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History of Reitz Union Hotel

Where the story began

A Vision for a Student Union

The story of Reitz Union began long before the building opened its doors.

In 1922, the University of Florida began exploring the idea of creating a dedicated student-centered gathering place on campus. A few years later, efforts to establish a campus YMCA and religious center helped advance that vision. When fundraising efforts were disrupted by the Great Depression, the university’s plans eventually evolved toward a broader student activities facility.

Under UF President John J. Tigert, the concept shifted from a primarily religious center toward a building designed to support the wider needs of university life.

That vision would eventually become the Reitz Union.

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From Vision to Reality

Building a New Center for Campus Life

Planning for a new student union gained momentum in the 1950s. In 1952, a formal New Union Planning Committee was established, and by 1958 more than 150 student organizations had passed resolutions supporting a new union.

 

In 1962, funding was allocated to move the project forward. Groundbreaking for the new facility took place on May 9, 1964.

 

After years of planning and construction, the new student union opened to the public on May 1, 1967. At the time, the University of Florida had approximately 19,000 students. 

Groundbreaking
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Reitz Union Opens
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UF Students at Opening
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GUEST RESOURCES

EVERYTHING YOU NEED AT YOUR FINGERTIPS

Whether you are booking a block of rooms for a conference or checking our latest amenities, find all the information you need for a comfortable stay right here.

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SERVING OUR CAMPUS COMMUNITY

CREATING WELCOMING EXPERIENCES FOR EVERY GUEST

Reitz Union Hotel is dedicated to creating a welcoming, safe, and positive experience for every guest. Through excellent service and genuine hospitality, we provide a comfortable place to stay while keeping visitors connected to the energy and opportunities of the University of Florida campus.

We are committed to creating meaningful experiences for families, groups, conference guests, and campus visitors, while providing our student staff with opportunities to grow personally and professionally. Every stay is an opportunity to connect, serve, and be part of the UF community.

DIRECT ASSISTANCE & INQUIRIES

Want to know more?

Whether you’re planning a visit, staying at the Reitz Union Hotel, or looking to learn more about this University of Florida landmark, we’re here to help.

By Telephone

Speak With An Associate

Our hotel front desk is available 24/7 to assist with reservations, questions, and your stay at the Reitz Union Hotel.

352-392-2151 Reitz Union Hotel Front Desk
By Email

Send an Inquiry

Have a question about your stay, accommodations, or hotel services? Contact the Reitz Union Hotel team directly.

ReitzDesk@reitzunionhotel.com Hotel questions and guest assistance
Sales@reitzunionhotel.com Group bookings and group rates
Campus Location

Visit Our Front Desk

Find the Reitz Union Hotel Front Desk on the Ground Level of the J. Wayne Reitz Union at the heart of the University of Florida campus.

655 Reitz Union Drive,
Ground Level PO Box 118505
Gainesville, Florida 32611
Gallery

See your next stay in a different light

From quiet mornings in your room to unforgettable moments across the University of Florida campus, every stay starts here.

A balcony with a table and chairs, offering a view of a building and a blue sky with clouds.
reitz union exterior
Two twin beds in a hotel room with white sheets, blue bed skirts, and a brown headboard. A window with a blue valance and white curtains is on the left.
A bowling lane with a colorful ball in the foreground and a large screen displaying a bowling alley in the background.
A spacious dining area with a square table and chairs, featuring a projector screen on the wall and large windows offering a view of the outdoors.
A large red brick building with many windows, a red roof, and a sidewalk in front, surrounded by trees and grass.
An empty conference room with a long table and chairs, featuring blue and gray carpeting, a blue wall, and a projector screen.
A large conference room with a blue carpet, white ceiling, and rows of tables and chairs.
A stage with a crowd of people and stage lights, possibly a concert or performance.
Blue couch, yellow couch, coffee table, wall art, two side tables, lamps, curtains, window, white ceiling, blue wall, carpeted floor.
A large room with rows of chairs, wooden floor, and white walls, possibly for a conference or event.
Empty room with framed pictures on the walls, white ceiling, and gray carpet.
A large conference room with a blue carpet featuring white wavy lines, a high ceiling with recessed lighting, and a row of tables surrounded by chairs.
A conference room with a long table and chairs, featuring windows, a door, and a white ceiling with fluorescent lights.
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