
Construction is scheduled to begin within 12–18 months with an expected opening in Fall 2027.
The released rendering is conceptual; final design details may change before construction begins.
