Florida International University to Build Sunblazer Hall
The 17-story student residence hall will open in Miami by fall 2028 with 1,174 beds.
Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Higher Education
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Florida International University plans to open its new 17-story residence hall, Sunblazer Hall, in fall 2028. The $248 million project at the Modesto A. Maidique Campus in Miami will provide 1,174 beds to help meet housing demand.
Why it matters
The development supports the university's strategic goal to ascend into the ranks of the nation's top 30 public universities by 2030. It is part of a larger infrastructure expansion that includes a new medical center and residential food hall.
Sunblazer Hall will feature 17 stories and 1,174 beds at a cost of $248 million. The project is financed by bonds alongside $37.4 million in contributions from the university and private donations.
The players
Florida International University
This public research university in Miami was established in 1972 and currently serves a large student population in West Miami-Dade.
Moss Construction
This general contractor is managing the development of the new campus facilities.
Stratus
This architecture firm is responsible for the design of the new 17-story residence hall.
The details
Designed by Stratus with Moss Construction, the building will feature a curved glass exterior and a crescent shape wrapping behind the Management and Advanced Research Center. The residence hall is a primary component of a broader campus expansion in West Miami-Dade.
Timeline
Florida International University first opened in 1972.
The university introduced its original Sunblazer mascot in 1985.
The school retired the Sunblazer mascot in 1987.
The new Sunblazer Hall is scheduled to open in fall 2028.
The university targets becoming a top 30 public university by 2030.
Culture Shift
This project aligns with the university's strategic plan to become a top 30 public university by 2030. By investing in modern residential infrastructure, the institution is positioning itself to compete more effectively for students against national peers.
Students can expect 1,174 additional beds to become available on the Modesto A. Maidique Campus by fall 2028. This development adds to the growing housing capacity in the area, including planned projects in Sweetwater that will offer additional units.
The takeaway
Large-scale campus housing projects often serve as catalysts for academic ranking improvements by attracting high-achieving students. Students should monitor construction updates if planning for housing availability in the West Miami-Dade area by 2028.
Further reading
Learn more about local academic growth in the Higher Education section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Miami Herald.
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