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Destination Downtown

At UCF’s new downtown Orlando campus, thousands of students will tap into the heart of the City Beautiful.

by Eric Michael ’96

Big things are happening in downtown Orlando. The city center is home to a burgeoning tech industry, global business enterprise, the Orange County legal community, a vibrant arts scene and a growing group of entrepreneurs. And with the opening of UCF Downtown in 2018, it will be the home to thousands of students taking advantage of unprecedented access to industry experts, internship and education opportunities, cultural stimulation and the energy of a thriving urban environment.

Design Priorities

  1. Building a Destination

    UCF Downtown will be a destination for students, visitors and the residents of downtown Orlando and will feature a central plaza and pavilion for events and gatherings.

  2. Opening Gateways

    The new campus will engage three distinct communities: downtown Orlando, the Creative Village and the Parramore Heritage Community. These borders will become distinct pedestrian gateways linking the current urban fabric into UCF Downtown and creating a borderless campus.

  3. Celebrating the Urban Environment

    UCF Downtown will create a unique environment that is simultaneously in the city and of the city — one that is designed with walkability and accessibility in mind.

  4. Maximizing Space

    The urban campus will layer public spaces vertically to maximize the outdoor spaces available on the compact site and add to the dynamic landscape.

Rendering of downtown UCF campus
Rendering of downtown UCF building
Campus Life: Located at the intersection of Livingston Street and Terry Avenue, the campus center and public urban plaza will include housing, a one-stop shop for student services, a café and study spaces.

Academic Programs

The academic environment of UCF Downtown puts education on display. By breaking traditional barriers, selected programs will combine the innovation and rigor of a UCF education with the opportunities and accessibility of downtown Orlando.

Digital Entertainment and Communication

Health Care Technology and Administration

Public Service and Other Programs

“Twenty-four years ago, I became UCF’s president. In all the years since, few moments have been as important as today. Today, we can plant a seed in downtown Orlando that will benefit our students, community and state for decades to come.”
UCF President John C. Hitt

To the Board of Governors on March 2, 2016

Thad Seymour Jr., vice provost of UCF Downtown

Leading the Charge

UCF has named Thad Seymour Jr. the vice provost for UCF Downtown. Seymour, who previously led strategic planning and business development for Lake Nona Medical City and recently served as the senior advisor for UCF’s strategic planning process, will manage the project.

Illustration by Konstantin Datz

Map of downtown Orlando, highlighting UCF Downtown and proximity to surrounding areas

Numbers

7,700
Total students (5,400 UCF, 2,300 Valencia College)
1,800
Degrees awarded annually
14
Academic programs
1,000+
Internships available each year at downtown Orlando-based government agencies
100+
Local businesses that have pledged support to UCF Downtown

Partners

  • $3M Dr. Phillips Charities
  • $3M Orange County Government
  • $2M Valencia College
  • $1.5M Orlando Magic
  • $1.5M CFE Federal Credit Union
  • $1.5M Florida Hospital
  • $1M UCF Leadership and Boards
  • $1M Creative Village Development
  • $1M BB&T Corporation
  • $500K Alan Ginsburg
  • $300K Orlando City Soccer Club
  • $250K CNL Financial Group
  • $150K Universal Foundation and Universal Orlando Resort
  • $100K Dr. Bruce Douglas
  • $100K Coca-Cola