Growthspotter: Full Sail University student housing to break ground this fall

GROWTHSPOTTER

By TYLER WILLIAMS

JULY 15, 2025 AT 11:45 AM

Maitland-based Nvision Development, in partnership with Full Sail University, plans to break ground later this year on the initial phase of a student housing project across the street from Full Sail’s campus in Winter Park.

Ian McCook, President of Nvision Development, confirmed that the developer has applied for all building permits and anticipates starting construction this fall on the project’s first phase, which will include 182 units with 580 beds, including 15 one-bedroom, 29 two-bedroom, 45 three-bedroom, and 93 four-bedroom units.

The five-story building will have a central courtyard with an outdoor pool and lounge space, along with a nearly 15,000-square-foot clubhouse. All of the retail space would be located at the southwestern corner of the building. The Orange County Board of County Commissioners voted to grant approval for the first phase development plan in May.

The first phase of the student housing is set to include a five-story building with 182 units and 580 beds. The planned retail space would be located at the front of the building. (Site plan from KPM Franklin)

Full Sail University owns the 13.14-acre property at 3209 University Blvd., but McCook confirmed that Nvision Development will manage the operation of the student housing community once it is complete.

Nvision Development and Full Sail plan to build another two future phases on the property, which is zoned PD with approvals for up to 2,400 beds. The university is still working out plans for future phases, but an initial application submitted to the county over a year ago indicated that phases two and three could incorporate communal courtyard spaces with activity lawns, pet parks, and lounge space. The initial phase will utilize the back of the property as surface-level parking for students, but structured parking would be necessary to accommodate the approved density in future phases.

A planned pedestrian bridge over University Boulevard will connect the student housing with the main campus.Charlan Brock Architects is the project architect, KPM Franklin is the civil engineer, and Forum Architecture & Interior Design will design the interiors. Landscape architect Foster Conant & Associates, environmental consultant Bio-Tech Consulting and geotechnical firm Terracon are also working on the project, while Bryan Richardson, Jesse King, and Austin McWilliams of First Capital Group brokered the partnership between Nvision Development and Full Sail University.

This wouldn’t be Nvision Development’s first student housing project. The developer previously built Vale East, a 176-unit, 456-bed student housing development 5 minutes from Valencia College’s east campus. The housing complex opened in 2021.

The 13.14-acre property across the street from Full Sail University is zoned for up to 2,400 student housing beds. (Orange County Property Appraiser)

Full Sail, which doesn’t currently have any on-campus student housing, offers in-person and online courses and awards bachelor’s and master’s degrees in audio, design, computer animation, and business administration.

The university owns about 200 acres between Forsyth Road and S. Senoran Boulevard, including a campus with four main buildings and some retail. One highlight includes the Full Sail University Orlando Health Fortress Esports Arena, an 11,200-square-foot esports facility with seating for up to 500 people.

Have a tip about Central Florida development? Contact me at (407)607-8160 or TyWilliams@GrowthSpotter.com. Follow GrowthSpotter on Facebook and LinkedIn.