Downtown Tampa: Martini bar to liven up Franklin Street
By Susan Thurston, Times Staff Writer
In Print: Friday, July 1, 2011
Joshua Croy and Jakub Horodecki spent months scouting a site for their upscale club and patio bar. They wanted something urban, a bit edgy and full of character.
They found it in downtown Tampa, along a block of north Franklin Street vacant and forgotten for years.
Martini Republic opens in August at Franklin and Tyler Street in a building that once housed a Chinese restaurant. The owners hope it's the catalyst for an entertainment district extending to the Tampa Theatre on the south and Fly bar and restaurant on the north.
"We want to create an image and theme for the district,'' Croy said. "When you walk in you won't feel like you're in a Tampa club. We're taking it to a new level.''
Construction began recently on the two-story building 912 N Franklin St. and adjacent vacant lot, after a lengthy city approval. Plans call for a 33-foot bar, DJ booth, large chandeliers, lots of metal finishings and exposed brick and duct work. The patio will have a stage, modern furnishings and a grill area for cooking kabobs and sliders on weekend afternoons.
The owners describe it as a "soundbar'' rather than a nightclub because the music will be notable but not overtaking. People will be able to hear each other talk, said Croy, who at 35 says he's tired of noisy, meat market clubs.
They chose the name Martini Republic because it evokes a feeling of being in another country and escaping from reality. For inspiration, they looked to lavish clubs in South Beach, LIV and SET.
Croy and Horodecki hired Mike "the Greek'' Kavallierakis to help with the build out. He has been involved in the local club scene for years, most recently with the now-closed Club Tantra in Ybor City and Tru Lounge in Feather Sound.
Kavallierakis sees huge potential on Franklin, thanks largely to the addition of hundreds of residents in the nearby Element apartments and SkyPoint condos. The area has an edge over Ybor City and SoHo, he said, because it draws an older, professional clientele and doesn't have as many parking and noise issues.
Once Martini Republic opens, Kavallierakis plans to start work on a new dance club a few doors up the street. He's naming it Hammerjack's after a popular Franklin Street club in the 1990s. He expects other bars and restaurants will follow, saying a deal is in the works for a prominent South Tampa club operator to take over the former Club 112 at 901 N Franklin St.
Jason Accardi, president of Seven One Seven Parking Enterprises, co-owns more than 30 properties in downtown Tampa, including the Martini Republic site. He had been marketing the property for awhile and believes a martini bar will be a good fit for the area. He and his partners bought it for $650,000 in 2006.
"We're very excited to have some synergy on the north end of downtown,'' Accardi said. "The more retail and restaurant businesses that happen in the downtown core, the better it is for everybody.''
City officials said Martini Republic will fill a void between the Residences of Franklin Street and the Element and complement the city's ongoing efforts to improve the area, most recently with the reconstruction of Herman Massey Park. Years ago, the city added meandering brick streets, decorative lamp posts and landscaping.
"It's an important block to bring more activities to,'' said Bob McDon*augh, the city's urban development manager. "I think the time is right for things to start happening there.''

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I know there was an old thread called Franklin St. development but it got buried in the last decade. Can we please put all Franklin St. stuff here, whether it's about Kress, a renovation of an old building, etc?

In related news, the Tampa Theatre just this week replaced their signs' lightbulbs with compact fluorescents. It's much brighter and I assume, cost effective.

In related news, the Tampa Theatre just this week replaced their signs' lightbulbs with compact fluorescents. It's much brighter and I assume, cost effective.

Also there was an article a few weeks ago in the trib about a two-person custom furniture builder Co. that has their business on Frankin, but around the old Rialto theatre.

Also there was an article a few weeks ago in the trib about a two-person custom furniture builder Co. that has their business on Frankin, but around the old Rialto theatre.

It's these guys. I have been to a couple art shows there, it's a great place.

http://franklinstreetfw.com/

It's these guys. I have been to a couple art shows there, it's a great place.

http://franklinstreetfw.com/

Good for them. I hope their business does well. It's nice to go to peoples' homes and condos and see custom one-of-a-kind furniture instead of the same stuff that every body else on the cul de sac has. I'm a big fan of individualism and originality.

