High-Rise Arguments Make Way Through Courts, Commissions
By IVAN J. HATHAWAY ihathaway@tampatrib.com
Published: Nov 27, 2004


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BAYSHORE - Although more than 18 months have passed since plans for a Bayshore Boulevard condominium surfaced, and despite repeated rejections from the city, a developer's battle to erect the high- rise is far from over.

So is a Hyde Park neighborhood's resolve to stop the project.

Next month, a circuit court hearing is scheduled to discuss procedural details in Citivest Construction Corp.'s lawsuit seeking to overturn rulings by the Architectural Review Commission and Tampa City Council.

Then, at a hearing tentatively set for Jan. 6, city attorneys will ask a judge to dismiss the lawsuit.

While the court case works its way along, attorneys for Citivest and developer Bill Robinson also are approaching the legal stumbling blocks from another angle.

Lawyer John Grandoff has requested public records in an effort to re-create how the property at Bayshore and DeSoto Avenue came to be drawn into the Hyde Park Historic District when it was created in the mid-1980s.

Grandoff, who represents Robinson, wants the Tampa Historic Preservation Commission to hear his request to redraw the district's boundaries. He said the commercially zoned property shouldn't have been included in the historic district.

He hopes to present his case to the preservation board early next year.

A win by Citivest in either arena could result in workers pouring the foundation of a luxury high-rise.

Because of the site's location and the need to get construction waivers for the originally planned 31-story, more than 400-feet-tall building, Grandoff began presenting the plans to the architectural commission and city council in spring 2003.

Neighbors railed against the plans, which were rejected by the commission and withdrawn before the city council could vote on them.

A scaled-down, 24-story version needed no waivers and left the city council out of the loop. With neighborhood opposition still strong, the commission also rejected that version as too large for the historic district.

Robinson appealed to the city council, which in June upheld the commission ruling.

The lawsuit contends those rulings should be reversed because they weren't based on substantial evidence and Citivest was denied due process.

Not so, said Jerry Gewirtz, the chief assistant city attorney in charge of litigation.

``The city council acted properly,'' Gewirtz said. ``The city believes council's decision is totally defendable.

``The city is confident that the court ultimately will find this lawsuit to be without merit,'' he said.

The president of the Historic Hyde Park Neighborhood Association, Jeanne Holton Carufel, said the opposition is steadfast.

``We're committed. We're not going anywhere,'' Carufel said. ``It's our neighborhood, so why should we give up?''

Reporter Ivan Hathaway can be reached at (813) 835-2103.
http://southtampa.tbo.com/southtampa/MGBHQKCZ02E.html

I dont' see how the city has any legal footing here... The site is zoned for it, and they've already approved other highrise towers within the historic district (One Bayshore, and others in the past). if this project would be "out of character" with the area, then they shouldn't have zoned the land for highrise development.

I've received news today from a very reliable source that the Pinnacle development is close to breaking ground...... from what i was told it will probably happen first quarter 05.

Well, that's what we've all been told.

:)

They had over 70% reservations on building one way back in the easrly summer, so if real sales are anything close to that (and assuming that reservations increased), I would suspect that building one will be a go - I am not sure about building two (I don't think that is open to reserve yet) or the observation thingy, which they should turn into another useful tower.

Ok, let's talk about the towers at Channelside for a minute - first, the good rendering
http://www.towersatchannelside.com/noflash/pictures/finaltowers.jpg

Now, someone I trust told me they were told that there are around 30 out of 257 units left and that ground breaking is tentatively scheduled for late Jan 2005.

If indeed they have those sales (and that is what the number was all about - not reservations) then it will be built.

I look forward to the cranes - a mess of them -

though I will believe when I see.

It looks like the rendering was done w/ max6 are there any new renderings of the four seasons, pinnacle Place, or the ashley tower?

Might be a good rendering but they look UGLY... Especially with that paint job....

Report: New art museum could face shortfall
As estimates for the new building grow, the museum could run short unless its endowment increases. The city says it won't give the facility more money.
By JANET ZINK, Times Staff Writer
Published December 2, 2004

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TAMPA - The estimated cost of a new city art museum has been climbing, and now backers have learned they'll also need to boost the museum endowment five-fold - from $2-million to $10-million - to meet operating expenses.

If that goal can't be met, the museum will need to come up with $360,000 to cover operations in the first year, says a report received Tuesday from the Cambridge, Mass., economic research firm ConsultEcon.

Mayor Pam Iorio said the city won't contribute any more to the museum than it has already committed.

"We've always had that position," said Iorio, who met with museum leaders Tuesday to discuss the report.

The city pays $930,000 each year to operate the museum, and has pledged to give $2-million to support the new 151,000-square-foot building, which is three times the size of the existing museum. The city also is putting $29.8-million toward construction costs. Museum fundraisers say they have $30-million in pledges to cover construction, which could top $68-million.

Iorio said she is waiting for a business plan from the museum board and for final construction costs, which should be available this month.

"We're still analyzing, along with the museum board, their ability to raise money and make sure the museum can run successfully," she said. "This is a major project funded by lots of public money and lots of private money. It's very important that the museum be a long-term success." Museum director Emily Kass said a larger endowment, which would generate about 5 percent of the annual budget, isn't the only option for covering operating expenses.

"That's the recommended way to do it, but barring having the endowment in place there are other ways to raise money," she said. "Our board feels very comfortable with being able to make up the difference."

Possibilities include annual fundraisers, pursuing grant funding, increasing the price of facilities rental, raising admission fees and fine-tuning expenses, said ConsultEcon vice president Bob Brais. The projected budget for the new museum already suggests raising ticket prices from $7 to $9.

The new museum should attract about 175,000 visitors a year, the report says. About 95,000 people went to the museum in 2003.

Expansion of the permanent collection through donations and the ability to host "blockbuster" type shows supported by corporate and individual sponsors should bring in more patrons, Kass said.

"Our biggest limitation is the size of our galleries. We turn down so many wonderful exhibitions because we just don't have the space for them," she said.

For example, the existing Tampa art museum couldn't have accommodated the show of works by glass artisan Dale Chihuly that brought 150,000 people to the Museum of Fine Arts in St. Petersburg this year, she said.

The new museum also will be able to bring in exhibits from such art world heavyweights as the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Smithsonian Institutions and the Corcoran Gallery, the report says.

"In planning the design of the new museum we were very conscious not only of the kinds of exhibition space you need but what do you need behind the scenes in terms of being able to accommodate crates and large-scale art," Kass said.

City officials plan to break ground on the museum early next year with an opening scheduled for 2007.

Construction was supposed to begin in early 2003, but Iorio put those plans on hold shortly after taking office until private backers came up with their portion of the money.

Since then, construction costs have gone up. By May, the estimated price had increased from $60-million to $68-million because of the rising price of concrete and steel.

Beck construction company plans this month to deliver final construction costs.

Steve Daignault, the city's administrator for public works and utilities, said that in a meeting last month with Beck he identified more than a dozen high-priced items that need to be reviewed.

Concrete costs were particularly troubling, he said, because the price had almost doubled since May.

"In this new museum some of the concrete is going to architectural elements," he said. "It's going to be exposed and part of the facade. Between the Beck folks and the architect and us we've tried to clarify and simplify what they can do with the concrete and how we expect it to look and at the same time reduce some of the costs."

A major overhaul of the building design is not likely, Kass said.

"Costs associated with any kind of redesign are something the board and city would have to look at very carefully," Kass said. "There are elements that will make the museum successful that have to do with the building design."

In addition to space for larger exhibits, the new museum includes a restaurant, a bigger museum store and education space.

Kass said she also expects that the city's focus on redeveloping downtown as a cultural arts district and residential area will benefit the museum.

"The whole complexion of downtown Tampa is going to change. There's an immediate potential audience that doesn't exist now," she said. "I think people will be very open-minded about this project in terms of what do we need to do to get it going and making it successful."

[Last modified December 2, 2004, 00:05:08]
http://www.sptimes.com/2004/12/02/Hillsborough/Report__New_art_museu.shtml

Of course, taste is subjective, but I like 'em - they are odd - but I like 'em.

Certainly a refreshing change from Med Revival if nothing else.

I like the Towers at Channelside a good bit. Almost anything which isn't Med Rev is great in my book, if only because we're already inundated with it elsewhere in town.

Something pulled from the archived thread...

________________________________________________________________________________________


InTown Tampa for August 2004
http://tampasdowntown.com/intown080304b.htm

Plotting The Riverwalk's Course
Catherine Mitseas

http://tampasdowntown.com/email/intown080304b2.jpg

In envisioning where the Riverwalk stands today, it is best to think in terms of a complicated jigsaw puzzle. First you complete the easy sections, and then you ponder the tough pieces, trying to determine a strategy that will allow you to finish quickly. Right now, the city is at that point - the end is in sight; the question is how to get there.

The Riverwalk is a dream begun by previous mayors and recently upheld by current mayor Pam Iorio as one of the key components to Tampa's continued growth. Targeted for completion by 2010, the two-mile walkway will run in an "L" shaped pattern along the Hillsborough River's eastern side, connecting the new Waterworks Park north of the Stetson Law School with Harbour Island and all points in between. The walkway ends at the proposed site of the new history museum.

Logically, there are two primary challenges in creating a seamless walk around the city: money and bridges. The remaining construction carries a hefty tab - an estimated $15 million - created, in part, by the city's four bridges and one over-water railroad crossing.

"What do you do around bridges? You have to go out over the water at that point. You have to maintain head height" of about eight feet, said David Vaughn, contract administrator for the Department of Public Works.

Yet building under or around these bridges is key to the walkway's connectivity, said Dave Parkinson, deputy director of redevelopment for the City of Tampa. The knottiest point is at the CSX Railroad bridge adjacent to Cass Street, "probably the most challenging, from a physical clearance and construction perspective," Vaughn said.

No point of the project is insurmountable, though. "It is a matter of agreeing on design solutions and balancing design options with costs," said Parkinson.

Funding for the project is another part of the puzzle. Mayor Iorio hopes to rely on more than federal dollars. She is considering what private sector opportunities might be available, Vaughn said.

The Riverwalk is one of the most important public investments underway downtown, Parkinson explained. It will improve pedestrian access to the River and connect a variety of adjacent cultural and commercial centers, stimulating economic development. In addition to offering a safe and enjoyable way for individuals to walk around downtown, the Riverwalk provides walkers with links to public transportation. Currently walkways exist at the Performing Arts Center and behind the Marriott Waterside Hotel. Besides the two existing paths, there are five segments in the planning or funding phases, as shown on the Riverwalk Segment Map prepared by the Department of Public Works. Two of the funded sites include the Ribbon of Green waterfront parks on property owned by the city. That leaves 10 segments for the future.

Private ownership will complete some of the walkway. The developers of a residential tower planned for north of Brorein Street will build a segment, Vaughn said.

At the same time, economic elements are accelerating to ensure the Riverwalk's success, explained John Moors, administrator of Convention Facilities and Tourism with the City of Tampa. In his four-and-a-half years in Tampa, Moors has witnessed the rising of the new Marriott Waterside hotel and the renewal of Channelside, and has watched the population of Harbour Island swell to more than 6,000 people. Over the same time period, the number of weekly cruise passengers has more than doubled, from 3,000 to nearly 8,000.

Like others, Moors feels downtown residential development is critical. More people mean more commerce -- and increased opportunity for business to flourish along the water.

"Imagine walking from home to the arts center or from home to a hotel for a fireworks display," he said. "The pedestrian and residential element will help the city take off."

They've walled off the Ashley Street/Novare Group site all the way from Tampa Street to Ashley. Hopefully we'll see the demolition of that hideous condemned parking garage and a new crane in DT very soon...

I can't wait to see that god-awful garage go, I don't care if they put a Wal-Mart there at this point. Okay, well maybe not...

There won't be a crane for a bit, they jsut annoucned teh condo project a few months ago. things may be selling, but not that fast. I would rather they leave the garage until they are really ready to go. The last thing I want is another empty lot - even if it is temporary.

I would rather have the empty lot. If this project fails, it makes the next one that much easier.

Is that the particularly ugly garage with the screens ?

Screens, rust, and the associative stigma of all the other decay in the north end of downtown. I think an empty lot wouldn't be quite as bad as that rotting wart.

Maybe I haven't been interested in reconstruction and the reversal of urban decay long enough, but I don't think an empty lot is very probable. From a logical sense, it would not be wise business management to pay for a site, extensive clearing, and not have construction plans immediately in queue. A lag between the two would be inefficient and just waste money. To me, it seems (and again, maybe I'm naive), that clearing the site is mostly indicative of construction.

And as a sidebar, the Riverside Residences property has been fenced off. Any news from the developers? I hate being teased...

Riverside Residences - I have been told that there will be some news next week. No idea what and not sure it will come out next week, but we'll see.

AS for clearing the garage - empty lots look more desolate than garages - even without cars. That building will not be going up for months. . .if ever.

Next Stop: Extending Trolley Line
By ANDY REID and MIKE SALINERO The Tampa Tribune
Published: Dec 3, 2004




TAMPA - City leaders say they love Tampa's downtown streetcar - but not enough to pay for a $7 million expansion.
Instead, Tampa wants to dip into state and federal pocketbooks.

Streetcar backers propose using federal transportation money intended for projects that ease air pollution to help stretch Tampa's trolley line about 3/8-mile north by 2007.

Extending the streetcar line from beside the Tampa Convention Center north to Whiting Street, near the city's Fort Brooke parking garage, could beef up ridership by luring downtown workers.

Streetcar officials justify using money intended to ease traffic congestion and air pollution by saying the extension allows future downtown residents someday to use the streetcar as a commuting alternative to cars.

Downtown may have many proposals for lofts and condominiums, but little has been built and few people live there.

Streetcars today typically cater to tourists traveling between Ybor City and the Channel District. Streetcars don't start rolling each day until 11 a.m.

City leaders, however, say they are focused on the streetcar's transportation potential.

``Something like the streetcar really has to be evaluated long term,'' Mayor Pam Iorio said. ``It is an alternative to taking a car.''

The Tampa City Council on Thursday gave its support to pursuing $3 million in state and federal funding for the streetcar extension. The Hillsborough County Metropolitan Planning Organization plans to vote on the plan Tuesday.

Streetcar representatives said state and federal money to cover the rest of the extension cost has already been requested or secured.

``It makes the streetcar accessible to over 25,000 or 30,000 workers who have not been willing to walk down to the streetcar line,'' said Michael English, president of Tampa Historic Streetcar Inc., which oversees operations. ``We can dramatically increase ridership without a great increase in operating costs.''


Ridership Exceeds Projections

The $63.5 million streetcar line was a joint venture between the city and the Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority, funded mostly by federal money with more than $10 million from the city.

The 2.4 mile streetcar line connecting Ybor City and the Channel District started operating in October 2002. It costs $1.50 to ride one way.

About 420,000 people rode the streetcar during its first year of operations, and that went up to about 425,000 during the second year, HARTline spokesman Ed Crawford said.

Streetcar planners expected about 360,000 a year before the streetcar line opened, Crawford said.

Ridership estimates project future increases limited to 1 or 2 percent a year without a streetcar extension, Crawford said.

An extension to Whiting Street and beyond always was planned for the streetcar line, English said.

Plans call for continuing the streetcar north through downtown, either on Franklin Street or Ashley Drive, and into Tampa Heights before turning east and connecting with the existing Ybor City portion.

``The expansion of the streetcar system would mean it could be much more of a real transportation system than a tourist novelty,'' City Councilwoman Linda Saul-Sena said.

George Pelltier and John Hansmann, self-confessed ``snowbirds'' from Ontario, Canada, were bumming around Ybor on Thursday and jumped on the trolley for the fun of it.

``It's excellent,'' Pelltier said. ``It's very reasonable in price, and it's a good way to get your bearings.''

Jill Wax, owner of La France vintage clothing store said the trolley has helped her business by bringing people from downtown to Ybor. Her store also gets traffic from cruise ship tourists that it didn't get before the trolley started running two years ago.

``It was exactly what we needed to connect Ybor to the important areas of this part of Tampa,'' Wax said.

But Jenna Kocic, the manager of the Green Iguana, said she has never heard a customer comment about the trolley.

``Customers don't come in and say they use it,'' Kocic said. ``I don't necessarily think it's made an impact on our business.''


Assessments Will Continue

Using federal or state money to build a streetcar extension doesn't spare local taxpayers from paying to help operate the trolleys.

City officials said in September that next year they might expand an annual assessment on property owners downtown and in Ybor City that helps pay for streetcar operations.

Homeowners have been exempt in the past, but officials said that might end in order to tap revenue from residential development planned near the streetcar line.

