FullSale University is expected to break through the ground later this year based on its first student housing project across the street from the Winter Park campus.
Ian McCook, president of Maitland-based Nvision Development, confirmed that the developer has applied for all building permits and expects construction to begin this fall. The first phase is planned for 580 beds, but two additional already approved phases could ultimately exceed 2,000.
Full Sail is a private, for-profit organization specializing in the media and entertainment industry. It says there are over 20,000 students, but includes students taking online courses.
The planned five-storey building will feature an outdoor pool and lounge space, with nearly 15,000 square feet of clubhouse and retail space. It features 182 residential units, including 15 1 bedrooms, 29 2 bedrooms, 45 3 bedrooms and 93 4 bedroom units.
The Orange County County Commissioner has voted to grant approval for the first phase development plan in May.
Full Sail University owns 13.14 acres of property at 3209 University Blvd., but McCook has confirmed that once NVision Development is complete it will manage the operation of the student housing community.
NVISION Development and Full Sale Plan are plans to build two different future phases on the property. This is a zone PD with approval of up to 2,400 beds. The university is still planning for future phases, but the initial application submitted to the county over a year ago showed that 2 and 3 could incorporate communal courtyard spaces with activity lawns, pet parks and lounge spaces.
In the early stages, the rear of the facility will be used as a surface-level parking space for students, but structured parking is required to accommodate approved density in future phases.
A planned pedestrian bridge over the university’s Boulevard University will connect student housing with the main campus.
This is not Nvision Development’s first student housing project. The developer previously built Vale East, a 456-bed student housing development with 176 units, five to five, from Valencia College’s East Campus. The housing complex opened in 2021.
Currently, Full Sale, which does not have on-campus student housing, is awarding bachelor’s and master’s degrees in audio, design, computer animation, and business management.
Though the focus has been on sportscasting, video game design and esports offerings, I have recently encountered some financial difficulties. Earlier this year, the university confirmed it had fired 120 faculty and staff, accounting for around 5% of its workforce.
The university owns approximately 200 acres between Forsyth Road and S. Senoran Boulevard. It has a major campus with four main buildings and several retail stores. One of the highlights of the campus is FullSale University Orlando Health Fortress Esport Arena, an 11,200-square-foot eSports facility with seating for up to 500 people.
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