So it's not quite on Franklin (same block!), but that urban market I had hinted at earlier is set to open in the next week or two. It's called Duckweed and is on Polk / Franklin in the same building as The Hub. They've been very nice neighbors so far and are committed to stocking a lot of local products which I really appreciate. I'll let you know when it's open.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Duckweed-Urban-Market/155741141152700

Very cool. I always make a point to take my jogging workout down Franklin st. I really love how it looks while traveling south. Sometime I am taken aback by how beautiful it is, with its brick roads, trees and historic architecture.

I've seen the vintage pictures and I know how bustling Franklin st was back in the day. I hope it can get to that status again one day.

Reading the article about the martini republic, I never thought about keeping the younger crowd out by the lack of parking. It makes sense to me. Lets keep hyde park for the college frat types and downtown for the grown ups!

Very cool. I always make a point to take my jogging workout down Franklin st. I really love how it looks while traveling south. Sometime I am taken aback by how beautiful it is, with its brick roads, trees and historic architecture.

I've seen the vintage pictures and I know how bustling Franklin st was back in the day. I hope it can get to that status again one day.

Reading the article about the martini republic, I never thought about keeping the younger crowd out by the lack of parking. It makes sense to me. Lets keep hyde park for the college frat types and downtown for the grown ups!

Does it really matter? As long as they are spending in DT and/or Hyde Park, it helps the local economy. I would think that DT is more convenient for the UT students.

Does it really matter? As long as they are spending in DT and/or Hyde Park, it helps the local economy. I would think that DT is more convenient for the UT students.

I suppose it matters if you want an area for adults.

Go to macdinton's on a friday night and then we'll talk.

Duckweed is now open.

Duckweed is now open.

Never heard of Duckweed until now. I searched a little on it & only found the address and that it's a gourmet place. Must be pretty small on the inside if it's in an old building. Fingers crossed that it makes it in that location.

Never heard of Duckweed until now. I searched a little on it & only found the address and that it's a gourmet place. Must be pretty small on the inside if it's in an old building. Fingers crossed that it makes it in that location.

Yes, it's a small place. Where Bill's Pen Shop was for years and years. The same building as the Hub, but on the Polk street side. It just opened today, so that may be why you haven't heard of it.

Something tells me that a name like "Duckweed" doesn't exactly lend itself to marketing success. Hope it does well.

Just went into Duckweed yesterday. It was in a very little space next to the hub. However, once inside, I was able to see that they had a unique mix of local/organic foods, drinks and condiments. They are still getting fully stocked and set up right now.

Something like this is just what this area needs to support SkyPoint and the Element: a small grocer in walking distance. (yes, the publix on platt and bayshore is close, but I wouldnt want to walk with more than 2 bags of groceries back to the SkyPoint or the Element.)

Sure its small, but its got a lot of personality and a very friendly staff. I bought a couple of things to support them. If I could give one tidbit of advice, I'd say they need to put up a street sign. If I didn't read about it here, I never would have noticed it.

It really reminded me of the small mom and pop stores in NYC.

Just went into Duckweed yesterday. It was in a very little space next to the hub. However, once inside, I was able to see that they had a unique mix of local/organic foods, drinks and condiments. They are still getting fully stocked and set up right now.

Something like this is just what this area needs to support SkyPoint and the Element: a small grocer in walking distance. (yes, the publix on platt and bayshore is close, but I wouldnt want to walk with more than 2 bags of groceries back to the SkyPoint or the Element.)

Sure its small, but its got a lot of personality and a very friendly staff. I bought a couple of things to support them. If I could give one tidbit of advice, I'd say they need to put up a street sign. If I didn't read about it here, I never would have noticed it.

It really reminded me of the small mom and pop stores in NYC.

The beer and wine section should be good too once the licensing gets worked out. If you have any favorites, they're very open to suggestions. I'll mention the sign thing. They have the chalkboard out, but I agree it can be hard to find.

We're starting a hot sauce collection in our office and added just a few local brands from there. It's great to find local foods.

Duckweed is the grocer? Ha, I don't think it will much matter what the name is, so long as his product mix is right for the neighborhood.

Yep, Duckweed is the grocer. I think they should do well with the Skypoint and Element residents picking stuff up. I'll definitely stop by on my walk home from work to pick up stuff for dinner.

Yeah I have gone 3 times already to pick up odds and ends. Can't wait till their beer and wine area is ready

Yeah I have gone 3 times already to pick up odds and ends. Can't wait till their beer and wine area is ready

They're taking beer suggestions, so if you have any favorites let them know. I also hear that Cuban bread is coming, which I'm excited about (much easier to pick up a loaf on the way home than making a trek to La Segunda).