The streetcar assessment charges nonresidential properties about 33 cents per $1,000 of assessed property value. That is expected to generate about $345,000 of the trolley's $1.8 million budget this year.

Fares paid to ride the streetcar generate about $400,000 a year. In addition to the tax and fares, streetcar revenue comes from advertising on streetcar facilities, federal grants and an endowment fund.

``It cost a lot to build,'' Iorio said. ``Now that it is here, it needs to be supported.''


Reporter Andy Reid can be reached at (813) 259-8409. Reporter Mike Salinero can be reached at (813) 259-8303.

http://www.tampatrib.com/MGBDV2DV92E.html

This is one category I am pleased Orlando beats us in . . .

Bay area risky for walking
The area's roads remain the second-most dangerous in the nation for pedestrians, behind only Orlando, a study shows.
By STEVE THOMPSON
Published December 3, 2004

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Pedestrians in the Tampa Bay area take their lives in their hands more than in any other metro area in the nation except Orlando, according to a national study released Thursday.

"Mean Streets 2004" also puts the Tampa Bay area among 10 with the greatest declines in pedestrian safety during the past decade.

The report comes amid recent examples of how deadly the roads here can be.

Last week, a hit-and-run driver in St. Pete Beach killed 5-year-old Victoria D'Addio as she was vacationing with her mother and brother. In October, Clearwater High School student Rebecca McKinney was killed as she tried to cross six-lane McMullen-Booth Road after getting off a school bus.

The report lays much of the blame for pedestrian fatalities on politicians and planners responsible for features that make cities more "walkable."

The planners have focused on creating high-speed traffic, says the report by the nonprofit Surface Transportation Policy Project in Washington, D.C., while "treating our communities and pedestrian safety particularly as an afterthought."

But Trooper Larry Coggins, spokesman for the Florida Highway Patrol, says pedestrians themselves need to take control of their safety.

"Every week, someone is run over on U.S. 19 either in Pasco or Pinellas, and what's the common denominator?" he said. "Every one of them runs out in the middle of the block and does not cross at a safe spot."

A St. Petersburg Times study of fatalities on U.S. 19 in Pasco County from 1990 to 2000 supports his assertion. The analysis found that most who died were middle-aged men who tried to cross the road:

At night (88 percent).

In areas without street lights (74 percent).

Away from pedestrian crosswalks (76 percent).

After drinking alcohol (55 percent).

Mean Streets 2004 ranked five Florida metro areas among the deadliest for walkers. The state's climate probably has something to do with it, said Whit Blanton of Orlando, transportation chairman for the American Planning Association.

"I think that gets people out and about more often than in other states," he said. "So our rates of crashes are probably going to be higher just because there are more of us out there to hit."

Also, unlike in states with older cities, "most of our planning and development was done during an era when we weren't thinking about the pedestrian too much," he said. "We were thinking about moving cars."

The focus for traffic engineers today is "to move cars through intersections at the highest rate of speed possible, legally," Blanton said. "It's not their fault. It's just that commuters are demanding it, and the politicians are asking them to do it."

Tampa Bay's No. 2 position behind Orlando is unchanged from the last Mean Streets report, released in 2002. To create the rankings, the report's authors combine pedestrian fatality rates with census findings on numbers of people who walk to work. The study's authors admit a better measure of pedestrian exposure would include all types of trips, but a nationwide source of such data could not be obtained.

In 2003, the report says, 88 pedestrians died on the roads of the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater area. Nationwide, 4,827 were killed.

DANGEROUS AREAS
10 most dangerous large metro areas for pedestrians: 1. Orlando

2. Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater

3. West Palm Beach-Boca Raton

4. Miami-Fort Lauderdale

5. Memphis 6. Atlanta

7. Greensboro-Winston Salem-High Point, N.C.

8. Houston-Galveston-Brazoria, Texas

9. Jacksonville

10. Phoenix-Mesa, Ariz.

For more information, you may check the report

at www.transact.org/

http://www.sptimes.com/2004/12/03/Tampabay/Bay_area_risky_for_wa.shtml

I am not sure what the zoning for this lot is, but it is a sweet location ofr almost any use - great view, great access and few residential neighbors immediately adjacent:
Unnamed buyer poised to buy popular corner parking spot
By JANET ZINK, Times Staff Writer
Published December 3, 2004

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BAYSHORE GARDENS - The 1-acre parcel at the corner of Bayshore and Bay to Bay boulevards is under contract to be sold to a developer.

The property, owned for more than 20 years by two local investment firms, is a popular parking spot for people who use Bayshore Boulevard.

Ron Weaver, an attorney for Cliff Levy, a principal in the two companies that own the land, declined to disclose the name of the buyer or plans for the property. But Weaver said his client has received several unsolicited offers for the land. He confirmed one of them is headed to the closing table.

The city has had a lease agreement with the owners for the past six years so that the land can be used for public parking and as a city park. The agreement is renewable every five years and can be terminated by either party with 30 days' notice, city real estate manager Jack Rodriguez said. As of Monday, he had not heard anything about ending the agreement.

Each day, at least 50 to 75 cars use the lot, said Marsha Carter, a city parks and recreation superintendent. Since leasing the land, the city has added landscaping, a water fountain and picnic tables.

Two years ago, the city installed a flagpole and sign honoring the Bayshore Patriots, a group that stands near the corner every Friday to wave American flags commemorating the people who died during the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

[Last modified December 2, 2004, 13:11:08]
http://www.sptimes.com/2004/12/03/Citytimes/Unnamed_buyer_poised_.shtml.

More mystery about this Crescent plan - isuspect they are going to surprise teh Council with a mildly scaled down proposal base on the previous info I have been given.

Hyde Park North: Council set to consider Bayshore condo plan
Neighbors fear a 20-story tower will affect traffic. Developers have agreed to pay for task-force-recommended safety measures.
By JANET ZINK, Times Staff Writer
Published December 3, 2004

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Most mornings, Brian Crosby waits for what seems like forever to get out of his building's parking garage onto Bayshore Boulevard.

He and his neighbors at 345 Bayshore worry the problem will get even worse if a proposed condominium project is built next door.

"It's just going to be over the top," said Crosby, who lives in a 345 penthouse. "Traffic is going to be an absolute nightmare."

The City Council on Thursday will consider a request by Crescent Resources to rezone 1.8 acres north of 345 Bayshore to make way for a 20-story tower with 168 units. Prices for Seddon Place will start at $400,000.

If approved, the tower would replace a 72-unit apartment complex that dates back more than 50 years.

Crescent Resources of North Carolina also is building the 18-story One Bayshore at Bayshore Boulevard and Platt Street. A second phase includes a 27-story tower and townhouses.

The developers have met twice with neighbors. Their traffic concerns are unfounded, said Truett Gardner, an attorney for Crescent Resources.

"The level of service on all the roads will not change," he said.

The developer has promised to pay for area improvements recommended by the Bayshore Task Force, a group of neighborhood and city leaders appointed by Mayor Pam Iorio in February to come up with suggestions for increasing safety on Bayshore. Possibilities include adding a northbound traffic signal at Platt or a left turn lane from Bayshore to Verne Street.

Crescent also intends to rebrick three streets and construct a new brick street near its projects. To encourage people to use public transportation, the developer helped fund a HARTline trolley that runs from Old Hyde Park Village to downtown and stops in front of One Bayshore.

Residents of 345 Bayshore still aren't convinced the tower is a good idea.

"There are a lot of people who are concerned about the impact a building like that would have on our neighborhood," said 345 condominium association president Elizabeth DeConti.

People on the north side of the building also don't want to lose their views of downtown, she said.

The proposed project sits near what she calls the "Davis Islands choke," where people coming off the islands enter onto Bayshore. Traffic from the new condos at Platt at Bayshore will be enough, she said.

"We're not out to stop development in South Tampa," DeConti said. "We're just trying to make it reasonable. If there's some way they could go forward with this project without causing a traffic hazard, we'd be fine with it."

- Janet Zink can be reached at 226-3401 or jzink@sptimes.com

[Last modified December 2, 2004, 14:04:52]
http://www.sptimes.com/2004/12/03/Citytimes/Hyde_Park_North__Coun.shtml

If the city is going to really ask for federal money to extend the trolley 3/8 of a mile, I think they need to look at trying to at least expand it into the northern section of downtown in this next phase. Its a waste of everybody's time to keep extending this thing with roughly 1/2 mile extensions every 3 or 4 years. Its proving to be a success, suck it up and get it over with.

^ I agree. this adding a little piece every third or fourth year is a freaking joke. If they want to do it in small chunks, Fine, but do an addition every year. It will take them another twenty years to complete the proposed loop at this rate.
Sometimes I think Iorio is a little TOO conservative with the city's money. Like the musuem. She doesn't want to spend more tax payers money, that is great, but in the mean time, the price of construction is going up quicker than they can raise money , so it will never get built and we will continue to have a storage shed for a museum .

^^^ With regards to the 20 story condo article above getting flack from NIMBYs in another highrise next door...

Don't kid yourselves people... These folks in 345 Bayshore are mildly concerned about the traffic impact of a few dozen newcomers, if at all... What they are infinitely more concerned with is something they have no legal recourse over, which is their view being negatively impacted, which will invariably devalue their property some.

Plainly. Too bad - In my humble opinion. the project will get approved (generally) because Crescent is going to sacrifice the 25-27 story tower for two 20 or maybe even a bit smaller towers that are going to run parallel to Bayshore (thus perpendicular to 345) and it is Crescent and they build too much in Tampa to not win.

Why don't people learn that you have to face the water to get a preserved view.

For Developer, It Takes A Village To Make A Difference
By JANIS D. FROELICH jfroelich@tampatrib.com
Published: Dec 4, 2004







TAMPA - Roger Gatewood has more than a vision of another loft complex for the Channel District. He wants to create a village within the city.
The St. Petersburg developer is eager for Channelside Village to be much more than 360 residential units. He also plans shops and office space, inspired by Barcelona, where Spaniards walk and socialize.

First, though, Gatewood said he has to get through the holidays. ``Everything slows down a little this time of year.''

Gatewood has a Jan. 13 deadline looming. That's the date of the city zoning hearing for Channelside Village.

He is proposing four, 14-story buildings between Meridian Avenue and 12th Street, bordered by Whiting Street and Cumberland Avenue. The height limit in the Channel District is 60 feet.

The $100 million project would be within a block of the Channelside entertainment complex.

Channelside Village's building designs would be urban Mediterranean, modern, historic warehouse and a classical midrise.

``That's Roger's vision based on his travels in Spain,'' said CGHJ architect Stephanie December Gaines, who is designing the buildings. ``We want each piece to look like a village and not like a monstrous project.''

Gaines said each building would be a different color. ``But somehow this will all work together, even with the different architecture,'' she said.

The villagelike enclave could be just what the Channel District needs, said Kim Markham, editor of the community association newsletter. She and her husband, Richard, a physician who operates Channel Medical Clinic at 209 12th St., sold their building to Gatewood.

``We didn't want to leave the area, but Roger's project was too good for the neighborhood,'' Markham said.

The medical clinic hopes to move to Adamo Drive and 19th Street so it will still serve the Port of Tampa, Markham said.

Gatewood plans to use the clinic building, which also houses an artist gallery, as a temporary sales office.

He is negotiating with the Greenbaum family to buy the Seaboard Cold Storage building, 110 S. 11th St. The 100,000-square-foot storage operation could be replaced by the bulk of the residential project as early as 2006.


Reporter Janis D. Froelich can be reached at (813) 259-7143.

http://centraltampa.tbo.com/centraltampa/MGBZIZGZA2E.html

Oh, so she sold out . . . nice. Just cashing in after bitching so long.

Anyway, the arcitectural aspects of this thing still confuse me, but 4 14-sory buildings is about the right density for that area as it steps toward the taller buildings outside the "zone."

Oh yea, I was driving around - there is claerly some site work going on at 1000/900 Channelside, there is a trailer, they fenced off and cleared the lots and they look like they may be pounding dirt down for the foundation for the 1000 building - but no one was out there today so I am not sure. A quite project, but it fills a gap and the more the merrier - especially with teh Meridian going up and the Place coming soon after (not to mention the Towers) - creating something from nothing.

I forgot all about Channelside Villiage for the compilation above... Did we ever have a schematic rendering or anything?

There is nothing that I know of yet. I think they will wait for the hearing (maybe they will have some stuff there - if I remember I will look)

I haven't heard anything about Tampa Bay One recently except that they were waiting for a major office tenant. When I drove by today I saw lots of heavy equipment on the lot, machines that I couldn't label. I wonder what they're up to...I guess the fun is in the speculation. :sly:

I also rudely eavesdropped on a group of businessmen from the Towers of Channelside yesterday in Jeoffrey's talking. They were having an interesting discussion about construction crew hierarchies and how to motivate the two different crews for the different towers by offering incentives for being the first to complete the construction. Looks like things are progressing well for a likely January/February '05 groundbreaking.

Oh, so she sold out . . . nice. Just cashing in after bitching so long.


And moving into a custom built warehouse in the district :P

I think the machinery on TB1's site is just being stored there, probably on a lease contract. I wouldn't be surprised if the folks doing that stacked retail project on the other side of Dale Mabry are leasing it.

While I like the TB1 concept, I am much more concerned with Channelside and DT proper. I would trade TB1 for simialr size projects there anyday. There is little likelihood that TB1 would really spark to truly urban area, so, while it would be nice and the developer seems determineed to build it (hence the ads all over the place), it can wait, in my humble opinion.

Let the Towers begin.

I want to start a thread about how our new trend for urban living will affect our cities in Florida in general, and Tampa more specifically. It would be somewhat heavy on the theory/anecdotal side and probably come in parts. Does anyone think this would be interesting?

What is Tampa Bay 1? I never heard of it. Is it a high-rise? Can you post some renderings?

TBI is a major development planned for the eastern part of Westshore. Its main attraction is that on the ground level it will be designed to accomodate retail and be walkable, much like a traditional "downtown" cluster of developments. If you live in Tampa, you can see a rendering on I-275 Northbound as you head past the Dale Mabry intersection. I believe it doesn't yet have a major tenant, so it could be a few years before it gets built, if it ever does.

I want to start a thread about how our new trend for urban living will affect our cities in Florida in general, and Tampa more specifically. It would be somewhat heavy on the theory/anecdotal side and probably come in parts. Does anyone think this would be interesting?

Just do it. If it was stupid, then it will be on the next page in 2 days :)

I'm a USF student too.

Lou, what are you studying?





btw, it also just dawned on me that the update above doesn't include any info about the two condo project near the Forum on Channelside Dr (recently proposed, no renderings)...

Has anyone ever heard anything about what the City is doing with the land on Ashley that was origionally going to be for the two Byrd condos (on the river, north of the TMoA)?

What is Tampa Bay 1? I never heard of it. Is it a high-rise? Can you post some renderings?


It is supposed to be comprised of a 21 story hotel/condo, a 15 story office tower, a 13 story office tower (750k sqft office total), a movie theater, considerable retail/entertainment space, and over 4,000 parking spaces in a garage above some retail, and another garage. For a "phase 2" there was another block designated to be townhouses, along with another block which would be developed at that time for whatever the market demanded.

It is supposed to create a "town center" for that area, just as Shops at Channelside has in Channelside, and Baywalk has in DT St Pete.

I am a political science major at the moment, but fleeting off to NJ next Fall to do landscape architecture. Well, if I get accepted at Rutgers.

Two stories of parking at the bottom on a waterfront site? I hate this whoel idea. It should be somewhere else.

New History Center Deal Joins Tampa Lore
By LELAND HAWES lhawes@tampatrib.com
Published: Dec 7, 2004




TAMPA - After more than 15 years, historians and preservationists finally got their fondest wish Monday: a permanent local history museum.
Tampa and Hillsborough County leaders signed a deal to build the $17 million Tampa Bay History Center on parkland fronting Garrison Channel. They plan a 2008 opening.

``We will now have a home for history,'' said George B. Howell III, chairman of the history center, which has been operating out of a cramped Tampa Convention Center storefront.

The drive to build a permanent home for historic artifacts dates back to the 1980s, when then-Hillsborough Commissioner Jan Platt created a task force to study need and feasibility. At the time, a collection including ancient bones and faded Civil War uniforms was housed in a room at the courthouse.

Ater years of fits and starts, when critics sought to derail museum backers' efforts, a ``remarkable series of events'' occurred in recent months, Howell said.

Those included help from the Florida Communities Trust, a state agency that provided money for the final phase of Cotanchobee-Fort Brooke Park. Dedicated in March 2003, the park will be home to the new museum.

They also included the county's unanimous vote in October, reaffirming its $17 million pledge in construction money.

