Babcock Ranch And FGCU Partner For New Academic Building

BABCOCK RANCH, Fla. (Aug. 14, 2025) – Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) and Babcock Ranch announce the recently approved Florida state budget that includes $21.7 million in phase one funding to support their shared vision of creating a premier learning, research and outreach facility in Charlotte County. This announcement builds on the formal partnership signed in 2023 between FGCU and Babcock Ranch, which outlined a shared commitment to advancing education, research and sustainable development.

The funding will support the construction of FGCU’s 11th academic building – a state-of-the-art, 125,000-square-foot facility that will house a new institute focused on sustainability and resiliency. Located in Babcock Ranch’s MidTown, this academic center will offer an immersive experience for both students and researchers. In addition to the donation of land for the facilities, Kitson & Partners will donate $3 million towards related initiatives in partnership with FGCU.

Creating educational and research facilities is a part of the broader vision for Babcock Ranch, the nation’s first solar-powered town.

The facility will offer learners a full slate of educational opportunities from undergraduate and graduate courses to micro-credential opportunities. It will expand access to dual enrollment for local high school students, offer lifelong learning and cultural programs through FGCU Academy, and support workforce development.

Among FGCU’s schools and colleges tied to this endeavor are:

Water and environmental research through The Water School
Agri-tech advancement through the Lutgert College of Business
Advanced technology and artificial intelligence (AI) via Dendritic: A Human Centered AI and Data Sciences Institute
Support for aging populations through the Shady Rest Institute on Positive Aging
Expanded teacher training and student engagement through the College of Education and its work with Babcock Schools

The new facility will also function as a global hub for collaboration by hosting events and conferences focused on sustainability and resilient community planning.