UCF downtown campus faces new delay

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — There’s a new setback for the University of Central Florida’s downtown campus.

University officials said the project’s completion will be pushed back a year because the school needs more time to build.

They also said the delay shouldn’t jeopardize money for the project.

Work is already underway to prepare the site, but the campus likely won’t happen until 2019.

The school initially hoped to open the new academic building a year earlier.

“That’s definitely something you’d have to keep checking on, but especially if that’s a project you were looking forward to,” said UCF student Juan Rivera.

The school said the 2018 opening date was too ambitious, especially given the amount of time it took to obtain approval and funding.

Planners were worried that even a small hiccup in the construction could lead to a delay, and force students to move in midway through the school year.

Students offered mixed support for the project but weren’t worried about the delay.

“It’s going to be beneficial for students that are commuting from there and everything,” said student Rylan Powers.

The project is no stranger to hurdles, especially after the governor initially vetoed $20 million in funding.

But the school was able to obtain the most of the money this year.

The university said it expected to reach its goal of $20 million in donations in the coming months, and given the size of the project, the school said it wants to make sure the campus is done right.

New rendering of the campus may be released in the coming months, and construction will likely begin next year.

Cox Media Group