History center backers have raised $9.5 million toward a $20 million permanent endowment to finance operating expenses. That was key to winning county support, said county commission Chairman Jim Norman, who signed the agreement along with Tampa Mayor Pam Iorio in Monday's ceremony at the center's temporary quarters.

The building's design is expected to emerge from a county-sponsored architectural contest, but preliminary plans call for a five-level structure, the first two for parking, said Rob Blount, center president.

The 32,000-square-foot building will occupy about 10 percent of the park's 2.32 acres, he said. With exhibit areas on upper levels, the artifacts should be safe from flooding. The collection has grown to include thousands of items, ranging from an 1890s crumb tray from Plant Hotel to buttons dropped at Fort Brooke.

They'll be coming to a place steeped in local history. The park once housed part of that pioneering fort hacked out of the wilderness in 1824. Fort Brooke would one day become modern Tampa.

Through the 20th century, the site has had industrial uses, including an asphalt plant and wharves. Only in recent years was it cleared.

``Our children and grandchildren will thank us,'' Platt said at the signing. ``This really is a historic day.''

The museum will ``give us an understanding of how we got here,'' Iorio said.

The new museum fits the Tampa Downtown Partnership's vision, said Christine Burdick, president of the coalition of downtown business people. ``People want to be downtown not so much to be close to work but for its cultural and entertainment assets.''


Reporter Leland Hawes can be reached at (813) 259-7827.

http://www.tampatrib.com/MGBMJ4UKF2E.html

Ok, this is a very small rendering from teh website of the Westshore Yacht Club development south of Gandy (not the Grady Pridgen plan, andother development). They have this condo building - which appears to be 14 stories thought the rendering is so small it is hard to figure out. I will try to find a better one. I don't love this design, but I guess it is tolerable filler.

http://wci.wcicommunities.com/images/PT/55/1102349039390/1102349039406/Castillorendering1204_250w.jpg

I'm totally against the Historical Center location. I still feel it should be located somewhere in the vicinity of North Franklin Street in a renovated older brick building from Tampa's heyday. Not only that, but a location in that area would put it in the middle of the "so-called" arts district and within walking distance of the proposed Museum of Art. Oh well, I guess there's no reason to cry over it, since I'm not putting up any money for it.

Channel District: Construction is underway on Victory Lofts and The Meridian. Road work continues to take shape on the new Meridian Street Boulevard.

Theatre District: The conversion and renovation of The Arlington, located on North Franklin Street, is well underway. Along Franklin Street you will soon see new businesses including a sushi restaurant.

Central Business District: Construction continues on Rampello Downtown Partnership School. Also, demolition has begun on the old TECO parking garage on Tampa Street to make way for a new 30 story high-rise condominium. Furthermore, construction continues on the new Embassy Suites across from the Tampa Convention Center.

River District (Formally the Cultural Arts District): Art Center Lofts is entering its final phase of construction and will begin to accept residents soon. This past weekend the new Patel Conservatory opened to the public bringing more vibrancy to the district.

Downtown West District: The University of Tampa continues to reach its goals of constructing new residences halls. In fact, soon the wrecking ball will be swinging at the corner of Hyde Park Avenue and Kennedy Boulevard to make way for a new private dorm to meet UT's growing demand for campus housing.

From 12/6/04 http://www.tampasdowntown.com/memo.htm

I also think the location of the History center sucks major, major ass. It should either be in the old Fed courthouse, or it should be on a site along Ashley, in the "Arts District".

Where they are siting the museum is so far off the beaten path that it will be all but ignored. I understand that area is really growing, but the arena, the park, and the parking lots surrounding it, gaurentee that few will ever really see it. It's a very low profile location for such a use.


btw, Smiley is right about 900-1000 Channelside being U/C... When I saw it yesterday, it looked like they are doing prep work on the foundation of the northern building.

oh yeah, last week when I drove through DT, I left via Kennedy, and saw a bunch of contractor types gathered at Hyde Park Ave and Kennedy donning hard hats (lol) and looking at prints. I would imagine that those dorms are going up sooner than later.

Excellent. While smallish, that 1000/900 Channelside project will connect nicely and fill in some small spaces. I like it. Smallish projects add fabric.

As for the dorm - I hope so. The more dorms they can get in the Kennedy area the better. I jsut wish there was more spinoff business on the corridor to make it really come to life, but I guess it will come sooner or later.

If only we could get teh condo floks to start thinking over there . . .

This is why I give up on Tampa. Not putting the casino downtown, the I-4 corridor becoming Bush country, and something like the history museum.

"I-4 corridor becoming Bush country"

You're not from here, are you?

JAsonhouse, you were askign about that lot:

PLAY. LEARN. GROW. BUILD.
By: David Penn,
President/CEO of Kid City,
The Children's Museum of Tampa

That's what we're all about at Kid City, The Children's Museum of Tampa. Today, Children's Museums focus on providing "TLC" - Toddlers to Teenagers, Literacy, and Cultural Diversity. For Tampa-area children, The Children's Museum has been a place for fun in a learning environment. The Children's Museum of Tampa's two exhibits - an early childhood exhibit and a miniature city - have provided young children an opportunity to play while developing a sense of the community around them.

The vision, mission and values of Kid City, The Children's Museum of Tampa, are to inspire children and families by creating learning opportunities through community, creativity, curiosity, discovery, diversity, friendliness, fun, imagination and innovative play. The vision we now bring to the community is to take all the things we do so well and build a NEW children's museum for the Tampa Bay community.

The NEW Children's Museum of Tampa:
where learning is no work and all play

Encouraging families to learn together, children's museums are where children play to learn and grown-ups learn to play. The NEW Children's Museum of Tampa will be built in the downtown cultural arts district thanks to a gift of land from the City of Tampa and support from Hillsborough County. The location will make it possible for residents and visitors to easily spend a day along Tampa's waterfront, enjoying the park, the river, and taking advantage of numerous cultural opportunities that will keep bringing them back for more. The Children's Museum of Tampa is one of several projects in this area that bode well for the economic health of downtown Tampa.

The NEW Children's Museum of Tampa will provide a greater variety of exhibits. For toddlers to teenagers, we are planning at least 10 large multi-subject exhibits and a Family Education Center, with a Math/Reading Tutoring Center, Language Lab, and Youth Leadership Center. We also have researched the "Top 10" exhibits favored by children around the world at other children's museums. The top museum exhibits we hope to include are: a grocery, a water play area, an art display, the "Our Town" miniature city, bubbles, a toddler/Pre -K area, a multi-cultural exhibit, a diner/café, and exhibit about animals and an exhibit focused on science.

Additional ideas include several unique exhibits that either have never been done - or have not been done in a very long time: A Music Factory, A Live TV Studio, Adoption Options, Ability Avenue, A Story-Book Street and A Grandparents' Resource Center.

In an effort to plan strategically for the project, The Children's Museum of Tampa is undertaking a study to determine the availability of funds as well as the attitudes that may impact its ability to attract these funds. This planning study is designed to seek the input of key community leaders and is the first step in this important project. Your input is greatly valued and gratefully acknowledged. If you would like more information on any aspect of the NEW Children's Museum of Tampa, please call me at 813-935-8441 ext. 225.

Play. Learn. Grow. Build. We began serving Tampa Bay's children in a small storefront. The generosity and tenacity of our founders and other community leaders has allowed us to expand programming, enhance our community outreach, perform necessary facility renovation and increase membership. We're ready for the next phase of our development and growth and we'll need your help to make it happen.

Kid City, The Children's Museum of Tampa is a great place for families. Kids play to learn and adults learn to play. If you haven't been in a while, come see us!

About the Author:
David Penn has been at Kid City, The Children's Museum of Tampa since August, 2002. Prior to coming to Tampa, he was the Vice President of the Orlando Science Center. He has 20 years of executive experience with a Fortune 500 company and various nonprofits. David was selected as the nonprofit Executive Director of the Year in 1993. He is a graduate of Harvard University and was an international scholar at Richmond College in London, England. David and his wife Robin have one daughter, Audrey Ruth, and are in the process of adopting two boys.
http://tampasdowntown.com/intown120704a.htm

I woudl think that kids museum would be better off near MOSI or something...But DT is great too.

Too bad MOSI is out in the sticks, huh? Of course, that place consumes a good bit of land now that it is fairly large.

This is why I give up on Tampa. Not putting the casino downtown, the I-4 corridor becoming Bush country, and something like the history museum.

1. The casino couldn't have been placed anywhere else. It could have only been built in Seminole land.
2. I-4 corridor is 49% pro-Bush. Let's not forget that.
3. Why is that such a bad site for the history museum? They are building this right next to Channelside within walking distance of the shops and next to a trolley stop. The site is significant because that is where Fort Brooke was founded. AND they are filling up the waterfront with public space (and the construction would likely include the northern leg of the riverwalk).

This is why I give up on Tampa. Not putting the casino downtown, the I-4 corridor becoming Bush country, and something like the history museum.



It is the strong economy of George Bush and the great govenership of Jeb that is making it possible for all these intown developments around the country and state.

If you werre given a billion dollars ( and have to be practicle). What would you do in your city?

It is the strong economy of George Bush and the great govenership of Jeb that is making it possible for all these intown developments around the country and state.


US growth is slow, the dollar is in decline (against the economies of economically weaker nations becasue of Bush's fiscal policy), we have huge deficit spending (that spell future high taxes as the boomer retire and bankrupt our nation) and our rates of homelessness are skyrocketing. The Bush economy isn't "making" the real-estate re-development of Florida possible, its hampering its speed. No matter the party, Florida will continue to prosper, but a bad national economy isn't doing anything for us.

US growth is slow, the dollar is in decline (against the economies of economically weaker nations becasue of Bush's fiscal policy), we have huge deficit spending (that spell future high taxes as the boomer retire and bankrupt our nation) and our rates of homelessness are skyrocketing. The Bush economy isn't "making" the real-estate re-development of Florida possible, its hampering its speed. No matter the party, Florida will continue to prosper, but a bad national economy isn't doing anything for us.

US growth is strong - the strongest in 20 years.

And yes, we have a massive deficit, without which the economy would be even stronger. But liberal policies are at least equally to blame for sapping potential.

You wanna help the economy - stop buying stuff made in China.

Condo proposal stirs up neighbors; [STATE Edition]
JAY CRIDLIN. St. Petersburg Times. St. Petersburg, Fla.: Dec 10, 2004. pg. 1
Abstract (Document Summary)
Bradenton developer Kendar Corp. has asked the county to rezone the 2.7-acre property from commercial to planned development, allowing them to tear down the Ramada, which has stood on the site for four decades. The new condominium complex, Surfside-Adamar, would include condos priced from $400,000 to $1.5-million.

The County Commission land use meeting is scheduled for 9 a.m. Tuesday at the County Center, 601 E Kennedy Blvd. in Tampa. For information on the Kendar request (Petition RZ 04-0979), call the Planning and Growth Management department at 272-5920.

Full Text (315 words)
Copyright Times Publishing Co. Dec 10, 2004
The Hillsborough County Commission on Tuesday will consider a developer's controversial proposal for 53 luxury condominiums on the site of the Apollo Beach Ramada Inn.

Hundreds of Apollo Beach residents have opposed the planned building's height - eight stories, or 90 feet - saying it would block views of and access to Tampa Bay.

Bradenton developer Kendar Corp. has asked the county to rezone the 2.7-acre property from commercial to planned development, allowing them to tear down the Ramada, which has stood on the site for four decades. The new condominium complex, Surfside-Adamar, would include condos priced from $400,000 to $1.5-million.

Kendar's president, Darrell Reha, said he believes the board will approve the plan.

"We've got all our ducks in a row and we're ready to go," he said. "I think we met everything that the land development code and the county required. The zoning department approved it, the zoning hearing master approved it. We're just optimistic that it'll follow in succession through the board."

Residents aren't prepared to go down without a fight. Barbara Compton is organizing a busload of about 50 residents to attend Tuesday's meeting, where her husband Wes Compton will speak against the condos.

"We'll find a way to get everyone down there," Barbara Compton said. "I'm looking forward to it."

The County Commission land use meeting is scheduled for 9 a.m. Tuesday at the County Center, 601 E Kennedy Blvd. in Tampa. For information on the Kendar request (Petition RZ 04-0979), call the Planning and Growth Management department at 272-5920.

Apollo Beach residents who need a ride to the meeting can call Compton at 785-3232.

Jay Cridlin can be reached at cridlin@sptimes.com or 661-2442.

[Illustration]
Caption: Armwood's Jameel Williams in game action; Janet Graddy (face not shown) keeps people moving during her class that she teaches at the Campo Family YMCA 3414 Culbreath Road in Valrico.; Photo: PHOTO, (2)

http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/sptimes/760576281.html?MAC=7da73321201b3e2c2c461ac4d86442e1&did=760576281&FMT=FT&FMTS=FT&date=Dec+10%2C+2004&author=JAY+CRIDLIN&printformat=&desc=Condo+proposal+stirs+up+neighbors

I beleive this is the parking lot next to the office building on Bay to Bay where they used to have a sign for a proposed office building. I assume they figured condos were a better deal - they probably are. . .I see no reason this will not happen. THe streets back there are not too crowded and it is not so tall that peopel can get really offended. Nice filler project.

Developers Plan Tower Near Bayshore
By JOSH POLTILOVE jpoltilove@tampatrib.com
Published: Dec 11, 2004




SOUTH TAMPA - Developers want to build a 15-story condominium tower a block from Bayshore Boulevard.
The 144,877-square-foot, 60-unit building would replace a parking lot on Ysabella Avenue near Barcelona Street. It would have about 300 parking spaces, some of which would be used by businesses at Ysabella and Bay to Bay Boulevard, a city urban planner said. Those businesses currently use the parking lot.

Douglas Development Services Inc. of Winter Park will ask the city council next month to rezone the property. It was rezoned in 2000 to allow offices, city planner Angela Hurley said.

The tower, which could be 165 feet tall, would include five stories of parking beneath 10 stories of condominiums. There would be a pool and amenity deck, plans show.

The developers could not be reached for comment.

Vicki Pollyea, president of Bayshore Gardens' civic group, said the project likely would add traffic problems, but the parcel is ``in a valuable part of Tampa, and it's not going to stay [a parking lot] forever.''

Congregation Rodeph Sholom members use the lot for overflow parking.

``We've always had good relations with our neighbors, and we would try to have good relations with our new neighbors,'' Rabbi Marc Sack said.

http://tampatrib.com/News/MGBVJUVYK2E.html

US growth is strong - the strongest in 20 years.

And yes, we have a massive deficit, without which the economy would be even stronger. But liberal policies are at least equally to blame for sapping potential.

Dale, Bush's administration has single handily given us the largest deficit in US history. It's not just the Iraq War. It's his many, many drastic programs like giving prescription drugs in Medicare which seniors have no idea how to use.

If Bush gets his way with social security, we would have to pay 1 to 2 trillion dollars in the process of transfering the system to the vision Bush has for it. That's many more times than the Iraq War. And Bush ruled out tax increases to fund the overhaul. What's with you conservatives and spending?


And to what the other kid said, almost every major city in the US is going a downtown revival. I guess they have the same great leadership of Jeb Bush as well. He must be a dime a dozen then.

That filler condo sounds like a nice size there. If the building is of high quality, I would hope people would encourage it. (lol. fat chance)

I don't under stand why someone hasn't tried to find a way to build some taller stuff off Dale Mabry near like Henerson or something. To me, that would be one heck of a location for a nice penthouse view.

LouReed,

I fully respect your right to post about macroeconomics and politics, but what is it doing in the Tampa Development thread?

hmmm.... this is why we are losing :D :ohno:

Dale, Bush's administration has single handily given us the largest deficit in US history. It's not just the Iraq War. It's his many, many drastic programs like giving prescription drugs in Medicare which seniors have no idea how to use.

If Bush gets his way with social security, we would have to pay 1 to 2 trillion dollars in the process of transfering the system to the vision Bush has for it. That's many more times than the Iraq War. And Bush ruled out tax increases to fund the overhaul. What's with you conservatives and spending?


And to what the other kid said, almost every major city in the US is going a downtown revival. I guess they have the same great leadership of Jeb Bush as well. He must be a dime a dozen then.

Growth rate is the strongest in 20 years. You won't give Bush credit for anything, will you ?

Dale, lets talk about it in the Declining Dollar Thread in our favorite section; the UK skybar.

By thw way, 1000/900 Channelside is underconstruction -they were driving something out there when I drove by. It makes me happy. And the Embassy Suites is starting to emerge from the gournd. Meridian is working on the thrid floor. all this is nice, and will be nicer when the bigger things get going.

