Saint Leo University's Main Campus In Pasco County Adds Living Spaces, Parking

Saint Leo University aims to do one thing: Expand your mind while expanding its campus.

As the university continues to make substantial investments to its main campus in Pasco County at 33701 State Road 52, two new apartment-style residence halls and an underground parking garage will be added.

“The university continues to grow and meet the ever-changing needs of our students,” says Ken Posner, V.P. of Student Services at Saint Leo.

As one of the largest Catholic universities in the United States, Saint Leo's total enrollment exceeded 15,500 for the 2010-2011 academic school year. Keeping up with its high volume of students, the university will spend approximately $19 million on the two new residence halls.

University administrators broke ground on the apartment-style residential living spaces in April with completion slated for August 2012. Upon completion, the two new halls will be able to accommodate 300 students, totaling enough living space for about 1,600 students at the lakeside campus.

“These new residence halls will enable students to collaborate with others in living-learning environments that complement their academic pursuits while relaxing and socializing in elaborately designed common spaces,” says Posner. “The addition of our two new residence halls and of a conveniently located parking garage demonstrates our commitment to learning by providing state-of-the-art facilities for student and community engagement.”

Calling on Lunz Prebor Fowler Architects of Lakeland and Creative Contractors Inc. of Clearwater for both of the construction projects, the addition of the new 550-space parking garage will cost Saint Leo approximately $10.5 million; an intramural field constructed on its roof with expected completion within the next year.

“The institution has been strategic in designing a campus learning environment that works,” says Posner.

For more information on Saint Leo University's current construction, visit the official website. To view a live feed of the on-site construction of the new residence halls, click here.

Writer: Alexis Quinn Chamberlain
Source: Ken Posner, Saint Leo University