Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) has announced plans for its 11th academic building, a new institute focused on sustainability and resiliency to be located in Charlotte County. The project is being developed in partnership with Babcock Ranch, a community known for sustainable development and resilient design.
The university secured $21.7 million from the 2025-26 state budget to fund the first phase of the project. The total cost is estimated at $89.8 million, depending on final design decisions.
The planned facility will cover 125,000 square feet and builds upon a formal partnership agreement signed in 2023 between FGCU and Babcock Ranch. As part of this collaboration, Kitson & Partners—the developer behind Babcock Ranch—will donate land for the building and contribute $3 million toward related initiatives with FGCU.
“This investment underscores the strong partnership between FGCU and Babcock Ranch and our shared commitment to sustainability, education and meaningful community impact,” said FGCU President Aysegul Timur.
“By expanding access to higher education in rural and fast-growing areas, we are helping to shape a stronger, more resilient Southwest Florida while addressing challenges that resonate far beyond our region.”
Babcock Ranch was designed as the nation’s first solar-powered town. It already features K-12 charter schools within the Charlotte County school system.
“From our earliest plans, we envisioned a community where lifelong learning would be embedded into everyday life as evidenced by Babcock Schools,” said Syd Kitson, chairman and CEO of Kitson & Partners. “The arrival of a higher education institution like FGCU brings that vision full circle, offering world-class academic opportunities right here at Babcock Ranch and helping us fulfill our commitment to fostering a community built on knowledge, innovation and purpose.”
The new institute will provide undergraduate and graduate courses as well as micro-credential programs. It aims to expand dual enrollment options for local high school students, offer lifelong learning through FGCU Academy, support workforce development efforts, and host cultural programs.
Several colleges within FGCU will participate in research and educational activities at the facility:
– The Water School will focus on water and environmental research.
– Lutgert College of Business will advance agri-tech initiatives.
– Dendritic: A Human Centered AI and Data Sciences Institute within A. Whitaker College of Engineering will work on advanced technology projects.
– Marieb College of Health & Human Services’ Shady Rest Institute on Positive Aging will support aging populations.
– The College of Education will expand teacher training efforts in collaboration with Babcock Schools.
In addition to serving as an educational center, the building is expected to function as a hub for events centered around sustainability practices and resilient community planning. Organizers hope that successful ideas can be replicated elsewhere beyond Southwest Florida through public-private partnerships such as this one.
Both Syd Kitson and Aysegul Timur acknowledged support from Governor Ron DeSantis along with legislative leaders including Senate President Ben Albritton, Speaker Daniel Perez, and Representative Tiffany Esposito for their roles in securing funding for the project.
“We are incredibly grateful to Governor DeSantis and our legislative champions who recognized the importance of investing in higher education, cutting-edge technology and sustainable community development,” Timur said.
FGCU officials are currently evaluating design needs for Academic Building 11 at Babcock Ranch; further details about construction timelines are expected later.