4-floor lofts/townhouses are starting construction on 4th avenue in Ybor (the ones near 15th st). also, the ugly parking lot on Ashley across from the art museum seems to be nearing demolition. i take it they are getting ready to clear the ground for the condo tower there.

Dale, stop hijacking threads with this shit man!

you too LouReed. Politics belongs in the Skybar.

Dale, stop hijacking threads with this shit man!

you too LouReed. Politics belongs in the Skybar.

Thanks for mentioning lou too. *rolls eyes*

I believe the Hampton Inn on 7th ave opened this week.

It Should really help those one or two far western blocks of 7th that have never been able to keep businesses for long.

The hotel will help some. That whole end of Ybor needs to see a bit of densification before that end of the strip picks up.

The Blue Ribbon Market thing would help.

Ok, so I was downtown yesterday and I saw the big wood fence around the TECO parking garage. And, yes, it looks like more than one would put up to bring a garage down (why the hell would you wall it off - just put a chain link fence- but I would be shocked if that condo tower was going up with the next year. To my knowledge they haven't even reserved units yet. . .

Ok, so the website says construction in Spring 2005, but who the hell believes realtor websites. Of course, that would be nice, but I won't believe it until I see it.

Very odd.

On the other hand, I was in the Poe garage at night and looking out over the river, I was amazed at how good the city actually looked. I guess the warts are hidden in the dark.

Iorio, stop messing around and build it before it triples . . .

Art museum cost now $54-million
The new estimate for the Tampa Museum of Art is about $3-million more than one in May.
By JANET ZINK, Times Staff Writer
Published December 14, 2004

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


TAMPA - City and museum leaders got final construction figures Monday for the proposed new Tampa Museum of Art.

The price tag: $54-million.

That's about $10-million above the price given in early 2003, when Mayor Pam Iorio postponed a planned groundbreaking until museum backers could raise their portion of construction costs. It's also $3-million more than an estimate given in May.

"We'd like it to be less, but we have a number," said Steve Daignault, the city's administrator for public works and utilities. "Now we'll see if we can get all the forces together and agree to build it."

The rising price of building materials in the past 18 months caused the increased costs.

The figure, given by Beck construction company, will be locked in until this Jan. 13, Daignault said. He said he is asking Beck for an extension on the lock-in so the museum can produce a business plan and finalize its financing. City officials also need to negotiate an operating agreement with the museum and take the issue to the City Council for consideration.

"With all the things we have to get done between now and when it gets to the City Council, that's not going to work," Daignault said of the Jan. 13 date.

Iorio said last week that she won't release the city's $30-million contribution for construction until she sees a viable business plan for the proposed 150,000-square-foot museum. The city has already committed about $8-million for architectural and engineering services, leaving $22-million for bricks and mortar.

Cornelia Corbett, chairwoman of the museum board, said private backers have raised about $30-million to build the museum. They need to raise another $12-million, she said, to pay for construction and moving to and furnishing the new facility.

"We can do it," she said. "We're very excited about getting this thing going."

[Last modified December 14, 2004, 00:30:22]
http://www.sptimes.com/2004/12/14/Hillsborough/Art_museum_cost_now_5.shtml

Jeez, just have the city sign off on the construction before it does get worse.

Isn't it now to the point where what the rise in construction has cost, exceeds what they fundraising was short on in the first place? I'm certain they were closer than $12 million away before.

I am all for being careful with the purse strings, but you have to look at conditions in the market and determine if your caution is actually beneficial or detrimental. She did not do that. Some one was not paying attention.

Blame China!

I know you are joikng but I'll say this:

While China is to blame for many things, she should have been watching. It is not like this is the only thing in the city budget that will be affected.

Does it piss anyone else off that Iorio is championing this "cultural arts district" and trying to foster an artists' enclave in Tampa yet she won't commit more funds to the museum? It's like she's trying to market a global city without opening up the city's pocketbook for what's needed. Like smiley aptly noted, "It is not like this is the only thing in the city budget that will be affected." And why are we destroying parkland and riverfront property for the history center while we're trying to create a riverwalk/park queue downtown? Who's gonna flock to Tampa to see its history center?

You have a good point. Its time for the Iorio to put the money where her mouth is. Everything's nothing but pie in the sky, without the funds to proceed. Furthermore, once again, I still don't understand how the new history center didn't end up being a part of the "Cultural Arts" district. I always thought that placing diverse cultural uses, such as art museums and history centers, in a compact setting is how you would create a "cultural arts district". But that's me, maybe I'm just wrong.

It is a matter of philosophy - she jsut won't do it because she wants to run as someone who did not wate city dollars. Though she will wate city dollars - but no one will poitn that out.

AS for the History museum, the reason they got that lot is because the Historical Society is run by old Tampa money. That's pertty much it. They wanted it so they got it. Nevermind htat it does not make sense. that is irrelevant.

Bastards. Iorio is tramp. Oh well, at least we'll have a revamped 40th Street thanks to her, because that's important! (Oh the times when you need a sarcastic font...)

On to other news, that doesn't piss me off: there is definately some site prep going on at the TB1 site. I think they're putting down rebar for the foundation, and there's a huge SKANSA billboard fronting Cypress St. Their website is down too. Are we sure they didn't find their tenant?

Well, she might let it die, for what reason, I don't know . . .

Prospects For Art Museum Uncertain
By ANDY REID and AMANDA HENRY The Tampa Tribune
Published: Dec 16, 2004




TAMPA - Time could run out on a deal needed to start construction on the long-delayed new Tampa Museum of Art.
The museum's board of trustees met Wednesday but didn't commit to meeting Mayor Pam Iorio's deadline of Friday to produce a business plan that shows a new downtown museum building could operate in the black.

Iorio said she needs to have the business plan by Friday to move forward with a deal that includes $29.8 million in city money to help build the new museum, planned between the Hillsborough River and Ashley Drive.

Iorio continued to raise concerns Wednesday that even though about $43 million in pledges has been raised to help build the new museum, it does not have a sufficient plan to cover yearly operating costs.

The new museum has been the centerpiece of city plans to create downtown riverfront attractions, but Iorio said, ``There are always other options'' if the deal falls apart.

``We are on an extremely tight timeline,'' Iorio said. ``We need to see how this museum can operate in good times and bad.''

Museum officials said they expect to provide a plan to Iorio by the end of the year that shows they can operate the new museum without asking taxpayers to pick up more of the tab.

They don't expect to be able to deliver that plan by their meeting Friday with Iorio.

``The mayor very much wants this building, but she wants it to be fiscally sound, and she's absolutely right. We want it to be fiscally sound,'' said Cornelia Corbett, chairwoman of the museum's board of trustees. ``We're very proud of the fact that we are doing due diligence.''

The city learned Monday that it would cost almost $54 million to build the new museum - an increase of $10 million since April 2003, when Iorio put the project on hold until the museum could complete raising funds.

The total cost of the project increased to about $72 million, including $29.8 million from the city. The construction costs rose primarily because of increases in the price of building materials.

In November, a consultant's report estimated it would cost $7 million a year to operate the museum.

Iorio said the city won't exceed its commitment to provide $2 million a year for operations, and museum trustees need to show how they will come up with the rest.

Iorio said she needs a business plan by Friday so she has time to send a preliminary operating agreement to the Tampa City Council on Jan. 6, which would set up a final vote by Feb. 10 - before the guaranteed construction price expires.

The price to build the museum likely goes up after Feb. 10, and that means it would be time to ``re-evaluate'' proceeding with the museum project, Iorio said.

``These are requirements we have had in place for a long time,'' Iorio said.

Museum officials are counting on Iorio giving them until the end of the year to provide a plan for covering operating costs.

At a meeting Wednesday, the museum's board of trustees was presented with the most recent figures on construction and related expenses, as well as the status of the museum's capital campaign and operational plans.

Museum officials reiterated their confidence that, with $43 million in pledges, they would be able to meet their $47 million fundraising goal by the end of the year.

Museum director Emily Kass indicated that the delay was based on several factors: the need to supplement the consultant's report with data from additional comparable institutions; the new information on construction costs released Monday; and the need to present their preliminary plan to the board of trustees for approval before meeting with the mayor.

``We're on a timeline for the mayor to provide information to the city council by Jan. 6,'' Kass said.


Reporter Andy Reid can be reached at (813) 259-8409.

http://www.tampatrib.com/News/MGBB34UIS2E.html

Developers Plan Tower Near Bayshore
By JOSH POLTILOVE jpoltilove@tampatrib.com
Published: Dec 11, 2004




SOUTH TAMPA - Developers want to build a 15-story condominium tower a block from Bayshore Boulevard.
The 144,877-square-foot, 60-unit building would replace a parking lot on Ysabella Avenue near Barcelona Street. It would have about 300 parking spaces, some of which would be used by businesses at Ysabella and Bay to Bay Boulevard, a city urban planner said. Those businesses currently use the parking lot.

Douglas Development Services Inc. of Winter Park will ask the city council next month to rezone the property. It was rezoned in 2000 to allow offices, city planner Angela Hurley said.

The tower, which could be 165 feet tall, would include five stories of parking beneath 10 stories of condominiums. There would be a pool and amenity deck, plans show.

The developers could not be reached for comment.

Vicki Pollyea, president of Bayshore Gardens' civic group, said the project likely would add traffic problems, but the parcel is ``in a valuable part of Tampa, and it's not going to stay [a parking lot] forever.''

Congregation Rodeph Sholom members use the lot for overflow parking.

``We've always had good relations with our neighbors, and we would try to have good relations with our new neighbors,'' Rabbi Marc Sack said.



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Oh, I have full faith that this condo will get built.

On to other news, that doesn't piss me off: there is definately some site prep going on at the TB1 site. I think they're putting down rebar for the foundation, and there's a huge SKANSA billboard fronting Cypress St. Their website is down too. Are we sure they didn't find their tenant?


You don't find 350-400k sqft tenants in that much secrecy.

Perhaps they are shifting the project to more condos, and are building a sales center? :lol:

And on that 15 story Bayshore condo proposal... That will easily get approved and get built, all because they threw in a few dozen parking spaces to be used by the public. :)l

They should go all condo and screw the offices. The condos will support the retail and the office will come when more people are there.

I doubt they are doing anything. We would have heard. Their PR machine is quite good. OF course, their site may be down because they are changing the plans.

The latest development
By MICHAEL CANNING
Published December 17, 2004

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Spain Lofts

LOCATION: 509 N Tampa St.

DEVELOPER: Siblings Alfredo Castro, Susana Castro-Alacaraz and Maria Castro-Sansone.

DESCRIPTION: Three-story, 84-year-old commercial building in downtown Tampa. Spain restaurant, owned by the Castros' mother, Maria Castro, occupies the ground floor. The second and third floors, which total about 8,800 square feet, have been gutted and are being renovated into six loft apartments. Each floor will have two one-bedroom, one-bathroom apartments with 950 square feet each, and one two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment with 1,400 square feet.

PRICE: Monthly leases will be in the $1.25 to $1.50 per-square-foot range, Alfredo Castro said.

AMENITIES: The historic building's original high ceilings, tall windows and wooden ceiling pillars will be incorporated into the lofts' design, he said. Stainless steel appliances are planned for the kitchens.

WHAT THEY'RE SAYING: Upcoming residential development in the northern half of downtown has spurred interest in the Spain Lofts, Castro said. "We've gotten an overwhelming response. We've got 50 people that want to buy them." But they're not for sale, he said.

TIMELINE: The Castro family bought the building in 1998. In June 2003, they moved Spain restaurant to the ground floor from its former location around the corner, at 207 E Twiggs St. After a prolonged permitting process, Castro hopes construction will begin early next year.

MOVE-IN DATE: Tentatively set for May.

FOR INFORMATION: Call Spain restaurant at 223-2831.

http://www.sptimes.com/2004/12/17/Citytimes/The_latest_development.shtml

This was teh 12th street lofts at one point

LOFTS TO REPLACE LOFTS: Donald Ebbert planned to build a seven-unit loft project at 210 N 12th St. in the Channel District.

Zoning laws allowed for more units on the site, but Ebbert wanted to maximize the greenspace instead of the profit.

Now, Ebbert said, rising concrete and steel prices "made the project no longer viable."

So he recently sold the property to Atlanta developers White and Associates, who are planning 30 lofts.

The new developers envision a six-story, red brick building reminiscent of the early 20th century warehouses that once dominated the neighborhood.

Ebbert's project, the CCX North Condominiums, with its sleek and boxy design, had been inspired by the cargo containers at the nearby Port of Tampa.

J. Carter Simmons of White and Associates said the first two floors will contain parking, and about 2,000 square feet on the ground floor will be set aside for retail space.

One-bedroom and one-bathroom units will range from 1,100 to 1,250 square feet. Two-bedroom, two-bathroom units will have 1,300 to 1,800 square feet. Each will have tall ceilings and exposed brick walls, ducts and structural elements.

Most units will have balconies, and a few will have terraces, Simmons said. Rounding out the amenities: stainless steel kitchen appliances, maple cabinets granite counter tops, and baths with garden tubs and separate shower stalls.

Prices and construction dates haven't been set. Simmons anticipates prices in the low $300,000s to low $500,000s and a groundbreaking in the spring.

The project has been tentatively dubbed the Lafayette Lofts, a nod to a former name of nearby Kennedy Boulevard.
http://www.sptimes.com/2004/12/17/Citytimes/Space_has_new_life_as.shtml

^Thank God. I really hated those original lofts. They reminded me of the space ship at 2001.


Anyone been by the 900 and 1000 Channelside site. They are Pounding pilings in the ground(basically telephone poles). I don't know much about construction, but are these going to be the supports for the building????

I don't get it. They are made of wood . They can't last more than 50 or 60 years underground, I would think.

Please, Educate me!!!!

I would loveto help you but I am unsure myself. I will ask an architect friend of mine.

More on the museum - Iorio relents a bit:

Museum's Fundraising Plan Secures Dec. 28 Extension
By ANDY REID areid@tampatrib.com
Published: Dec 17, 2004




TAMPA - Tampa Museum of Arts fundraisers won a reprieve from today's deadline to show Mayor Pam Iorio they can operate a new building without more taxpayer help.
Iorio on Thursday gave the museum's board of trustees until Dec. 28 to present a business plan that shows it can cover its share of the projected $7 million-a-year cost to run a new museum proposed downtown.

The museum board also has to provide confirmation that it has a lender to back up its fundraising commitments.

Iorio said she needs the business plan before moving forward with a deal that includes $29.8 million in city money to help build the museum, planned next to the old one between the Hillsborough River and Ashley Drive.

``They tell us they are very close,'' Iorio said. ``We want to give them every opportunity to make this happen.''

The purpose of the deadline was to give the city more time to submit a proposed operations agreement to the city clerk by Dec. 29 so it can go before the Tampa City Council on Jan. 6.

That sets up a final council vote Feb. 10 - the day the latest guaranteed price to build the museum expires.

``It is crunch time,'' said Cornelia Corbett, chairwoman of the museum's board of trustees. ``We plan to meet the deadlines.''

The new museum has been the centerpiece of city plans to create downtown riverfront attractions, but Iorio said this week that ``there are always other options'' if the deal falls apart.

The city learned Monday that it would cost almost $54 million to build the museum - $10 million more than projected.

Iorio has said the city wouldn't proceed with construction until the museum raised all of its share of the money needed to build and furnish the facility, and could show it would operate in the black.

The total cost of the project increased to about $72 million, including $29.8 million from the city. The construction costs rose primarily because of increases in the price of building materials during the delay.

Museum fundraisers' $43 million in commitments exceeds the old goal of $32 million but remains about $4 million short of what's needed because of the increased price.

In November, a consultant's report estimated it would cost $7 million a year to operate the museum.

Iorio said the city won't exceed its commitment to provide $2 million a year for operations, and museum trustees need to show how they will come up with the rest.

Corbett said the museum board produced a conservative operating budget but is being asked to plan for the ``worst- case scenario.''

City Finance Director Bonnie Wise meets with museum representatives today to work on the operating plan.


Reporter Andy Reid can be reached at (813) 259-8409.

http://tampatrib.com/floridametronews/MGBM8ODXT2E.html

Ok, he says probably test pilings to check the soil and load bearing capacity underneath.

Thank you Smiley!!

They are putting an awful lot of them in.

how do you delete a post on here???

You can't, only mods do.

bah, humbug. ;)

I was driving on Kennedy when I came across a billboard talking about O2 Condos

Here is the website: http://www.o2condos.com/

It is going to be in Channelside across from the Forum. Two 41 story towers

I was driving on Kennedy when I came across a billboard talking about O2 Condos

Here is the website: http://www.o2condos.com/

It is going to be in Channelside across from the Forum. Two 41 story towers


O2 Condos is Pinnacle Place, right? Site says its being marketed by Toni Everett. The only odd thing I see is that the needle thingy isn't shown. Did they delete it from the project?

