UT Names New Campus Park for Agliano Family

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The greenspace that borders UT’s new Innovation and Collaboration Building (ICB) to the south and east has been named to honor the family that previously owned the property for more than eight decades.

Agliano Park, named after the Agliano family, was dedicated today in a private ceremony. The Agliano family had owned the iconic Valencia Garden restaurant and adjoining property since 1927. In 2009, UT and another company acquired the property, which was framed by West Kennedy Boulevard, North Boulevard, North A Street and North Brevard Avenue. The entire site is now wholly owned by the University.

The former Agliano property has allowed the University to expand to accommodate its record growth. Today, the site includes Jenkins Hall, the ICB, the MacKechnie Building and Agliano Park. The University also recently rebuilt the original building at the corner of Kennedy and North boulevards to house faculty offices and classrooms.

President Ronald Vaughn said the family’s partnership with UT has enabled UT to realize an important part of the campus master plan.

“Agliano family members have been good neighbors, friends and supporters for so many years,” Vaughn said. “The transfer of their property has allowed us to transform the southwestern edge of campus and ultimately benefit students in enriching their academic and co-curricular experiences.

The multi-acre park includes five fountains, an outdoor fireplace, a small stage area for entertainment, multi-color lighting and seating. Two original oak trees, along with 10 palm trees, provide ample shade.

“The park is a hidden gem in the center of campus, and it is a beautiful place for students to relax,” Vaughn added. “And at night with its lighted palm trees, fountains and eight plant sculptures, Agliano Park is simply stunning.”

Today’s ceremony follows the opening of the ICB on Sept. 3. The ICB features the state-of-the-art John P. Lowth Entrepreneurship center and high tech cybersecurity labs, as well as campus safety offices, innovative classrooms, numerous study and meeting spaces, faculty offices and a Starbucks Reserve store.

Frank Agliano said the site of the park is significant to the Agliano family because the land had been in the family since 1926 and is where Josephine Beiro Agliano’s father, Manuel Beiro, started the Valencia Garden Restaurant more than 88 years ago. He also noted that five family members attended UT.

“The Agliano family is honored that the University of Tampa has chosen to dedicate a park on its campus to be named Agliano Park,” Agliano said.