Development
Five Development Teams Vie to Reshape St. Thomas University's Miami Gardens Campus
St. Thomas University is weighing a long-term redevelopment of its Miami Gardens campus.
One of Miami Gardens' anchor institutions is planning for a very different future. St. Thomas University has received statements of qualifications from five development teams interested in partnering on a long-term redevelopment of its campus. Here is what we know so far and what it could mean for the city.
Who: St. Thomas University, a private Catholic university in Miami Gardens. What: A search for a development partner to redevelop its campus over the long term. Status: Five teams submitted qualifications; the university is reviewing them before choosing which advance to a request-for-proposals stage.
Five teams in the running
The university set a September 11 deadline for statements of qualifications and received submissions from five development teams. It then gave itself extra time to review them. The five teams are:
The contenders
Michaels Student Living and Republic Properties; Landmark Properties, Pinnacle Development Group, and BKV Group; Sonnenblick Development; 13th Floor Investments, Adler Properties, and ANF Group; and The Steinbridge Group and Silverstein Properties.
An attorney advising the university on the process told Miami Today the school was thrilled to draw five national-caliber, multidisciplinary teams.
What could be built
University officials have said the developers are considering needs across the campus, including academic and athletic facilities, parking, infrastructure, and ways to make the central campus more walkable. Earlier this year, the university also outlined plans to add capacity through projects such as a third building for its business school complex, a nursing and allied health building, and an athletic arena. No final plan has been chosen.
Who has a say
The campus sits on land owned by the Archdiocese of Miami, which sponsors the university. University officials have said the archdiocese and the St. Thomas Board of Trustees would both be involved in any future development, though the process has not reached that stage yet. Any project would also need to go through the City of Miami Gardens' planning and zoning process.
Why it matters for Miami Gardens
St. Thomas University has been part of Miami Gardens since before the city incorporated in 2003. Along with Florida Memorial University, it is one of two universities based in the city, and it is one of the partner schools in the city's City University Partnership. University leaders have said they want St. Thomas to be an economic engine for Miami Gardens and the region. A major redevelopment could shape the area around the campus for decades.
What's next
The university is expected to narrow the field and move selected teams to a request-for-proposals stage. We will follow the process and update this story as plans take shape.
Read about FMU's record enrollment and the new World Cup legacy field at Walt Frazier Park.
Frequently asked questions
Is St. Thomas University redeveloping its campus?
St. Thomas University is seeking a development partner for a long-term redevelopment of its Miami Gardens campus and has received statements of qualifications from five development teams.
Which developers are interested in the St. Thomas University campus?
The five teams are Michaels Student Living and Republic Properties; Landmark Properties, Pinnacle Development Group, and BKV Group; Sonnenblick Development; 13th Floor Investments, Adler Properties, and ANF Group; and The Steinbridge Group and Silverstein Properties.
Who owns the St. Thomas University campus land?
The campus is on land owned by the Archdiocese of Miami. University officials have said the archdiocese and the university’s Board of Trustees would be involved in any future development.
Where is St. Thomas University located?
St. Thomas University is a private Catholic university in Miami Gardens, Florida.
This report is based on reporting by Miami Today and public statements by university representatives as of October 22, 2026. Plans are preliminary and subject to change. Published: October 22, 2026.