By Laura Reiley, Times Food Critic
Posted: Aug 02, 2011 02:54 PM

The Taco Bus is at it again.
Announced today on Facebook, the Taco Bus just signed a lease on the old West Shore Pizza location at 505 Franklin St. in downtown Tampa. They hope to open in November.
This will be the third "bus," but apparently the first without wheels.
There are rumors of more on the horizon, along with a new central kitchen in Ybor City.

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I mentioned that last week:

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?p=82258230

I mentioned that last week:

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?p=82258230

Oops! I overlooked it. Well at least is was a small article.

Duckweed has a pretty good Twitter account if anyone's interested. They put out the word when new and interesting stuff comes in.

https://twitter.com/#!/duckweed305

I stopped in at Duckweed today, definitely a cool place with friendly people. I was on my way to Rock the Park at Curtis Hixon so I didnt buy anything but Ill go back.

Just popped in to say I was also at rock the park!

I like to think of Duckweed as a "mini Whole Foods". The manager liked that.

So we've got Taco Bus coming down, our little grocer Duckweed is here, SkyPoint's retail is full, and some businesses are coming up on Frankin St.

To some it may not seem like much, but life in downtown has improved since even one year ago, I'm loving it! Now if only the heat and humidity could die down a little bit.

I was at the opening for the dragon boat races at Curtis Hixton a couple of days ago. To see all of the international people visiting and having a good time gives me a glimmer of hope for this place.

^What is the big day for the races? Tomorrow? Sunday? Does anyone know?

World Championship Daily Racing Schedule:

DATE DISTANCE RACING CLASSES SCHEDULE
Wednesday, August 3 2000m All classes 10:15 am - 4:00 pm
Thursday, August 4 1000m All Open & Mixed, and Premier Women 9:00 am - 5:30 pm
Friday, August 5 200m All classes 8:30 am - 6:15 pm
Saturday, August 6 500m Mixed classes 9:00 am - 5:40 pm
Sunday, August 7 500m Open & Women's classes 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

I'm liking that Franklin Street is picking up in activity. Maybe get some restaurants along there that have outdoor seating, I like having activity on the street as well from restaurants. Maybe if Duckweed can prove successful and Channelside doesn't have a grocer yet, Duckweed could open a second location.

I came across a nice summary of Duckweed that includes a bunch of photos. Thought it may be of interest.

http://www.thatgirlallie.com/468267988/duckweed-urban-market

They are doing significant work on the vacant space where Club 112 was... Not sure what's going in there yet. Anything should be good for the street, it helps bridge that gap between Fly and the Hub (as does the Martini Republic whenever they're done with that build out). The Martini Republic guy says (http://www.tampabay.com/features/food/bars/downtown-tampa-martini-bar-to-liven-up-franklin-street/1177942) he's going to open a club up the street, but I don't think this is the one:

Once Martini Republic opens, Kavallierakis plans to start work on a new dance club a few doors up the street. He's naming it Hammerjack's after a popular Franklin Street club in the 1990s. He expects other bars and restaurants will follow, saying a deal is in the works for a prominent South Tampa club operator to take over the former Club 112 at 901 N Franklin St.


I took these shots this morning.

http://i.imgur.com/ceXPol.jpg
(http://i.imgur.com/ceXPo.jpg)
http://i.imgur.com/6y9Bvl.jpg (http://i.imgur.com/6y9Bv.jpg)

Looks like they've just started demo... It's probably going to be a while before we see something open.

It's cool to see how much activity there is in that part of downtown these days, relative to what it was even a few years ago... Imagine how much Franklin St would be hopping if even just two more of the numerous projects that were proposed had been built. (like say Novare's 3rd tower and 610 Franklin)

Franklin could be the bar-hop strip of DT but it needs more than that.

Clubs are nice but that area really needs normal retail/restaurants to go with some residents and some offices. Clubs are a lot of dead frontage and dead space most of the day/most of the week

^ And retail is dead space at night. A mix is nice and there are no clubs on Franklin at the moment. Across the street from this is a retail store. There is Fly up the North side of the street and lots of stuff South.

^ And retail is dead space at night. A mix is nice and there are no clubs on Franklin at the moment. Across the street from this is a retail store. There is Fly up the North side of the street and lots of stuff South.