O2 Condos is Pinnacle Place, right? Site says its being marketed by Toni Everett. The only odd thing I see is that the needle thingy isn't shown. Did they delete it from the project?

well now to think about it, it does look the same and everything except the observation tower...

I was driving on Kennedy when I came across a billboard talking about O2 Condos

Here is the website: http://www.o2condos.com/

It is going to be in Channelside across from the Forum. Two 41 story towers

Frank DeBose at Pinnacle Group holdings couldnt get the project off the ground (it's in it's 10th year...), so he sold control of it to Corvus. They scrapped the observation tower ... but... is that really surprising?

Cheers,
Justin
www.bayciti.net

Did the sale occur just recently ?

Did the sale occur just recently ?

The corvus website says that Pinnacle Partnered with Corvus in August

http://www.corvusint.com/commercial/news/details.cfm?ID=14


... the real reason is that Pinnacle Group holdings couldnt develop it on their own and had to give it to someone who could. They'd been trying for years... Frank DeBose is the man behind the project and is known for being secretive and paranoid about things. I've talked to him a few times, and he doesn't like giving up information.

I think now the project has a chance, I was pretty skeptical about it before.

Now on to TB1 and the Hillsborough River Tower :)

Justin
www.bayciti.net

Intersting, just weeks ago fwdodge.com reported that the observation tower would be under construction before years end.

Intersting, just weeks ago fwdodge.com reported that the observation tower would be under construction before years end.

There is a possibility that it's still there, just being developed separately? Skanska is going to build the condo towers... I personally don't see how an observation tower can make any money...

Justin
www.bayciti.net

btw, there is absolutely nothing going on at TB1. It is being used as an equipment storage area, just as I suspected.


I wonder what they will do with the rest of the land from the defunct Pinnacle project?

^^

Who said anything about defunct? I am assuming that because the rendering did not have the tower in it, you are assuming the tower will not be built (not that I care much either way), but that is not necessarily the case.

Moreover, if you look at the website, Pinnacle Holdings is listed as one of the developers. I am not surprised that DuBose brought in outside investors and developers, that happens all the time.

What I am basically saying is that, until someone tells me the tower plan is dropped, I will not beleive they dropped it. Until someone with credibility tells me that building one is not more than 70% reserved and about 45-50% sold (as I have been told), I will not believe them. (Toni Everett's folks are working on this so it is probably going to work out nicely - she can sell anything)

I choose to wait and see. An I would rather they built a cool hotel, office, condo job with an observation deck than that needle thing.

O2 Condos is Pinnacle Place, right? Site says its being marketed by Toni Everett. The only odd thing I see is that the needle thingy isn't shown. Did they delete it from the project?




Actually I don't think its the Pinnacle Tower project, this might actually be a different project, I think the Tower Project is North of this particular site! someone correct me if my assumption is incorrect!

btw, there is absolutely nothing going on at TB1. It is being used as an equipment storage area, just as I suspected.

Hmm...I didn't think I was that crazy to imagine seeing rebar pounded into the ground and large piles of loose shale. I'll drive by tomorrow and take pics--maybe it's just a utilities project or something?

As for the Hillsborough River Tower, the last I heard it was on hold because of modest absorption rates downtown. There's another 500 000 sq. ft. of Class A office space on the docket for Westshore, about 100 000 sq. ft. more than the Hillsborough River Tower was going to offer. The future of the tower, then, seems dubious at best (with the little info that I have.)

Who said anything about defunct? I am assuming that because the rendering did not have the tower in it, you are assuming the tower will not be built (not that I care much either way), but that is not necessarily the case.

Moreover, if you look at the website, Pinnacle Holdings is listed as one of the developers. I am not surprised that DuBose brought in outside investors and developers, that happens all the time.

What I am basically saying is that, until someone tells me the tower plan is dropped, I will not beleive they dropped it. Until someone with credibility tells me that building one is not more than 70% reserved and about 45-50% sold (as I have been told), I will not believe them. (Toni Everett's folks are working on this so it is probably going to work out nicely - she can sell anything)

I choose to wait and see. An I would rather they built a cool hotel, office, condo job with an observation deck than that needle thing.

Hi,

It's true that outside developers are brought in all the time, but this is an odd project. Remember that it was first announced in 1994 (also... remember Heritage Tower?), the city of Tampa approved the tower plans way back in 1998... and outside developers have been brought in on this one more than once. This is different because the rights to the project were sold, and the new developer renamed it and substantially changed the plans. Pinnacle is probably a consultant still.

I'm saying the tower won't built with this phase one because a) it's a tower and no one builds these things anymore b) it's not on the Skanska construction data sheets with the condo towers and c) the city permit to build it expired and was not renewed (City of Tampa). It might be built later, but I kinda doubt it.

Toni Everett is great at selling things, I know her, she sold me my condo (345 Bayshore). I'm not saying there is anything wrong with the condo towers themselves, those are going to be awesome.

Cheers,
Justin
www.bayciti.net

Where is the info that they sold all the rights from and for how much did he sell them and could it be he is just cashing in now that he finally has some success. holding condos can be a risky and expensive venture. That's why people build condos and not apartments - to cash in and get out. (btw, what Skanska construction data sheets?)

What I am saying is tales of crisis may be true, but I have seen nothing that shows me that they are. Morever, the time frame for the needle (of which I have never been fond anyway) was never clear.

Where is the info that they sold all the rights from and for how much did he sell them and could it be he is just cashing in now that he finally has some success. holding condos can be a risky and expensive venture. That's why people build condos and not apartments - to cash in and get out. (btw, what Skanska construction data sheets?)

What I am saying is tales of crisis may be true, but I have seen nothing that shows me that they are. Morever, the time frame for the needle (of which I have never been fond anyway) was never clear.

I called Frank and asked him about the project back in October, Pinnacle's number is in the book. The easiest way to get info from a developer is to call and ask them - (except Smith and Associates of the McNulty lofts, they were mean).

You can get construction data sheets from builders, usually just by asking them. I've contracted with Skanska for aerial photography so I know some people who work there and I just asked. You can also get construction data from the city, since they have to approve things and the data is public domain. Often times you can go to the city and get data on when projects are supposed to begin and you can see if they've been cancelled by the expiration dates on the permits.

The needle was tacky... it may not be cancelled but it's almost definetely on hold for a while. I'd rather get a condo/office/whatever tower of similar height than an observation tower. So all the cruise ship tourists can look down on our downtown parking lots?

Justin
www.bayciti.net

The needle was tacky... it may not be cancelled but it's almost definetely on hold for a while. I'd rather get a condo/office/whatever tower of similar height than an observation tower. So all the cruise ship tourists can look down on our downtown parking lots?

With this I agree. IF they drop the needle, I think it will be a condo, hotel thingy, myself - probably about 40 floors to match the others.

Did he tell you about sales, because the realtor keeps saying they are good - that could be hype, but I am not so sure it is not true.

And for the record, let's toss in the new rendering - which if you look closely seems to have no street retail - which I can't believe they would allow.
http://www.02condos.com/condo_large_pic.jpg

With this I agree. IF they drop the needle, I think it will be a condo, hotel thingy, myself - probably about 40 floors to match the others.

Did he tell you about sales, because the realtor keeps saying they are good - that could be hype, but I am not so sure it is not true....

Hi,

I dont know anything about sales - I never ask. Toni Everett is pretty good about responding to sales inquiries, though. A lot of Channelside developers will give you sales info if you ask.

Every time I hear of people buying condos in buildings that dont exist, I think of all the people who bought lots of Davis Island before they dredged it up from the bay.

Justin
www.bayciti.net

The last number i had (months ago) was 70% reserved in building 1. And I know people who have gone and checked it out and were very impressed. I htink it will start by the end of 2005 (and I am generally a skeptic). Not sure about #2. Of course, I think sales will actually be helped by Towers of Channelside starting construction and people getting an idea of what can be.

as for davis Island - man if you had bought in the early days, your family would be very happy.

Jeez, *end* of 2005 ?

Nice rendering. I agree, the lack of retail near the arena is quite puzzling. Where (on that rendering) would the observation tower be located? Is it the patch of green grass in the front?

Jeez, *end* of 2005 ?

I am being conservative - given the need for sales after reservations and other techincal issues. IF sales go as they say, this thing could start much earlier (at least one of them)

The observation tower was to be on the left side behind the left building.

What my source told me is that the groups is essentially the same with a possible added partner and a name change - which was anticipated.

Can't vouch for accuracy, but that is what I was told.

*About the observation tower....* it is my understanding (through my source)that the tower will be built separate from the condos and will be owned by the head person at pinnacle

Jeez, *end* of 2005 ?
My source also insists that the construction on the condos WILL begin Spring 2005 and that both buildings will be built at the same time.

I like your sources, newbie. :)

Pretty ambitious to build in a few months when they have not sold a single unit yet. Not that I would mind it being built then, but we shall see. . .

I like your sources, newbie. :)

Who are these "sources" everyone is talking about? Are you calling the developer, asking the city, friend at the Trib? When you have a big development there is often a lot of conflicting information, knowing where it comes from is a good start towards hashing it all out - especially with Florida and the tremendous amount of stuff going on.

Just curious, but sometimes reading through urban forums is like a bad episode of Dick Tracy.

Justin
www.bayciti.net

I don't have any sources.

I'd rather not name my source but they work in the Pinnacle office.

I don't want to name mine, but they deal with the sales.

I don't want to name mine, but he panhandles in the general area.

And I don't want to name my source but...

oh hell, it's you guys. Never mind :p ;)

Sources? I just make things up. lol.

Hey, this is my first post in the Tampa thread. I've decided to give up my voyeur status and join in.

Thought you guys might be interested in the perspective of someone living within the construction zone also known as the Channel District. I've been residing in one of the Channelside 212 Lofts for a little more than a year now.

I've noticed my new neighbors moving in this week at the Victory Lofts. They'll have to get used to the constant dust that covers everything left unexposed, due to the considerable construction in the area w/ the Meridian and 1000 Channelside under way, not to mention the demolition of the Kennedy Bridge and resconstruction of Meridian Drive.

I stopped by the offices of the Towers @ C'side on Sunday and was told that they will be breaking ground in January. This is contrary to what I'd heard, but would be another welcome project in the area.

It will be interesting to see if the 60-foot limit in the district is enforced, as I've heard rumors of several projects that will be over that height; some substantially so.

Although the area is littered with debris and fast food bags from the workers at the various projects, I understood moving in that it's in transition. With the Place, Grand Central, Ventana and LaFayette Lofts all "scheduled" to break ground in 2005, I think it's going get real interesting real soon.

In a not-so-related story, downtown Tampa is going to become one big Wireless hotspot...

By years end??

http://www.bizjournals.com/tampabay/stories/2004/12/20/daily23.html?f=et83

Not that I care that much, ut amybe someone knows something about these people:

LATEST NEWS
2:01 PM EST Wednesday
Haizlip to plan Tampa museum
The Haizlip Firm has been selected to prepare a comprehensive master plan for the new Children's Museum in Tampa, the Memphis-based firm announced.


The $15 million project is a cornerstone component of an emerging riverfront cultural arts district including a new art museum designed by internationally renowned architect Raphael Vignoly.

Haizlip, which specializes in children's environmental design, recently completed the Children's Museum of Winston-Salem in North Carolina.
http://www.bizjournals.com/tampabay/stories/2004/12/20/daily22.html?f=et83

Wow ! Missed this one.

Downtown Pioneers Await Turn
By JANIS D. FROELICH jfroelich@tampatrib.com
Published: Dec 23, 2004




TAMPA - When Kevin Scolaro and his wife, Wendy, looked for a place for their expanding 3-D animation and visual effects studio, they chose a large, nondescript building in a tattered end of downtown Tampa.
The couple couldn't be happier.

They plan to open a school around the corner from their remodeled space at 208 E. Cass St. to complement their Tri- Dimensional Studios in the same building.

``We kept moving and moving,'' said Scolaro of his 4-year- old company. ``So this time, I hope we can stay put.''

Nothing would please north end boosters more.

Along with Tri-Dimensional, which opened six months ago, came another new business, Candy Bouquet, 214 E. Cass St.

``Both these businesses are very welcome,'' said Paul Ayres, business development director for the Tampa Downtown Partnership.

Ayres said that with the revitalization coming to the neighborhood, the two companies will have a front-row seat for new residential development.

Three projects are planned:

* The Residences on Franklin Street, 1106 N. Franklin St., owned by Luciano Prida, who plans 34 units;

* The Arlington Hotel renovation, 1219 N. Franklin St., where 11 residential lofts will top 10 downstairs office/retail spaces;

* And a 31-story building planned for the northeast corner of Ashley Drive and Zack Street, where 390 condominiums will be built.

Ayres predicts the turnaround in the area will be tremendous in the next 24 months.

Michael Miller, who opened Candy Bouquet with his wife, Martine, about a month ago said they could use the pedestrian traffic. Unlike Tri-Dimensional, his business relies on people walking in and browsing the colorful candy and crinkled-paper bouquets for gift-giving.

The Millers moved from Illinois, where he was a florist for 30 years. He bought a Candy Bouquet franchise in Tampa and decided to move close to the main thoroughfares downtown. The store, highlighted with a bright pink sign, is a three-block walk from most office towers.

``I know people don't like to walk when the weather is hot,'' Miller said. ``But now it's beautiful out.''

To give his business a push, Miller is trying to get plugs in downtown newsletters and plans to leave brochures in lobbies.

Miller said he is so pleased with his remodeled space that he plans to settle in despite the fairly bleak surroundings.

``I know once people come in my store they'll be pleasantly surprised,'' he said.

Scolaro is content with how the once-littered entrance to the empty space he now occupies has been transformed. His 15-member staff has a modern kitchen with granite counter tops and bright areas in which to work. He has a roomy office to house his collection of cartoon character toys.

The company's largest job is working on episodes of ``Story Teller Cafe,'' an animated series airing on the Christian Broadcast Network.

Scolaro also is involved in the revitalization of the neighborhood. He was contracted to do computer renderings of what Residences on Franklin Street will look like.

The Maya Training Center he hopes to open at 905 Tampa St. will teach others to create cartoons, from drawing to setting the characters on a virtual stage.

``Young people love this profession,'' said Scolaro, who taught computer animation at the International Academy of Design & Technology.

Scolaro said the north end of downtown, where there's a parking lot behind his building and a city-owned lot nearby, is a perfect place for day and night classes.

``I walk to lunch every day,'' he said of his new home. ``This couldn't be more convenient.

``All we need now is for the shops to come closer to us.''


Reporter Janis D. Froelich can be reached at (813) 259-7143.
http://www.tampatrib.com/News/MGBRHZQL03E.html

It's been a while since sales stats have been posted regarding the Channelside projects.

Does anyone know how many reservations Grand Central was able to convert to contracts? I know they went to contract last month, but I see that some of their prices were dropped (does this mean fewer contracts came back than expected?)? I don't know this for a fact, that is why I am curious if anyone knows...

I was recently at The Place and they now have over 180 "hard" contracts. They have also now collected the remaining deposits (the other half of the 10% required) to start construction. I know alot of people doubted the Place back a while ago, but I have a gut feeling The Place may have been a hidden gem.

Towers of Channelside - Are they still near sell out? It's encouraging to hear that are starting in January.

Meridian Lofts - They still have quite a bit to sell, but I believe they are holding out with higher pricing, as they have been advertising that they are the only project available for move-in in 2005. If they can get $300+ sq/ft in 2005, the better for everyone who bought in other projects, I suppose.

1000 Channelside - Not much advertising at all. Just a sign on the project site telling people to call for info. Any stats?

Channelside Village - This should be a very interesting project. 4 15-story towers? I heard the developer is going to hold off on reservations until zoning is approved and final.

Victory Lofts - I've noticed some cars parked in the smaller building late at night, so people must be moving in (principle use). It will be very encouraging if they aren't top-heavy on investor units... IMHO.

Any other news?

Grand Central - no news

The Place - construction in March 2005

Towers - allegedly construction in the next few months

Meridian - under construction

1000 Channelside - some construction-like stuff going on. I think it is a done deal

Victory Lofts - well, they are almost done

Channelside Village - no news, not even sure if they are selling them yet

Pinnacle - see debate above

Smiley,

Do you have any status for Downtown Channelside?

Thanks in advance.

LAst I heard downtown Channelside was still in development - odd, the first will apparently b the last.

Report: Museum's profit not tied to visitors
A business plan for the new Tampa Museum of Art states that profitability would not be affected by lowered attendance.
By GRAHAM BRINK, Times Staff Writer
Published December 25, 2004

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TAMPA - Even in a worst-case scenario, the new Tampa Museum of Art would make money, according to a business plan released Friday by its board of trustees.

