University Commons Redevelopment: A Bold New Chapter for Boca Raton

700 North Military Trail, Boca Raton, FL 33431

Boca Raton, Florida, known for its coastal appeal and upscale lifestyle, is gearing up for a significant addition: the University Commons Redevelopment. As of March 27, 2025, this project near Florida Atlantic University (FAU) is shaping up to be a major mixed-use development. Led by Penn-Florida Companies, it’s set to bring practical luxury and convenience to the area, enhancing Boca Raton’s draw for residents and investors alike.

A Plan Rooted in Purpose

Situated on a 73-acre site at 1700 North Military Trail, next to FAU and opposite the Town Center at Boca Raton, University Commons is transforming from a retail plaza into a vibrant hub. Penn-Florida, which locked in zoning rights in 2015, has been refining this vision for years. The existing University Commons shopping center—sold in 2015 for $80.5 million, or $446 per square foot—sets the stage for what’s now dubbed “University Village.” The latest plans, updated in October 2024, focus on quality over sprawl.

Here’s what’s in store:

• Residential Units: 710 homes, including apartments and 100 senior multifamily units, with the tallest building at seven stories.
• Hotel: A 185-room hotel for visitors, FAU guests, or business travelers.
• Retail and Dining: 80,000 square feet of retail and restaurant space in a five-story building, offering a solid mix of shops and eateries.
• Phased Buildout: Three stages—Phase 1 with 466 residences, the hotel, and most commercial space; Phase 2 with 184 units; Phase 3 with 131 units and remaining retail.

Its location near I-95 and FAU’s 30,000 students ties it into Boca Raton’s academic and retail energy, making it a smart fit for the area.

Timeline of Progress

This isn’t a quick flip—it’s a steady rollout:

• Late 2024: Penn-Florida scaled back from 829 to 710 units in October 2024, with city reviews continuing into 2025.
• 2025: Final approvals and permits are expected by mid-2025, with construction likely starting late 2025 or early 2026.
• 2026 Onward: Phase 1 could finish by 2028, with the full project stretching toward 2035 as phases roll out.

Each step is designed to integrate smoothly with Boca Raton’s growth.

Why It Stands Out

University Commons brings tangible benefits:

• Housing Boost: 710 units offer options for students, seniors, and professionals near FAU and downtown.
• Job Growth: Construction and permanent roles in retail, hospitality, and offices will add to the local economy.
• Daily Convenience: 80,000 square feet of shops and restaurants create a walkable hub for residents and visitors.
• Property Value: Following the 2015 sale’s $80.5 million benchmark, this project could push values higher in a prime area.

Traffic near I-95 and Military Trail is a concern, but phased construction and nearby transit—like FAU shuttles—should help keep it manageable.

What’s Ahead

Penn-Florida is keeping the process open, with city meetings and updates via local sources like the South Florida Business Journal. For anyone considering a move, a visit, or an investment, University Commons offers a practical mix—housing, dining, and a hotel—all tied to Boca Raton’s academic and retail core. It’s a project worth watching as it takes shape over the next decade.