Oh yeah. I keep thinking the Hub is on Franklin but it's not. Anyway, I got shit-faced there, then we went to FLY and then took a taxi to 4green Feilds. I'm surpised I wasn't puke drunk that night but it was fun.

Oh yeah. I keep thinking the Hub is on Franklin but it's not. Anyway, I got shit-faced there, then we went to FLY and then took a taxi to 4green Feilds. I'm surpised I wasn't puke drunk that night but it was fun.

The Hub is on 719 N Franklin, couple blocks down from this area.

Thanks for correcting me. Fly was packed the night I went there and the music was very loud. Maybe they do well there because their competion is somewhat isolated. Had drinks on the roof but the veiw is not all that. I hope DT can have more rooftop hangouts with better skyline views.

The Thai restaurant on Franklin next to The Hub has changed owners/names. It's called Si-Am Thai now and I enjoyed my pad Thai there earlier this week. They're open lunch and dinner six days a week (closed Sunday).

I help run a shared office space in the same building (upstairs) and the previous owner of the restaurant was the only one we didn't get along with, so I'm not upset about the switch.

^^Has the food changed at all or did they keep the original staff?

^^Has the food changed at all or did they keep the original staff?

It was and is still a family restaurant, so it's a new family making the food. As far as I know, it's an all new staff.

Is the food different. I thought it was just okay last time.

Is the food different. I thought it was just okay last time.

Since it's all new staff/owners, I'd give it another try. I liked the pad Thai I got, but I've only been once. It was quick for takeout too, which is nice.

Oh it was quick? A couple times I was there under the old ownership, it was painfully slow.. That's good news!

Oh it was quick? A couple times I was there under the old ownership, it was painfully slow.. That's good news!

Maybe 10 minutes, probably less, from walking in and looking at the menu to walking out the door. It was very quick.

Duckweed was on ABC news tonight but I can't find the video. It was just showing how DT is coming back to life.

Duckweed was on ABC news tonight but I can't find the video. It was just showing how DT is coming back to life.

Here's the article / video:

http://www.abcactionnews.com/dpp/news/region_tampa/tiny-gourmet-grocery-store-signals-a-new-level-of-urban-sophistication-for-tampa

The "Whatever" pops at Duckweed (from the St. Pete Saturday Morning Market lady) are a great treat.

Concerning the food at the new Si-Am Thai: I have been twice over the past few days, I tried the pad thai and the beef panang curry and the taste was much improved! I liked it a lot more.

I have had both dishes under the previous ownership and they can't compare.

This is a win!

Here's the article / video:

http://www.abcactionnews.com/dpp/news/region_tampa/tiny-gourmet-grocery-store-signals-a-new-level-of-urban-sophistication-for-tampa

Thanks. This place is so small that people don't even notice it. I think a dt Publix would cripple it or even put it out of biz.

I think a dt Publix would cripple it or even put it out of biz.

There is a Publix downtown, right off Platt and Bayshore! Walking distance between the two is under a mile.

I've been to Duckweed a few times. They have a few things going for them that Publix or chain stores don't. The few times I've been there they've asked if there is a particular product I'd like to see in the store, the one on one with customers is great. They also carry niche and local product which is cool. They cater to a different market imop than a larger store would.

The likelyhood of a larger grocer opening in the Core of downtown, probably wont happen anytime soon, gives duckweed time to develop a good customer base.

Channelside at Grand Central might be the closest to actually getting something, but we've been hearing that for awhile now..

I just wonder if people in Skypoint, Element walk to that Publix. They would still need to drive there if they need lots of groceries. I really love the Greenwise on Armenia and thought Publix downtown could be built the same way. But yeah, even though Publix is buying up Albertsons & they are dominating, it would still be a big risk for them in dt as welll as any other grocery store. Plus Franklin is too tight so it would have to go somewhere else.

I doubt many at all walk that far, ride a bike there maybe. I've walked/biked there a few times but I live much closer to it. I have a few times found it convenient coming off 275 on the downtown exit to stop and park right in front of Duckweed grab a few things and continue home.

I would like to see a larger non chain market open up that carries a fuller selection of food though.

I'm so jealous of my sister, she lives in downtown Seattle. She walks downstairs and across the street is a good size market that carries all the daily essentials. You never have to buy more than 1-2 days worth of food, you waste far less, and you always have a fresh selection as you never store anything.

