Florida Institute of Technology plans 555-bed student housing complex

The Florida Institute of Technology in Melbourne plans to build a six-story, 555-bed student housing complex that would boost its campus housing supply by 27%.

Florida Today reports that the 212,000-square-foot, 84-foot-tall facility would be built atop the Southgate intramural sports field.

The Melbourne Planning and Zoning Board has recommended approval of a site plan for the student housing complex. The majority of apartment-style units will be four-bedroom, two-bathroom suites with full kitchens, per the site plan.

Amenities will include a classroom area, study and lounge areas, a multipurpose room, e-bike parking and two outdoor courtyard areas, a Melbourne City Hall planning memo said.

Florida Tech had the biggest incoming class in the university's 66-year history this fall with 1,201 undergraduate students.