The Swamp Restaurant said it best, from its Twitter page on Saturday: “Woke up feeling like we got run over by a bulldozer this morning!”

Demolition at The Swamp Restaurant, a staple to midtown Gainesville for 25 years, at 1642 W. University Ave., began Saturday and will continue for the next couple of weeks. 

The Tampa-based 908 Group will then begin construction on a development that will include a rebuilt version of The Swamp and 8,000 square feet of retail space, along with 181 student apartments. The new Swamp is expected to open in early 2022, while the apartments are planned to be finished in time for students to move in August 2022.

The Swamp Restaurant’s owners, Ron DeFilippo and Ryan Prodesky, will continue to run the space, a popular game-day destination for UF students and alumni. 

In the meantime, DeFilippo said he will give away some pieces of Swamp memorabilia for Gator fans to enjoy at home.

The giveaway plan will be finalized and announced in the coming weeks. 

At the new location, a patio and memorabilia-covered walls will honor the legacy formed by generations of fans at the original restaurant on West University Avenue.