I doubt many at all walk that far, ride a bike there maybe. I've walked/biked there a few times but I live much closer to it. I have a few times found it convenient coming off 275 on the downtown exit to stop and park right in front of Duckweed grab a few things and continue home.

I would like to see a larger non chain market open up that carries a fuller selection of food though.

I'm so jealous of my sister, she lives in downtown Seattle. She walks downstairs and across the street is a good size market that carries all the daily essentials. You never have to buy more than 1-2 days worth of food, you waste far less, and you always have a fresh selection as you never store anything.

You also have to factor in the heat, humidity, a few bums and crossing Bayshore/Platt. Not sure if dt is ready for a store like that. I don't think there is enough people to support it plus some people don't shop at specialty places when they think the big boxes have everything they need. I'm glad you are posting more. This forum was getting kinda dull.

As a skypoint resident for a year and a half, I've walked to publix zero times. In the short time Duckweed has been open, I have walked there probably around a dozen times.

This coming April will mark my second year on Harbour Island. The farthest I've walked from the Island would probably be to the Laurel St bridge. I've only done that maybe a few times at most though. Under normal circumstances I would bike or just drive for groceries. I have used the intown trolley a few times, it is nice to have that option. I have been stuck waiting parked in the trolley a few times though. I think they do it to keep the runs evenly timed.

As a skypoint resident for a year and a half, I've walked to publix zero times. In the short time Duckweed has been open, I have walked there probably around a dozen times.

Well at least you don't have to drive too far.

I have walked to public once in 2/1/2 years and duckweed 15x since it opened and sometimes twice in a day

So, location is key?

I have walked to public once in 2/1/2 years and duckweed 15x since it opened and sometimes twice in a day

That's great to hear.

I came across this photo of Franklin street from the 50s recently and loved it. The Cinchett Neon Sign company was run by a father and son who made the signs and innovated in their industry by financing them so shop owners could make payments. Obviously it worked. It would be great to have a few more of these signs out there--the Tampa Theatre is the only real standout now

http://www.tampapix.com/Franklin-St-1956.jpg

You can fade between that and the present day here. (http://www.tampachanging.com/gallery/franklin-street/)

Thats a great photo, thanks for sharing!

http://i.imgur.com/hIDn3.jpg

Thought you guys might want to see the garden I'm working on the corner of Franklin and Polk. This is right above Duckweed, so it's technically fronting Polk but the entrance is on Franklin. I have been enjoying it and want to expand it quite a bit, but have been too busy with actual work.

Work has [temporarily] stopped at the old Club 112 site. I still haven't figured out what's going in there, but from what they're doing I'd assume another club or music venue (they're leaving the bar intact).

http://i.imgur.com/0vu0El.jpg (http://i.imgur.com/0vu0E.jpg)

It looks like it's for failing to have the proper insurance coverage at the site

It looks like it's for failing to have the proper insurance coverage at the site

Yup, no workers comp.

Just drove by and saw people working on the Club 112 site. Maybe the issues have been resolved.

Thought you guys might want to see the garden I'm working on the corner of Franklin and Polk. This is right above Duckweed, so it's technically fronting Polk but the entrance is on Franklin. I have been enjoying it and want to expand it quite a bit, but have been too busy with actual work.
Do they have garden space for people to rent up there or something? I've been thinking of that idea, having some projects that have gardens for residents to rent or allowing restaurants to use to get cheaper produce, which would mean (in some cases) cheaper prices.

Just drove by and saw people working on the Club 112 site. Maybe the issues have been resolved.

Yep, they're back at work. Making large windows on the Franklin street side of the building (knocking out concrete block with sledge hammers). If nothing else, it should be a nicer looking block when they're done.

Do they have garden space for people to rent up there or something? I've been thinking of that idea, having some projects that have gardens for residents to rent or allowing restaurants to use to get cheaper produce, which would mean (in some cases) cheaper prices.

No, it's the roof access portion of the space we rent on the second floor of the same building Duckweed is in. It's a shared office space, the garden is just a fun hobby.

No, it's the roof access portion of the space we rent on the second floor of the same building Duckweed is in. It's a shared office space, the garden is just a fun hobby.
Gotcha. What you have growing? Looks like some herbs and maybe a tomato plant?

