Five Major Developers Compete for St. Thomas Campus

St. Thomas University is advancing a competitive selection process with five national development teams vying to transform its Miami Gardens campus through a long-term public-private partnership.

The university received statements of qualifications from all five anticipated teams by the September 11 deadline, prompting officials to extend their review period through mid to late October. The groups competing for the opportunity include Michaels Student Living partnered with Republic Properties, Landmark Properties alongside Pinnacle Development Group and BKV Group, Sonnenblick Development, 13th Floor Investments teaming with Adler Properties and ANF Group, and The Steinbridge Group joined by Silverstein Properties.

Craig Henderson, senior vice president for strategy and chief of staff at St. Thomas, said the university plans to complete this phase of evaluation by the end of October. Proposer interviews are scheduled for early November if conducted, with a selection committee shortlisting meeting targeted for mid-November and the formal request for proposals expected in late November.

Robert Alfert Jr., a partner at Nelson Mullins advising the university, expressed enthusiasm about the caliber of respondents. The multidisciplinary teams submitted more comprehensive proposals than anticipated, addressing various real estate assets within the university's development goals. This robust response requires additional time for thorough evaluation, according to Alfert.

Developers advancing to the RFP stage will need to provide detailed development plans, financial and deal terms, schedules, potential schematics and legal frameworks. The subsequent phase could extend another six months after the RFP is issued, though the timeline remains flexible depending on proposal complexity.

The development opportunity encompasses up to 28 acres of the campus, with student housing identified as a critical need. Henderson noted that residence halls reached essentially full capacity this semester, indicating strong likelihood for expanded housing in the future.

The selection process has continued uninterrupted despite a leadership transition at the university. David Armstrong resigned as president on September 8, just three days before the qualifications deadline. However, university officials confirm the development initiative remains on track, with established themes and guidance continuing to drive the process independently of any individual administrator.

University leaders are reviewing submissions with input from academic units, the College of Law and other stakeholders. The collaborative evaluation approach reflects the project's significance for the institution's long-term growth and ability to serve students in one of South Florida's growing educational corridors.

The competitive interest from nationally recognized developers signals confidence in both the university's vision and the broader Miami Gardens market, where strategic campus development can meet rising demand for quality student housing and educational facilities.