The plan states that even if attendance falls to 122,500, 30 percent below a consultant's estimate of 175,000 visitors a year, the museum's revenues would still exceed its operating expenses.

"The report shows that over the next 10 years, the museum will be in the black even if attendance doesn't come close to what is expected," said museum chairwoman Cornelia Corbett. "We are very pleased."

Earlier this month, Mayor Pam Iorio asked the museum's board to provide a written commitment showing how the proposed 151,000-square-foot facility could operate without a deficit.

City finance director Bonnie Wise said Friday her office was still evaluating the numbers to ensure that taxpayers won't be stuck with any deficits.

"We are working with them to make sure the assumptions behind the numbers in the plan are meaningful," Wise said. "We want to make sure taxpayers are protected."

Wise said she would have a better idea if the numbers add up by early next week.

Iorio had asked museum officials to provide a detailed accounting before Wednesday. Along with a written commitment from the museum's board, Iorio asked for a letter from a lender showing that backers have the money to build, move in and furnish the new facility.

Wise said the city has yet to receive such a letter, though she added that the museum is in continuing conversations with bank officials.

"We just want to know that the bank is comfortable with its role," Wise said.

The city has pledged nearly $30-million for construction, and museum leaders say they have commitments of about $43-million from private backers.

The financing will be backed by the pledges from donors. Corbett said she was confident the bank would step up with financing, and that donors who have pledged money to build the new museum will honor their pledges.

"A pledge is a pledge," she said. "The money will be there."

Earlier this month, a consultant's report said the museum would cost $6.4-million a year to operate. Of that, the city has committed $2-million.

The plan estimates that the rest of the money would come from sources such as ticket sales, museum membership dues, corporate sponsors, education fees and fees to rent out part of the museum for events.

Iorio wants the plan and the other documents so City Council members could review them before a Jan. 6 meeting. At that meeting, the council will set a public hearing on the museum's operating and lease agreement for Feb. 10.

If the city decides to begin building the museum by that date, Beck construction company has estimated the construction cost will be $54-million. If the city delays, the cost could go up.

Graham Brink can be reached at 813 226-3365 or brink@sptimes.com

RUNNING THE NEW MUSEUM
Attendance at existing museum in fiscal year 2004: 67,797

Estimated annual attendance at new museum: 175,000

Operating costs of existing museum: $3-million

Operating costs of new museum: $6.2-million

Amount city now pays for operating costs: $930,000

Amount city will pay for operating new museum: $2-million

Source: Times files and Tampa Museum of Art business plan.

[Last modified December 24, 2004, 23:25:15]
http://www.sptimes.com/2004/12/25/Hillsborough/Report__Museum_s_prof.shtml

^^^Not following what you are saying about DT Channelside Smiley...

I personally would be shocked to not see something go up on that lot in the next year or two. It is way too prime. In fact, other than the tower proposed along the river (Ashley+Whiting), I think DT Channelside is the best proposal out there.

What I am saying is that the Byrd Co. has put it off for a bit (according to the guy I contacted over there) rather than fasttracking like otehr projects. It was the first big project announced for that area (as opposedt o teh 7 story jobs) and it looks like it will not get under way until the other stuff does first.

I agree that the lot is too good for something big not to go there , but I am surprised they did not push this project.

Maybe they are rethinking thier options, since it is such a great site.

I kinda thought it was very odd not to have a hotel as part of the project, or even as the main component. I think that several years ago, there actually was a hotel proposed for that site. (or maybe it was across the street where the Towers are going to go?)...A hotel just seems like a natural fit for that parcel.

IMO, delaying really only makes sense if they're reworking the project...They gain nothing insofar as market positioning by delaying, because the competition isn't going to go away.

EXCLUSIVE REPORTS
From the December 24, 2004 print edition
Reshaping Temple Terrace
Bidding process begins for lucrative town center project
Ken Salgat
Staff writer
TEMPLE TERRACE -- The City of Temple Terrace is dangling a $150-million carrot, and as many as 29 prospective developers and contractors have shown they have an appetite.

So far, the organizations have paid the $100 fee to pick up a detailed bid package, complete with maps and surveys.

Some are consultants but the vast majority, at least 23, are developers, said Ralph Bosek, the city's redevelopment director.

The city is seeking a master development partner to help finance, build and substantially own a "new urbanist-styled" town center on 38.4 acres of commercial real estate.

The town center is only a fraction of the entire redevelopment plan for the city that would reshape the community's commercial core along 56th Street.

"Our total community redevelopment agency area is 224 acres, but the project acres we're starting with are 38 acres," said Bosek. "The city has purchased 35 of those acres, so we're at critical mass. We own 92 percent of what we need, so this will get done."

The city has financed the purchase of the acres through a series of short-term borrowings totaling $25.5 million, according to city documents.

The goal is to refashion the southeast corner of North 56th Street and Bullard Parkway into a pedestrian-friendly, mixed-use community with businesses, public buildings and more than 1,000 new multifamily, single-family and townhome units.

The 79-year-old city will be asking Hillsborough County Jan. 10 to amend its master plan and rezone all 224 acres into mixed use.

From sprawling to walking
For new urbanism to work well, it needs to occur on previously developed property, said Stephen Schreiber, director, University of South Florida School of Architecture and Community Design.

"New urbanism takes a nonfunctioning urban setting and turns it into a vibrant, active pedestrian city, "he said.

Temple Terrace is in place to really make what they're trying to do work well, Schreiber believes.

"It is established and had been developed under a sprawl pattern. What they're doing is long overdue," he said.

The philosophy behind the new urbanism style is that communities should be built around mixed-use neighborhoods, with housing, jobs, stores and services within walking distance, Schreiber said. New urbanism, sometimes called neo-traditionalism, looks to the urban neighborhoods and small towns that existed before World War II as a model for the future.

The new urbanism also has its opponents, Schreiber said.

"The only down side is the property rights argument," said Schreiber. "New urbanism puts a very strict control on how the land should be developed. People that own the property in the redevelopment district might feel that their ability to make the highest and best use for the land is compromised. However, in the big picture what the entire project is doing is adding tremendous value to the area as a whole."

A giant makeover
The site fronts the Hillsborough River on the south, North 56th Street to the west and the Bullard Parkway to the north.

Included in the project will be a new city hall, a city-owned civic arts and education center, a museum, private and public parking garages, and a U.S. Post Office complex.

Earlier this month, officials informed developers and commercial construction firms that the city was accepting developer qualifications for review. From those packages, the city will choose several firms to draw up competing proposals for the massive project.

The request for qualifications describes the town center project and its $20-million, taxpayer-funded effort to acquire properties within the project area. It also says the city is asking that the chosen developer pay $3 for every $1 the city pays. In return, the document asks detailed questions about the developers' past experience and financial wherewithal.

"We want to attract a master developer," said Bosek. "We want one contract with a master developer to help us develop the first 38 acres. We would handle the infrastructure, and the developer would handle the vertical," said Bosek.

The request for qualifications are due Jan. 20. The top candidates will be notified about a month later. Bosek said he hopes to have a developer selected by mid-2005.

The future town center is at a site where currently two blighted strip malls, which the city has purchased in hopes of creating a real downtown, reside.

Since December of 2003, the city has been in planning mode. Public meetings began in May and in June organized charrettes -- meetings where the public can get involved in the actual designing and planning process -- were held.

A town planning team consisting of planners Torti Gallas and Partners, real estate and market analyst Robert Charles Lesser Co., traffic consultant Hall Planning and Engineering, and King Engineering has developed a comprehensive master plan, design guidelines and code with citizen input.

On Oct. 26, the Torti Gallas and Partners team returned with a highly refined plan for the project. Citizens were notified of the meeting and past meetings to accumulate the greatest amount of community feedback possible, said Bosek.

As a result of these efforts, nearly 450 citizens attended the standing-room-only town meeting to learn about the latest plans for the upcoming downtown redevelopment area.

ksalgat@bizjournals.com | 813.342.2477
http://www.bizjournals.com/tampabay/stories/2004/12/27/story1.html

Ok, a couple of updates - sort of.

I contacted Ventana to see how it was going but they want an appointment,etc., which I don't feel like doing, so that will have to wait. If anyone feels adventurous, their sales office is in teh Channelside facing the street a little down from Hooters.

Much better were the Towers of Channelside who tell me construction will begin in Jan and both will go at the same time. that should be fun.

Museum Proposal In Hands Of Council
By ANDY REID areid@tampatrib.com
Published: Dec 29, 2004




TAMPA - Plans to build a downtown art museum moved forward Tuesday, despite lingering concerns about the potential cost to taxpayers.
Mayor Pam Iorio agreed to send a proposal for a museum lease and operational agreement to the Tampa City Council on Jan. 6.

That would set up a final council vote Feb. 10 to approve city land and money for the new building between the Hillsborough River and Ashley Drive.

Museum fundraisers have until Feb. 10 to provide financial guarantees that they can cover yearly operational costs and their share of the construction tab.

Without those guarantees, Iorio could scrap the deal.

``We want to make sure we have bankable assurances any shortfall will be covered,'' City Attorney David Smith said.

The museum's board of trustees can come through with the financial backing for its share of what has become a $72 million project, Chairwoman Cornelia Corbett said.

``We are right on track,'' Corbett said.

Museum officials last week - in advance of Tuesday's deadline - gave the city a plan that calls for the new facility to rely heavily on admission fees, memberships, program fees, corporate support and restaurant sales to cover yearly operational costs. Ticket prices would increase from $7 to $10.

A consultant's report in November estimates it would cost more than $6 million a year to operate the museum. Iorio has said she wants a guarantee to show the museum can cover costs that exceed the $2 million a year the city will provide to help run the facility.

The city learned Dec. 13 that it would cost almost $54 million to build the museum, an increase of $10 million.

Iorio has refused to provide the city's $29.8 million for construction until the museum completes its share of the fundraising.

The construction costs rose primarily because of increases in the price of building material during the delays.

The latest guaranteed construction price expires Feb. 10.

Museum fundraisers this month hit the $43 million mark in pledges to help cover construction costs, about $4 million short of what they need.

Corbett said the museum board expects to be able soon to show it has the bank financing it needs to cover its share of the construction costs.

She said she isn't sure what more the museum board can do to prove it won't ask for more city help with future operational costs.

``We have given them every assurance,'' Corbett said. ``There is a history there of the museum standing on its own.''

In addition to the board's assurance, the city needs a guarantee with financial backing, Smith said.

``We agreed to put it on the [council] agenda based upon resolving our differences of opinion,'' Smith said. ``This is just to keep things moving.''


Reporter Andy Reid can be reached at (813) 259-8409.

http://tampatrib.com/floridametronews/MGBNTLZ0B3E.html

The Sky's The Limit
By JANIS D. FROELICH jfroelich@tampatrib.com
Published: Dec 26, 2004




CHANNEL DISTRICT - Orell McNamara sits on her new front porch stoop in Victory Lofts, taking in the construction and the urban scenes, including downtown's skyline around her.
McNamara has entered a different world, selling her 3,400-square-foot home in rural Odessa for a bare-wall loft half that size in the Channel District.

``I'm so excited, and I know I'm also blessed,'' the artist said about the change. ``Not everyone gets to make a new life.''

And that's what the widow and mother of a college student plans to do.

First, though, she has to figure out where to put her extensive household goods, piled high in moving boxes.

It's also a matter of rearranging for the Channel District.

The recent opening of Victory Lofts is the first of the bigger residential projects being developed in the neighborhood.

Even when the dozen or so other projects are completed, Victory Lofts will stand as unique. The Beck Group took a four-story building at 12th and Whiting streets where Model T cars were once stored and renovated it into 28 lofts. Then, across the street, the developer built a compatible building with another 61 lofts and ground-level parking for both buildings.

Remodeling the 1920s building was a challenge, said Casey Ellison, Beck's development manager, which pushed back the summer completion date to December.

``It was just a formidable building,'' Ellison said. ``Our structural engineer looked at it and said there is no way today anyone could afford to build this.''

The former Model T warehouse has special touches along with polished concrete floors, natural light from full- length windows and stainless steel appliances.

``As an artist, I can appreciate the detailed pediments in the columns, the weathered look and feel all around, and the exposed ductwork,'' McNamara said. ``It's authentic.''

The Victory units, ranging from 992 to 3,405 square feet, are sold, Ellison said. ``There was definitely a pent-up demand for these,'' he said.

In planning the Victory Lofts, Ellison traveled to other cities where urban living flourishes for inspiration.

``Even Memphis has 5,400 residents downtown, so this gave me confidence,'' he said.

Ellison, who bought a loft unit, predicts that once the first dozen projects in the Channel District are filled, there will be a second wave. ``People will visit their friends here and want to be part of this,'' he said.

Jason Murray, a Beck project coordinator, has a 1,265- square-foot Victory loft. He will cut his commuting time from Odessa from 1 hour to one minute to reach Beck's office in the Channel District.

To personalize his unit, Murray used acid stain on the floor to give it a tannish hue. He also put his counter island on wheels so it's movable for parties.

The only thing he's unhappy about is that his view will soon be gone when the six-story, 35- unit Meridian development goes up across the street.

``But that's progress,'' he said.


Reporter Janis D. Froelich can be reached at (813) 259-7143.
http://tampatrib.com/News/MGB9LS2083E.html

I know you guys are in downtown a lot and see thsi stuff first hand -- any plkans to bring a camera and get finished pictures of the Lofts?

I guess I could soon. Probably early next week, or perhaps during the weekend.

I have some pics I took this week, but not of victory lofts - just the Embassy suites site and a couple of shots in St. Pete.

how far along is the embassy suites? Does anyone know the status of the tampa bay one project?

Embassy Suites is coming out of the ground now - so it should pick up. (I'll try to get teh picks to Jasonhouse so he can post them.)

Tampa Bay One is dormant for the moment.

With regards to TB1--- Just as I said. ;)

Hey Guys,

How tall will the Embassy Suites Hotel be? Also where will this be? Is it located between Franklin and Florida near the Southern Transpotation Plaza?

Can anyone direct me to a rendering?

Thanks!!!

:)

See the first page of this thread.

Sorry if I am having a senior moment. But I don't see a reference to Embassy Suites on the first page of this thread. I see the downtown Westin, but no Embassy Suites downtown.

It's an Embassy Suites, not a Westin. There was some confusion at one point.

I am amazed by the reservations on this:
Box Factory Lofts
By MICHAEL CANNING
Published December 31, 2004

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LOCATION: 2001 E Second Ave., Ybor City.

DEVELOPER: Miles Properties.

DESCRIPTION: Formerly a cigar box factory, the 68,000-square-foot building dating to 1905 will be converted into 53 two-story lofts. Units will range from 950 to 1,700 square feet and will face an interior courtyard. Until the 1960s, the building was occupied by Tampa Box Co., which at one time was the world's largest manufacturer of cigar boxes.

PRICE: $160,000 to $315,000. Eighteen of the 53 units are available. The rest have been reserved.

AMENITIES: The lofts will have high ceilings, concrete floors and exposed duct work and structural elements. Modern details will include granite countertops and stainless steel kitchen appliances. The interior courtyard will have a landscaped pool area. About two-thirds of the project's parking spaces will be enclosed in part of the building.

WHAT THEY'RE SAYING: "There's not that much authentic loft product in the area, much less loft product in a historic building," said Jason Perry, Miles' manager of acquisitions and development. "It's sort of a rarity in Tampa."

TIMELINE: Construction is scheduled to start by late February and end in December.

MOVE-IN DATE: December 2005.

FOR INFORMATION: Call Dallas Coffield at Smith & Associates at 839-3800 or go to www.boxfactorylofts.com

The Latest Development features a new residential or commercial project. To suggest a project, e-mail mikecanning@hotmail.com or call 226-3394.
http://www.sptimes.com/2004/12/31/Citytimes/Box_Factory_Lofts.shtml

Free Wi-Fi coming to Tampa's downtown
Sago Networks is setting up the wireless zone that will provide outdoor Internet access.
By LOUIS HAU, Times Staff Writer
Published December 31, 2004

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Downtown Tampa is poised to become a giant "hot spot" next month for free wireless Internet access.

Sago Networks of Tampa is setting up a Wi-Fi, or wireless fidelity, zone that will provide outdoor Internet access from the Port of Tampa to the Hillsborough River beginning next week. Access will be free to anyone with a laptop computer or a personal digital assistant with a wireless access card.

Sago plans to limit use to one hour to prevent network congestion, but users will be able to get back on after a 30-minute break. The company has set up free Wi-Fi access in Lykes Gaslight Square, the Channel District and the University of Tampa, and plans to extend reception to the rest of downtown.