Bell peppers, cherry hot peppers, jalapenos, Japanese eggplant, strawberries, tomatos, basil, mint, green onions, parsley and a few random not edibles. I've been working a ridiculous amount and not able to do much outside, but I'd love to get a bunch of bamboo and other tropicals going. We don't have a ton of sun in the fall/winter thanks to the Tampa Theatre building blocking the lower sun, but I think it can work. The recent spats of tons of rain and wind have taken a few victims, but what can you do?

Duckweed made the SP Times today.

http://www.tampabay.com/news/business/retail/tampas-first-downtown-grocery-store-isnt-big-but-city-dwellers-will-take-it/1196697


TAMPA — The wishes of urbanites living downtown have finally come true.

They have a grocery store — albeit, one the size of a small storage unit.

"It's the best thing we've got," said Brandon Kanter, 27, who lives in the SkyPoint high-rise on Ashley Drive.

Mayor Bob Buckhorn is scheduled to cut the ribbon today at the grand opening of the Duckweed Urban Market, signifying the role this shoebox could play in downtown's long evolution into a thriving home for young professionals.

First came hip places like Fly Bar on N Franklin Street. Then came high-rises like SkyPoint and Element, mid-rise neighborhoods in the Channel District, a Riverwalk, two sleek new museums and a dramatically overhauled Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park. There are now more than 70 restaurants downtown brave enough to stay open for dinner.

A tide of residents came with the sea change. After years of high vacancies, the Tampa Downtown Partnership reported this spring that 85 percent of downtown's 4,325 homes are occupied.

The survey also reported what 93 percent of those urban dwellers felt was missing most: a grocery store.

Michelle Deatherage agreed. She's lived with her husband, Brent, downtown for 31/2 years.

"I hated waking up Sunday morning and saying 'let's cook bacon,' " she said, "and there was nowhere to get bacon."

They would drive about a mile to Publix on Bayshore Boulevard or Wal-Mart just south of the University of Tampa. For a toothbrush or candy bar, they could walk to a convenience store on E Madison Avenue.

"CVS is the closest to get your milk," Deatherage said. "They're actually not bad, all things considered, but wouldn't it be great to have a place dedicated to groceries plus beer and wine?"

So the Deatherages opened one. They leased 400 square feet at 305 E Polk St. that once housed a pen shop, painted the floor red and began stocking gourmet, local and organic produce, meats and cheeses, as well as common merchandise like Pringles chips and Snickers bars.

Michelle Deatherage, 39, a Lowe's Home Improvement director, and Brent Deatherage, 43, a physician associate, named the store Duckweed after a tiny flowering plant that grows in Florida and feeds livestock in some countries.

They set out a bright red awning, a flower box full of herbs and a friendly sidewalk sandwich board. They slapped rubber duckie outlines on the walls and stocked tight shelves with Oregon Chai, Cafe DuMonde chickory, white and black truffle oil, Romanoff caviar, Sriracha hot sauce, Blackstrap molasses, fine herb goat cheese, Bar S turkey bacon and locally baked Baker Pilgrim pumpkin muffins still warm upon delivery.

With the possibility of a grocery store opening some day blocks away in the 40-acre Encore housing project, Michelle Deatherage wanted to concentrate on specialty products to stand out and lure sophisticated urbanites.

The store has been quietly open for two months, and some people have noticed. Customers next door at the Hub, a dive bar institution downtown for more than 60 years, have bought cans of salsa to split with chips at the bar, daytime manager Jeanne Robinson said.

Robinson has worked at the Hub for 24 years and remembers downtown's last grocery store, a U-Save, that closed decades ago.

"Everybody wants one," she said.

Duckweed in no way alleviates downtown's desire for a full-service grocery store, residents said. But it does give their big, urban appetites a small snack while they wait.

"It's awesome they're actually thinking about the residents more," said Can Us, 28, who has lived in SkyPoint for the past three years and recently walked over to the Duckweed for a cucumber soda.

I might add that with the grand opening at Duckweed they have introduced beer and wine. If you want some selections you can't find at The Hub's package store, Duckweed is probably your best bet in the area.

I heard a rumor that the Club 112 site will be operated as a Live Nation venue. Anyone know more? That would be a big addition to DT, Live Nation brings a lot of acts.

Also now open (and across the street from 112) is Martini Republic. They're still working things out, but the ground level area is open. To come a very large outdoor deck and upstairs "VIP" area. Bar only, no food.

