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The Claw - University of South Florida
Overview
Welcome to the future of luxury hospitality in Tampa: The Claw at the University of South Florida. This premier mixed-use development is poised to redefine upscale hotel and retail experiences within the university district. Strategically located in the vibrant Fletcher District and developed by the Patel Family Office, the project is part of a larger master-planned community featuring hospitality, retail, student housing, and multifamily residential components.
Situated within a 138-acre redevelopment site led by USF, the project is designed as a dynamic mixed-use destination that will serve students, visitors, professionals, and the surrounding community. The development also qualifies as a TEA urban project.
The project will encompass approximately 108,000 square feet, including a 78,000-square-foot luxury hotel featuring 160 guest rooms, along with 38,000 square feet of curated retail space.
Claw FI I-956F form approval September 24, 2026
USCIS I-956F Approval
USCIS has approved Claw FI LLC's I-956F application for the Fletcher University Retail and Hotel Project, part of the Fletcher District development at the University of South Florida in Tampa. The approval clears federal project-level review under the EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022, achieved in just 4 months.
For investors, this approval is a significant milestone. It means USCIS has already vetted the project's business plan, offering documents, and economic analysis for EB-5 compliance. Individual investor petitions can now move forward with attention focused primarily on each investor's own Source of Funds documentation rather than the project itself. This project joins The Harrison in our growing portfolio of USCIS-approved EB-5 projects, another milestone in our commitment to delivering well-vetted investment opportunities.
Project Details
INVESTMENT AMOUNT
$800,000
TEA STATUS
Urban-TEA
TOTAL PROJECT COST
$112M
JOB CREATION BUFFER
1.5x
PROJECT DEVELOPER
Aureate Group
JOB CREATION
1594
INVESTMENT TERM
3+1+1 Years
IMMIGRATION STATUS
I-956F Approved
MIXED USE DEVELOPMEMT
108,000
Total Square ft.
LUXURY HOTEL
78,000
Square Ft.
RETAIL SPACE
38,000
Square Ft.
EB-5 CAPACITY
93
Investor Spots
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The Claw: Driving Innovation in the Fletcher District
The Fletcher District is transforming the gateway to the University of South Florida into a vibrant mixed-use destination that brings together research, housing, hospitality, retail, and public spaces to create a thriving live, work, learn, and play environment.
Advancing Research & Innovation
With more than 455,000 square feet dedicated to research facilities, the district strengthens USF’s position as a leading innovation hub, fostering collaboration between academia, healthcare, entrepreneurs, and industry while driving long-term economic growth.
Expanding Housing Opportunities
The development introduces 152 market-rate apartments and 712 student housing beds, addressing growing residential demand while creating a connected community that supports students, faculty, professionals, and the surrounding neighborhood.
A Destination Beyond Campus
A full-service hotel, event venue, restaurants, cafés, and entertainment spaces position the Fletcher District as a regional destination, welcoming visitors while supporting university events, business travel, and community engagement year-round.
