A survey of selected land-grant universities was conducted in 2000 to gather information related to design and operation of their turfgrass research units. The experience of University of Florida faculty combined with data collected from this survey was used to design a new turfgrass research unit for University of Florida in Gainesville. The design incorporated traditional research blocks of grass types with areas designed to simulate more real-world situations. A prominent golf course designer assisted in the design of three golf holes situated within the research unit as well as the overall drainage plan. Other areas designed within the unit's area included a lake, 9-hole putting course, athletic fields, and landscape settings with trees and ornamentals plantings. The Unit will include shade structures, in-ground lysimeters, and sloping fairways for environmental impact studies. The unit will be planted to over twenty-five cultivars representing five warm-season grass species. The total turf area planned was 27.4 acres. Construction of the turfgrass research unit was initiated in late summer 2004. Due to an active hurricane season, much of what was accomplished in 2004 needed to be redone in spring 2005. Cost of construction is a joint effort among the state's turfgrass industry (primarily Seven Rivers Chapter of the Florida Golf Course Superintendents and Florida Sod Producers), The Toro Company and their Florida distributor Wesco, and the University of Florida. Other turfgrass industry representatives have pledged support to assist with maintenance. This presentation will cover the planning stages of the turfgrass research unit and highlight its construction.