The Tampa Downtown Partnership will provide marketing support and will unveil a logo for the Wi-Fi zone in February.

"This is another amenity to downtown and we're hoping it's a good economic tool," said Karen Kress, director of transportation and planning for the downtown partnership. "We felt it was something we had to do to stay competitive."

The Wi-Fi network will give downtown Tampa momentary bragging rights over downtown St. Petersburg, which has been trying to set up a similar system for about two years.

It will also provide Sago with a marketing opportunity to sell higher-speed services to businesses and indoor Wi-Fi access to local building owners, according to company president Miller Cooper.

Cooper said he also hopes the initiative will lend Tampa a more technology-savvy image to encourage more high-tech companies - and potential Sago customers - to come to the area.

"We all benefit from expansion and growth," he said.

Louis Hau can be reached at 226-3404 or hau@sptimes.com

[Last modified December 30, 2004, 09:06:13]
http://www.sptimes.com/2004/12/31/Citytimes/Free_Wi_Fi_coming_to_.shtml

Tampa Banks On Projects Along River
By JANIS D. FROELICH jfroelich@tampatrib.com
Published: Jan 1, 2005




TAMPA - Stuck in the dust next to skinny palm trees, the marker honoring Capt. Joseph Fry looks forlorn in the middle of construction for a new Ribbon of Green Park downtown.
The sign for the native son Fry, known as the ``Cuban Martyr'' because he died trying to help liberate Cuba in 1873, is about to have lush surroundings.

The city, along with a trust fund, has paid more than $3.3 million for a strip of land on Ashley Drive between the bridges on Platt and Brorein streets. Another portion of the Ribbon of Green park is under construction between Whiting and Washington streets.

Progress on the downtown project more than pleases the city's new Parks and Recreation Department director.

Unrolling the master plan for the park, Karen Palus said she is excited.

``People want these parks to enjoy the waterways,'' Palus said. ``I can see office workers taking lunch breaks or families on weekends coming downtown to be along the river.''

Fry Park (the name will be changed) is a small piece of the plan by the Tampa parks department. A 125-mile trail system is under development that will link city parks, neighborhoods, downtown and the Hillsborough River. The trail, with 25 miles in place, will connect to paths in Pinellas County, Hillsborough and to the north.

Fry Park is part of the Riverwalk plan Mayor Pam Iorio hopes will run along the east side of the Hillsborough River from Tampa Heights to the Channel District.

People will be able to walk from downtown hotels to The Florida Aquarium, or from the Tampa Convention Center to the Tampa Performing Arts Center - all along the river.

Jim Valentine, a 17-year city employee and supervisor of the city's Planning and Design Department, said Riverwalk has been a decadeslong goal.

``But this time, we'll get it done,'' he said.

A 300-foot section of Riverwalk will be built by developers who plan a 50-story, 213- unit condominium tower between Whiting and Brorein streets.

Valentine said property prices are so high downtown that it will continue to take creative financing to make these parks possible. The three parcels for Cotanchobee Fort Brooke Park, where the Tampa History Center will be built, cost $22 million.

``But we can do this,'' he said of land acquisition and fundraising. ``It does seem like we've turned our backs on the river in the past, but now we are facing the river.''

Two Tampa institutions will be honored in the downtown parks, which will be finished by summer. In the southern end of Fry Park, the University of South Florida will be recognized with flags or sculptural elements. On the northern end near Washington Street, MacDill Air Force Base will be commemorated by in-ground medallions, granite markers and a historical monument.

``We really want to celebrate these major components to Tampa's life,'' said Palus, who graduated from USF in 1989.

Palus, who previously worked in Melbourne and Orlando, said it's understandable that Tampa is behind in using its river. ``Waterfront parks usually come to cities when the growth happens. And Tampa is just now planning all this residential down here,'' she said.

The city also needs to restore sea walls, wetlands and shorelines of the river as it builds the two-mile Riverwalk downtown. Valentine points out mangroves growing near Fry Park. ``Native habitat is what we want,'' he said.


Reporter Janis D. Froelich can be reached at (813) 259-7143.
http://www.tampatrib.com/News/MGBCOX6ID3E.html

Update on Downtown Channelside From the St. PTete Times 12-31-04 from a mess of an article:

More residential projects break ground in the Channel District. An update on the two towers proposed next to Channelside: Brooks Byrd of Byrd Corp. says the project is in the permitting process, and they need approval to change from hotel to residential use. He hopes to start taking reservations for the 250 condos in the second quarter of 2005. And, yes, the project still includes a 36,000-square-foot Sweetbay Supermarket by Kash n' Karry, though I'm still holding out hope that the grocer finds a more suitable site that doesn't waste precious waterfront land.
http://www.sptimes.com/2004/12/31/Citytimes/Wishes_for_Tampa_in_2.shtml

I think that is a fine place for a grocery store. If anything, I wish that the Towers at Channelside had enough retail space to feature another similarly sized retailer.

Just wanted to get some feedback from people who know more about this than I do...what are your thoughts on the 60-foot height limit in the Channel District? Good idea or futile exercise? Will it be enforced or will height variances be increasingly easier to get approved?

The height restriction is stupid in some ways becasue Channelside/the channel district is part of downtown and that is where turban density is supposed to exist.... And you can't get dense if you can't go very high with buildings.

People like Kim Markham have been harping about how detrimental large scale condo projects happen to be -- and that the skyscrapers happen to ruin real-estate by "walling off" water views which is complete bullshit on her part. That is the Suburban mindscape of an area resident that is mch the same as a resident calling for wider roads but no mass-transit system to alleviate traffic congestion....

I guess I am falling into the idea that more greenspace is needed in channel district too - and I don't mean urban parks but I mean a park with an actual lawn and trees... Something that is absent as-is and doesn't seem to be on the drawing board... but that has absolutely nothing to do with the height limit so I'll shut up...

The hieght restrictions are stupid IMO, though I do think that they should exist. But instead of having the whole district be 60ft, I would have done it so that the hieghts tapered down towards the waterfront, but inland a couple blocks would be limited only by the FAA.

Markham supported the ehight limits until there were aenough projects to pop her property value and then she sold to someone who wants to build 4 15 story buildings. Hmm . . . makes you wonder.

I thinks maybe there should eb a stepping away from the waterfront to preserve veiws for those farther back. There should also be a set back as you go heigher. Otherswise, who cares? Like it is more urban if it is only 7 floors rather than 17. IF don correctly, you wouldn't notice.

Yes, they need a real park - probably on meridian.

I know we've seen the renders, but has anyone seen the website ?
www.O2condos.com

That was already mentioned a while back...



Which reminds me, how do I list the Pinnacle Place development now on the list? Should I mention the O2 thing?

I guess you do Pinnalce Place/O2 until we find out what the hell the names of the buildings are (like o1 and o2 - or something silly like that)

I just found out that the Place will be demolishing their sales center in about three weeks and starting construction, way ahead of schedule. They are now past 80% sold.

I spoke with a clerk at the City of Tampa permitting and they confirmed that The Place is now has paid their pemit fees and can go forward.

This sounds like great news for the district :)

Channelside should be awesome in about 4-8 years. I know some people don't like it, but I would love to see the "Pinnacle of Tampa Bay Tower" get developed. That plus the "Tampa Global Communication Teleconvergence Center" although I don't care for the name. It sounds more like a meeting place for the psychic friends network then a high tech conference center. As far as the residential developments in Channelside go, they are all looking pretty solid.

I wonder CBD developments though. I can't seem to find any marketing info on Four Seasons Residences at all.

Where exactly is the site where Towers of Channelside are to be built??

Basically the NE corner of Channelside and Meridian/Beneficial Dr.

Apparently someone is finally going to develop part of that huge parking lot in N Downtown bounded by Laurel, Ashley, TBPAC and Hillsborough River. Residential seems to make sense, although no details yet. Here's the link -

http://www.stpetersburgtimes.com/2005/01/06/Columns/Goodbye_to_parking__b.shtml

Maybe someone else can spruce up the former Holiday Inn while they're at it...

Excellent. I have been waiting for someone to see the obvious merits of developing that big contiguous lot. Hopefully it will be relatively substantial (15+ stories)

Then there is this - long time Tampa people will surely celebrate this:

Lighting Up The Way
By SEAN LENGELL slengell@tampatrib.com
Published: Jan 6, 2005




SULPHUR SPRINGS - The Sulphur Springs water tower, which for almost eight decades has stood as a beacon of pride for the neighborhood, soon will shine brighter.
Beginning Saturday, the city will illuminate the 214-foot tower landmark nightly as a prelude to a park planned for the site.

A lighting ceremony will be at 4 p.m. Saturday at the tower at Florida Avenue and Bird Street. The free event will include a performance by the Michael Southern Band. Eventgoers are encouraged to take blankets, lawn chairs and picnic supplies.

Mayor Pam Iorio is scheduled to flip the switch to light the tower.

The tower was built in 1927 and was the principal water supply for the area for decades. It was designated a historic landmark in 1989, protecting it from demolition.

The city bought the almost 13 acres around the tower from a private landowner three years ago for $2.85 million, more than $2 million of which came from the Hillsborough County Environmental Lands Acquisition and Protection Program.

The deal came on the heels of an attempt by the Walgreens pharmacy chain to build a store on part of the land. A grass-roots campaign organized by residents opposing the store helped kill the proposal.

The group then continued urging the city to buy the property - one of the biggest undeveloped parcels along the Hillsborough River in Tampa - and develop it as a park.

``We need more green [space] in this city, more green for the public,'' said Janet Stanley, an organizer with the Save Our Tower group. ``If I hadn't done anything, it would always have bugged me. ... It was such a good cause - a no-brainer.''

A lack of money has slowed plans for the park. But the city recently received a $96,000 state grant to build a foot trail from the tower to the gazebo next to the Sulphur Springs swimming pool, Parks and Recreation Department spokeswoman Linda Carlo said. Work is expected to begin this year.

The money also will be used for an architectural assessment of the tower and gazebo, she said.

The Southwest Florida Water Management District has committed $250,000 for a riverbank restoration project at the site, Carlo said. Work is expected to begin in 2006.

The design of the park has not been decided. Carlo said it will be a ``passive park,'' meaning the riverfront parcel will feature a natural setting with native plants. Not featured will be recreational facilities such as basketball courts, baseball diamonds or tennis courts.

Stanley said she appreciates the city's buying of the land, protecting it from development. But she said she is frustrated by the slow progress.

``Every time I open the paper, I see millions of dollars going downtown - millions,'' she said. ``And we have to beg for pennies.''


Reporter Sean Lengell can be reached at (813) 259-7145.

http://www.tampatrib.com/News/MGB128A6M3E.html

The article referenced above about the parking lot:

This is the "main" lot, the lot in question is just to the bottom left in the picture - I think this lot is the one that will get a garage:
http://www.denholtznj.com/gif/p_tampa.jpg

Goodbye to parking, but hello to panache
Tampa columnist
HOOPER
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Archive
By ERNEST HOOPER, Times Columnist
Published January 6, 2005

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During the 12 years I have toiled for the Times, my desk has been in the appropriately named Times Building on Ashley Drive, and I have parked in a lot just north of the building next to the old Holiday Inn hotel, now known as the Ashley Plaza Hotel.

With editors and some privileged reporters getting to park in the main lot across from the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center, those in the newsroom relegated to the north parking area jokingly refer to it as "Loserville."

Over the years, I've adapted to the short jaunt to the north lot, which is nothing compared to the parking hikes made by many downtown workers.

The attendants who run the booth for nighttime events always have something nice to say, and it's usually interesting to see folks all dressed up and headed for the performing arts center events.

Of course, there was that one night I was greeted by a funny smell and some odd-looking fans of rock band Widespread Panic.

But now it appears I'm gong to have to adapt to a new parking area. Denholtz Associates, which owns our building and the parking lot, plans to build a residential complex on the property.

The company isn't ready to release details, but a Denholtz official confirmed the residential plans on Wednesday. They say that's the best use for the lot, and I couldn't agree more.

Since I started working in this building, I've waited for the north side of town to become more vibrant, and now it's beginning to happen.

In addition to Denholtz's plans, the Tampa City Council has approved a 381-unit condominium/retail project at the southeast corner of Ashley and Polk streets. And then there are the cultural arts district plans, new designs for the old federal courthouse and a proposed Riverwalk.

Some day soon, downtown buzz is going to be more than just the state of happy hour patrons at The Hub.

Still, I had to ask: Where am I going to park?

The Denholtz official assured me accommodations would be made. The idea is to build a parking garage on the main lot between the Times Building and the performing arts center.

http://www.stpetersburgtimes.com/2005/01/06/Columns/Goodbye_to_parking__b.shtml

I would actually like ti to be apartments - for a few reasons - a mix of people living there and it will get under way faster. Not that I think it will be apartments, but I would like that. Checkign the develoeprs website, they don't seem to have anything but comemrcial property, so it might be interesting. That is a good sized lot to mess with.

Streetcar Plan Plugged
By ELLEN GEDALIUS egedalius@tampatrib.com
Published: Jan 5, 2005




TAMPA - The city and HARTline's quest to secure $3 million in federal transportation money to extend Tampa's streetcar line might not be dead after all.
The Hillsborough County Metropolitan Planning Organization voted unanimously to postpone deciding how to allocate the $3 million and await a recommendation from its staff. Funding the streetcar, among other projects, will be considered.

``This thing is on life- support for you,'' Commissioner Ronda Storms told city Councilwoman Linda Saul- Sena, a supporter of the extension. ``You've got to be really happy. Every time it looks like it's going to die, it resuscitates itself.''

The federal dollars are intended for projects that ease air pollution and alleviate traffic congestion. Board members last month divvied up all but $3 million of $30 million for projects such as adding turn lanes at busy intersections and enhancing bus service in New Tampa.

Streetcar officials want to extend the line to Whiting Street. The project, which would expand the route about three-eighths of a mile, would cost more than $7 million. State and federal money to cover the rest of the extension cost has been requested or secured, streetcar officials have said.

The Tampa City Council voted last month to pursue the federal funding for the expansion, but the planning group, whose members include city, county and transportation officials, nixed the idea, 6-5.

Opponents said the streetcar would do little to ease traffic congestion, partly because the streetcar does not run during rush hour. Critics also said they felt rushed into making a decision and suggested other areas of the county are worthy of transportation money.

In the past month, Plant City and Tampa submitted requests for a piece of the $3 million, seeking money for projects including new buses and traffic-monitoring cameras.

Those requests were being considered Tuesday when Saul-Sena suggested $2 million be spent on the streetcar and $1 million on the Plant City projects.

Saul-Sena argued that extending the line makes sense now that residential developments are planned in the Channel District. Lengthening the line could turn the streetcar into more of a commuter system if Channel District residents take it to work.

City Councilman Shawn Harrison acknowledged downtown workers likely wouldn't take the streetcar to lunch because the trip would take too long, but he said the city would benefit from a line extension.

``We will never know if it can go beyond an economic development, tourist initiative if you don't extend it,'' said Harrison, the board's chairman. ``Once it is extended to Whiting, I truly believe it will serve that function.''

Several board members, however, were reluctant to support Saul-Sena's suggestion. They wanted to see proof that the streetcar would ease traffic congestion.

Even the Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority representative on the planning board hesitated. Steve Polzin said he was concerned motorists would be unlikely to give up their vehicles for a ride on a streetcar. The extension probably would be more appealing to pedestrians, Polzin said, and taking pedestrians off the streets is not the intent of the federal funding program.

``I'm not prepared to support this,'' said Polzin, a HARTline board member.

Saul-Sena said she will encourage HARTline staff to explain the benefits of the streetcar extension to planning organization members. The matter could be reconsidered at a meeting in February or March.


Reporter Ellen Gedalius can be reached at (813) 259-7679.

http://tampatrib.com/floridametronews/MGBQ5YG2L3E.html

Although just starting, there are now construction photos of the Meridian on their web site www.meridianlofts.com/index.htm#. Does anyone know if there are any photos/webcams for the Embassy Suites?

How about some tall stuff, I mean, other than Embassy Suites.

Is O2 likely the first highrise to break ground ?

I have a couple pics that Smiley sent me, but I cannot upload and post them for technical reasons.

Once you get through the complaints about dt parking, there are updates on new possible project and update on Ashley and Polk condo approval.

Goodbye to parking, but hello to panache
Tampa columnisthooper
HOOPER E-mail:
Click here Archive
By ERNEST HOOPER, Times Columnist
Published January 6, 2005

During the 12 years I have toiled for the Times, my desk has been in the appropriately named Times Building on Ashley Drive, and I have parked in a lot just north of the building next to the old Holiday Inn hotel, now known as the Ashley Plaza Hotel.