The martini republic is nice and relatively cheap. Bar and couches are nice. Wish they had food.

By LAWRENCE SULLIVAN | Tbo.com
Published: February 27, 2012 Updated: February 27, 2012 - 6:00 AM
» 6 Comments | Post a Comment
TAMPA --
The lighting is dim at night. Stones along the walkways are cracked, and several businesses are boarded-up.
But thanks to a city plan to spruce up the stretch of Franklin Street downtown between Polk and Fortune streets, as well as the addition of two new businesses, the area is poised for redevelopment.
"It's a pedestrian gateway to our city, so it's important to us," said Bob McDonaugh, the city's administrator for economic opportunity.
The area itself is great, and the city's improvements will be a boon to the nearby businesses, said Mark Culbreath, manager of Fly Bar & Restaurant, at 1202 N. Franklin St.
"Improvements alone might attract more businesses to the area, which downtown needs," Culbreath said.
"Every piece helps something else start," said architect Stephanie Ferrell, who owns a business at 1213 N. Franklin St. "Redevelopment is a synergistic process."
The city wants to improve street lighting, widen walkways and add trees.
A fountain will be removed.
There have been issues with vagrants because of the dim lighting, Culbreath said. While he said the area is safe, a perception exists that it is dangerous because of the poor lighting.
The Franklin Street improvement project likely will begin soon and be completed by summer, McDonaugh said.
The stretch also will be improved thanks to businesses Tampa Live and Martini Republic, which have recently opened or are set to open in the 900 block of North Franklin. Tampa Live will be a live music venue; Martini Republic is an upscale martini bar.
Plus, in the past few years more people have moved to the neighborhood, McDonaugh said.
Despite some planned condominiums never coming to fruition because of the housing market bust, SkyPoint and Metro 510, among others, have added vibrancy back to the area.
The Franklin Street corridor was at its business peak in the 1940s and '50s. But in the 1960s, residential flight to the suburbs hurt Franklin Street businesses. In the 1980s and '90s, suburban shopping malls lured away even more shoppers.
The stretch only recently started picking back up.
Josh Croy, a Martini Republic owner, said he wanted to bring the area back to where it was 20 years ago.
"We just figured if we came in there, it would ignite something and something more would come," he said.
Several years ago the city improved Franklin from Polk Street to Kennedy Boulevard, widening or replacing walkways, increasing the size of flower beds and adding lighting.
Franklin isn't the only downtown street being improved. A $1.2 million project is under way to turn a portion of Zack Street into an artsy, pedestrian-friendly thoroughfare leading to the banks of the Hillsborough River.

The stretch also will be improved thanks to businesses Tampa Live and Martini Republic, which have recently opened or are set to open in the 900 block of North Franklin. Tampa Live will be a live music venue; Martini Republic is an upscale martini bar.

Well that seems to confirm the Live Nation music venue rumor I heard. It's supposed to be where Club 112 was, which is a big space. Anyone have more info?

Great News! It'll be great to have another area of the city with life pretty much 24/7. The whole Franklin area is really impressing me and I hope more good news comes for the area and the residents at Element and Skypoint. And I wonder with the increase in amenities along Franklin, will the city wait too long to extend the streetcar? The city really needs to throw away trying to grab TIGER funding for the Riverwalk and go after funding to fund the streetcar. The streetcar has far more potential, benefits, and credibility to obtain funding, not bashing the Riverwalk.

And Del Mayberry, thank you for the article but can we please attach the links to the articles? :)

Exciting stuff

Tampa doing something in the right direction? No shit..

"Every piece helps something else start," said architect Stephanie Ferrell, who owns a business at 1213 N. Franklin St. "Redevelopment is a synergistic process."
It's a shame that the street level of the building that this woman works in is wasted. What a great space that would be for retail.

Work has resumed at the old Club 112 site. This is the same block as 915 Franklin that is having major work done. Maybe Tampa Live is gearing up?

I snapped some pics, it's all cleared out. Compare these to the ones I snapped back in September 2011 (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showpost.php?p=83640814&postcount=31). Sorry about the quality, it's quite dark in there and light outside, tough for white balance on a phone.

