FIU to Open 17-Story Sunblazer Hall in Fall 2028
The new $248 million residence hall will bring 1,174 beds to the university's Modesto A. Maidique Campus.
Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Higher Education
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Florida International University will expand housing on its Modesto A. Maidique Campus with the construction of a 17-story residence hall set to open in fall 2028. The new facility, Sunblazer Hall, will provide 1,174 beds for the student population.
Why it matters
The $248 million project is part of a broader university push to reach top-30 public university status by 2030. This expansion aims to increase on-campus capacity as the institution grows its reach and student enrollment.
The new 17-story Sunblazer Hall will add 1,174 beds to campus capacity, funded by a total investment of $248 million. This project is one of several planned developments, including an off-campus 21-story housing development and a 29-story tower in Sweetwater.
The players
Florida International University
The public research university headquartered in West Miami-Dade that is expanding its on-campus housing capacity.
Stratus
The design firm responsible for the architectural layout of the new 17-story residence hall.
Moss Construction
The general contractor selected to construct the new $248 million residence hall facility.
The details
Designed by Stratus and built by Moss Construction, the residence hall will feature a curved glass exterior and a crescent shape. The building will wrap behind the Management and Advanced Research Center, stretching toward the Patricia and Philip Frost Art Museum. This is one of five facilities currently under construction at the West Miami-Dade campus, alongside a new medical center and residential food hall.
Timeline
1972: Florida International University first opened.
1985: The original Sunblazer mascot was introduced.
1987: The university retired the Sunblazer mascot.
Fall 2028: Sunblazer Hall is scheduled to open.
2030: The university targets top-30 public status.
Beyond the 305
This project aligns with the university's strategic plan to become a top 30 public university by 2030. It follows a trend of campus infrastructure growth that mirrors development patterns seen in other major Florida public universities aiming for national rank.
Students and faculty should expect active construction on the Modesto A. Maidique Campus through the fall 2028 opening date. The increase in beds may alleviate some of the local pressure on nearby off-campus housing markets in Sweetwater.
The takeaway
The addition of 1,174 beds marks a significant increase in housing for the West Miami-Dade campus. Watch for updates on the construction of the medical center and food hall which are proceeding alongside the dormitory project.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest campus developments at Higher Education.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Miami Herald.
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