Club 112 Album - March 2012 (http://imgur.com/a/z6r2g)

http://i.imgur.com/zsvDJh.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/t7WWJh.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/wBdzsh.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/AbsTsh.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/ruGydh.jpg

Nice picks

jonknee, noticed that there was inside work going on on the building south of Kress last week. Normal repair work?

jonknee, noticed that there was inside work going on on the building south of Kress last week. Normal repair work?

Not sure, they have been doing a lot of work on the whole block. From stuff on the roof (removing some stuff, patching, etc) to removing the interior ceiling in one of the buildings. As far as I know it's to keep the code violation fines at bay, but it has been going on for quite some time.

^They had a lot of work to do to get up to code, which probably explains why they stalled so long.

Interesting development at Kress, there's a public notice sign up about a certificate of appropriateness for "storefront rehabilitation". It's going before the architectural review board. Hearing date 7/9/12. Anyone have a guess at what that means? Perhaps more work is planned than cleaning up the code violations...

There's a sign up next to Jimmy Johns about a Pita Pit coming soon. There's still a lot of work to be done, but the block is quickly filling up.

Interesting development at Kress, there's a public notice sign up about a certificate of appropriateness for "storefront rehabilitation". It's going before the architectural review board. Hearing date 7/9/12. Anyone have a guess at what that means? Perhaps more work is planned than cleaning up the code violations...
We can hope. However, I believe that storefront rehab is something that is usually handled by staff, so a public hearing leads me to think that they're up to some funny business.

I dont know what they are doing but they has been at least 3-4 people working in the building for at least 3 weeks. Actually I have seen them in all 3 buildings in that block.

We can hope. However, I believe that storefront rehab is something that is usually handled by staff, so a public hearing leads me to think that they're up to some funny business.

It's a historic building.

It's a historic building.
That's what the ARC is for... along with select districts. Still, most minor improvements don't need to have a public hearing.

That's what the ARC is for... along with select districts. Still, most minor improvements don't need to have a public hearing.

That's exactly why I am curious and posted about it.

Why are the Kress buildings in downtown St. Pete and Orlando renovated and Tampa's Kress crappy?

Because the owners of the building going back for decades haven't done jack shit with it.

They should have increased taxes and penalties for dereliction of buildings

Because the owners of the building going back for decades haven't done jack shit with it.

plus the two throrns in it's side don't help either (WW & Newberry)

Was reading this article (http://www.tampabay.com/news/politics/huge-private-nightclub-proposed-for-curtis-hixon-park-during-rnc/1235677) about some RNC events and mentions that the Kress and Woolworth buildings will be used for a warehouse party. So mystery solved.

So the new landscaping along Franklin street is in. Pretty big improvement and it runs from Fortune to Zack. They removed the uneven stone pavers (granite?) and either replaced with matching red brick or planters. Lots of jasmine. The fountain has been removed which is nice considering it had not been maintained and was just a breeding ground for mosquitos.

Irrigation was run as well so there's a chance this will look nice for a while.

I snapped a few pics today on my way to the office, here's the gallery (http://imgur.com/a/vQPWf).

http://i.imgur.com/UbLvT.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/Y4Dbm.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/JTxbT.jpg

The Club 112 block is getting a big sprucing up before the RNC. They have even installed new awnings (wish there were more of those around DT, love the shade and rain cover as I walk home from work). New black awnings went up the other day and yesterday they took down the ones in front of 112, hopefully to replace them. I'd also love to see that orange go away.

The building on the North side of the block has gotten new stucco and it looks a lot nicer. The interior had previously been cleared out. This block is the same owner as Kress, so perhaps it has a tie in with the RNC as well. At minimum I'd expect they use the parking garage portion.

I'll post some pictures shortly.

Photos.

http://i.imgur.com/EilFQ.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/tw9mD.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/Mry7s.jpg

I'll follow up in a few days when they have finished up.

Wasn't the Club 112 building supposed to become something called Tampa Live? Whatever happened with that?

Wasn't the Club 112 building supposed to become something called Tampa Live? Whatever happened with that?

Slow going, but they are continuing work. I've seen lots of welder types lately.

Sounds good.

The photos are always appreciated.

Quite a difference. Can't say I love the corner, but it looks a lot nicer than what it was before.

http://i.imgur.com/9ph2N.jpg (http://imgur.com/9ph2N)

http://i.imgur.com/NVmDX.jpg (http://imgur.com/NVmDX)

It's a start.

Club 112 is getting the same treatment, so that will be a nice change too.

windows would be nice