With editors and some privileged reporters getting to park in the main lot across from the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center, those in the newsroom relegated to the north parking area jokingly refer to it as "Loserville."

Over the years, I've adapted to the short jaunt to the north lot, which is nothing compared to the parking hikes made by many downtown workers.

The attendants who run the booth for nighttime events always have something nice to say, and it's usually interesting to see folks all dressed up and headed for the performing arts center events.

Of course, there was that one night I was greeted by a funny smell and some odd-looking fans of rock band Widespread Panic.

But now it appears I'm gong to have to adapt to a new parking area. Denholtz Associates, which owns our building and the parking lot, plans to build a residential complex on the property.

The company isn't ready to release details, but a Denholtz official confirmed the residential plans on Wednesday. They say that's the best use for the lot, and I couldn't agree more.

Since I started working in this building, I've waited for the north side of town to become more vibrant, and now it's beginning to happen.

In addition to Denholtz's plans, the Tampa City Council has approved a 381-unit condominium/retail project at the southeast corner of Ashley and Polk streets. And then there are the cultural arts district plans, new designs for the old federal courthouse and a proposed Riverwalk.

Some day soon, downtown buzz is going to be more than just the state of happy hour patrons at The Hub.

Still, I had to ask: Where am I going to park?

The Denholtz official assured me accommodations would be made. The idea is to build a parking garage on the main lot between the Times Building and the performing arts center.

THEY HAVE GONE TO CONCERTS together, they have done public service announcements together and now they are appearing in a theater production.

Tampa mayor Pam Iorio and St. Petersburg mayor Rick Baker take the stage in Crossing The Bay tonight at 7:30 in Shorecrest Prep's Janet Root Theatre.

The mayors make cameo roles for two nights only in the LiveArts musical production. In addition to tonight, they also will perform on Jan. 26 when the musical opens in Tampa at the Falk Theatre.

The play runs through Jan. 23 at Janet Root Theatre and Jan. 25 to Jan. 30 at the Falk Theatre. Call 727 490-7367 for more information, or visit www.crossingthebay.com

The mayors appear in the opening scene, which takes place in Wardsville, the original name given to St. Petersburg. The play focuses on the formative days of Tampa and St. Petersburg and deals with the coming of the railroad to the Pinellas peninsula.

LiveArts executive director Harry Chittenden said Baker proposed the idea last summer when he met with him to discuss the musical, which takes place in the late 19th century.

Baker also made an appearance in LiveArts' Webb's City: The Musical.

"He's a damn good actor. So is Mayor Iorio," Chittenden said. "Both of these folks are real history buffs and they get a real kick out of dressing up in period costumes."

The show pokes fun at the long-standing rivalry between Tampa and St. Petersburg, which, as Chittenden says, has existed since there was nothing here but mosquitoes and trees.

But the play, like life today, ends with a theme that the cities are better off working together. I'm just glad that Iorio and Baker have embraced that philosophy.

That's all I'm saying.

- Ernest Hooper can be reached at 813 226-3406 or Hooper@sptimes.com

I seem to be having trouble loadingthe pictures on my puny Netscape half site. No idea how to resolve the issue either, which is a shame cause the pics are relatively good.

Embassy Suites - last week of Dec 2004 (hmm, that took some doing)

http://www.geocities.com/modockalt/111_1129-small.JPG

http://www.geocities.com/modockalt/111_1127-small.JPG

good pics smiley, how will this hotel look when completed?

MIA -- look at the first page of this thread and find the Embassy Suites hotel...

Driving down Tampa Street tonight, I noticed that the ugly parking ramp on Zack/Ashley/Cass/Tampa is already being torn down. This is where the 30-something story tower by Novare Group of Atlanta is planned.

That's faster than I had anticipated. Still haven't seen any details on the tower other than the rendering and press release, however...

Has anyone heard or read anything recently about "Four Seasons Residences" or the "Whiting & Ashley" condos? Where are their sales offices?

Good question.

Aren't one or both already approved? I wonder what the hold up is with taking either to the net step? The Novarre folks certainly don't seem to be having a problem moving quickly.

thx john, looks like a great building pretty tall.

ya what hapn with those new tallest towers planned, hope they start construction soon!

go tampa!

W&A is moving along, though there is something brewing (I think positive) but I have not been able to get a straight answer about what exactly it is (whether it is the Trump thing or something else - anyway, it will take a while, but with that location, that thinkg will get built)

Four Seasons is a total mystery. I am going to have to start doing some investigation about that project. Unfortunately, I am not sure who to contact. Of all the big projects, I think that is the most tenuous because it is not near the water or "entertainment"

As for the Novarre thing - I have no idea what is going on because they have not even done any sales as far as I know. I can't imagine them building before doing any sales - not that I would mind if they somehow sneakily sold the whole thing, but it was only announced like in Oct or Nov.

All three - W&A, Four Seasons and Novarre have at least the basic height and zoning approvals as far as I know. They all got fasttracked. I wil let you know what I can find out.

On Novare, I distinctly remember reading well over a year ago that they were planning on building in downtown Tampa. So who knows ?

As for the Novarre thing - I have no idea what is going on because they have not even done any sales as far as I know. I can't imagine them building before doing any sales - not that I would mind if they somehow sneakily sold the whole thing, but it was only announced like in Oct or Nov.



I bet they could sell that whole thing damn quick. The location is great for views of the city. 400N Ashley gets in the way a tad, but otherwise, the views to ther west are gauranteed, because it is public land, then the river, then UT and the historic district. Nothing tall will ever get built in the way of the views west. I would LOVE to own a sizeble unit at like the 12th-15th floor of this project.

Some minor infrastructure stuff:
Parking garage sale on hold
Davis Islands residents are worried about the fallout from the sale to Tampa General Hospital.
By JANET ZINK, Times Staff Writer
Published January 7, 2005

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TAMPA - City Council voted Thursday to postpone a decision on the sale of a Davis Islands parking garage after several residents said they wanted more time to review the deal.

Tampa General Hospital officials approached the city about buying the garage next to the hospital more than a year ago. Hospital officials have agreed to pay $29-million for it.

Davis Islands residents are concerned about including land between the garage and Seddon Channel as part of the sale. The residents think that will pave the way for Tampa General to build a new, seven-story, 1,400-space parking garage on waterfront property that will include part of nearby Marjorie Park.

Members of Davis Islands neighborhood groups don't like the idea of a garage on park land.

"We're chiseling away, bit by bit, at public land," said Davis Islands resident Rudy Fernandez.

The new garage is part of proposed additions to the hospital campus, which also include a 100,000-square-foot medical building for the University of South Florida and an additional floor on another planned building.

This summer, Tampa General filed a rezoning request with the city to allow the new construction. No hearing date has been set, zoning officials say, because there are too many unresolved issues.

The sale of the existing garage has nothing to do with the rezoning request, city attorney David Smith said, and the sales contract says Tampa General can't back out of the deal if the rezoning doesn't go through.

The land included in the sale of the garage is not park land, Smith said.

The land provides access to the existing garage, he said, and would only cost the city money for insurance and maintenance if the ownership of the garage changed.

The parking garage was built when TGH was a city hospital. The garage hasn't always been a moneymaker for the city, but now generates about $1.2-million a year.

Still, said city finance director Bonnie Wise, it makes more sense for the hospital to own the garage, which is used largely by TGH employees, physicians, patients and visitors.

Proceeds from the sale would allow the city to spend $5-million on parking spaces in downtown Tampa. The rest would go to pay off part of a $110-million parking system debt.

Neighbors also wonder if the sale price, based on an appraisal paid for by the city, is high enough.

"This is a big transaction for the city. We're not trying to stop the city from getting the money it needs," said Steve Stanley, president of the Davis Islands Civic Association. "We need more time to review the situation."

The hearing has been rescheduled for 5:30 p.m. Jan. 27.

--Janet Zink can be reached at 226-3401 or jzink@sptimes.com

[Last modified January 7, 2005, 01:29:20]
http://www.sptimes.com/2005/01/07/Hillsborough/Parking_garage_sale_o.shtml

As with all planning in Tampa, they forgot to have access from i-4 west to Crosstown west and coming back again. Why? Because they're stupid:

Funding, planning in place for I-4 connector
The road will bridge I-4 and the Lee Roy Selmon Crosstown Expressway along the west side of 31st Street.
By SAUNDRA AMRHEIN, Times Staff Writer
Published January 7, 2005

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TAMPA - There's nothing like a good rattling of the table to interrupt a romantic meal of paella marinara and a glass of sangria.

The rumbling isn't coming from the flamenco dancers of the historic Columbia Restaurant.

It's coming from the passing trucks outside. They use the Ybor City street beside the restaurant as a truck route between Interstate 4 and industrial sites to the south.

That's why owners at the Columbia were nothing short of giddy about Thursday's announcement from state and local transportation officials: The long-awaited construction of the Crosstown Connector has been funded and planned - promising to take all those noisy, fork-rattling trucks with it.

"We're ecstatic," said Columbia president Richard Gonzmart. The $283-million project has been programmed for fiscal year 2009-2010, according to a joint announcement by the Florida Department of Transportation and the Tampa-Hillsborough Expressway Authority.

The money will come from federal, state and Florida Turnpike Enterprise funds, with $80-million of the total recently committed by the turnpike enterprise, said Ken Hartmann, the DOT's District 7 secretary.

The connector, which will bridge Interstate 4 and the Lee Roy Selmon Crosstown Expressway along the west side of 31st Street, will give trucks an alternative and direct route to the Port of Tampa so that they won't have to rumble through the streets of Ybor City, officials said. The link also will let drivers bypass the junction of Interstates 4 and 275 when they're driving between east Hillsborough and South Tampa.

The project is part of a five-year transporation program that is subject to approval by the Florida Legislature this July, Hartmann said.

The connector link will have a toll of its own, but officials do not yet know how much it will cost, although it is likely to be under $1, Hartmann said.

Hartmann has called the Crosstown Connector the most important unfunded, regionally significant transportation project in the Tampa Bay area.

It will help commerce by moving goods back and forth to the port more easily and relieve the restaurant owners and shoppers in Ybor City.

Construction probably will not start until sometime in mid 2009 at the earliest, Hartmann said, and officials do not yet know how long it will take.

Gonzmart, of the Columbia Restaurant, said the wait will be worth it. While he sympathizes with truckers trying to make their way to the port, he said his patrons have to contend with the traffic.

The restaurant straddles 21st and 22nd streets, both one-way routes to and from the interstate that trucks frequently use to get to the port. The trucks have shaken - and damaged - the walls.

"There's no place for trucks running down these streets," he said. "(The connector) will improve the historic district of Seventh Avenue and make Ybor City safer and nicer."

[Last modified January 7, 2005, 01:29:20]
http://www.sptimes.com/2005/01/07/Hillsborough/Funding__planning_in_.shtml

The water tower rules . . .
http://www.sptimes.com/2005/01/07/images/xlarge/TCT_0_light07b__0107.jpg
Lightning flashes behind the water tower, shown in 2003. A crew that year removed pigeon and cockroach droppings from inside the tower. “It’s one of the few water towers in the country that has been designed architecturally,” says Tom Johnston, a city parks department planner.

Out of the darkness, tower lights up the past
The 1927 water tower's beam, seen from I-275, will pierce the night, maybe signaling a Sulphur Springs renaissance.
By JANET ZINK, Times Staff Writer
Published January 7, 2005
SULPHUR SPRINGS - With just days to go before the Sulphur Springs Water Tower lighting ceremony, a crew worked feverishly this week to pretty up the land around the tower.

They installed a sign at the corner of Florida Avenue and Bird Street and replaced brush under trees with mulch.

Hard work? Maybe, but it sure beat removing pigeon and cockroach droppings from inside the tower, a task completed by a crew of specialists in 2003.

Once the mess was gone, the tower was ready for ground lights, a new ladder on the inside, and lights on top.

Beginning Saturday, the 214-foot Sulphur Springs Water Tower will be illuminated every night. Supporters of the project say the lit tower, visible from Interstate 275, will bring attention to a neighborhood that's been neglected and will highlight an important piece of Tampa's past.

"It's a magnificent structure," said Alan Wright, a planner for the Hillsborough County City-County Planning Commission, who has lived in Sulphur Springs for 20 years and drove the effort to light the tower and put a park around it.

"This will help in signaling to people, "Yeah, the city's making a commitment to make this area better.' And if the city's willing to do that, individuals will be willing to come and do that as well," he said.

By all accounts, a test-run of the lighting on Dec. 18 elicited "oohs," "aahs" and stares from passers-by.

"People slowed down on the interstate," Wright said.

Josiah Richardson built the tower in 1927 to provide spring water to a community he was developing along the Hillsborough River. Instead of just a metal structure, he built one that resembles a castle.

"It's one of the few water towers in the country that has been designed architecturally," said Tom Johnston, the city parks department planner who has been overseeing the cleanup of the tower and creation of the park.

Richardson also built a shopping arcade that some call Florida's first mall, a water slide, bathhouse, alligator farm, hotel and tourist cottages. A flood in 1933, followed by the Depression and World War II, dashed Richardson's dreams.

His historic structures gave way to the interstate and other developments.

The tower managed to escape destruction. It was named a local historic landmark in 1989, which protected it from demolition.

Linda Hope, who grew up in Sulphur Springs but now lives in Land O'Lakes, remembers watching movies at a drive-in theater next to the tower.

"The tower itself, we never paid that much attention to it except for the hardy souls who would get drunk and climb it in the middle of the night," she said.

Graffiti covers the inside walls of the tower all the way to the top, where some etchings date to 1945, Johnston said.

Hope deemed the lighting of the tower, "dandy."

"It's going to be gorgeous when people see it," she said.

Preparing the water tower for lighting and restoration hasn't been cheap.

The city and Hillsborough County purchased the 13 acres around it in February 2002 for $2.85-million, with the state reimbursing some of that money.

Removing the pigeon debris and other garbage cost nearly $9,000. Replacing a rickety old ladder that leads to the top of the tower with a metal one, essential for installing the lights, cost $90,000.

Future plans call for painting the tower, replacing windows and repairing the parapet.

"The building itself is in excellent shape," Johnston said. "It's a solid poured concrete building; the walls are 10 inches thick. There are no structural problems with it."

A state grant for $96,000 and $113,000 from the city will pay for a restoration plan and construction of part of a trail that will run under the interstate and connect River Tower Park to Sulphur Springs Park.

Additional grant and city money will fund restoration of the river shoreline, construction of a fishing and observation pier on the river, and park shelters.

The community has also pitched in.

Residents, including Joe Robinson, president of the Sulphur Springs Action League, volunteered over the summer to pick up trash and clear invasive plants from along the river.

"It's an icon," Robinson said of the tower. "There aren't many items that are left that were built back in those years."

Robinson moved to Sulphur Springs in 1997 from Lutz. He was attracted by its location, close to downtown, the airport, Busch Gardens and other Tampa and St. Petersburg sites. He owns a house on the river on a street shaded by old trees.

"It's like a country town in the city," he said.

But his neighborhood suffers from a bad reputation as a high-crime area with run-down houses.

"It's a neighborhood that was forgotten, but a lot of people are interested in bringing it back now. It needs some tender loving care and it's very doable to bring it back," Robinson said. The lighting of the tower "gives the people a sign of hope that change is coming."

If you go
The Sulphur Springs water tower lighting ceremony is scheduled for Saturday from 4 to 6 p.m. at River Tower Park, 701 E Bird St. The event features music by the Michael Southern Band.

[Last modified January 5, 2005, 15:27:07]
http://www.sptimes.com/2005/01/07/Citytimes/Out_of_the_darkness__.shtml

Neighborhood notebook: Council to hear Bayshore parcel rezoning request
By ANNE ARSENAULT and JANET ZINK
Published January 7, 2005

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

TAMPA - The City Council is scheduled to consider a request Thursday by Crescent Resources to rezone 1.8 acres at 319 Bayshore Blvd. A North Carolina developer wants to build a 20-story tower with 168 units on the site.

The hearing, scheduled for 6 p.m. in City Hall at 315 E Kennedy Blvd., was originally set for Dec. 9. City staff asked to postpone it to resolve issues related to streets around the parcel.

If approved, the tower would replace a 72-unit apartment complex that dates back more than 50 years.

Residents in the 345 Bayshore condominium tower say they are concerned the construction would make existing traffic problems worse. People on the north side of 345 Bayshore also are concerned about losing their views of downtown, condominium association president Elizabeth DiConti said.

Truett Gardner, an attorney for Crescent Resources, said traffic concerns are unfounded and improvements are planned to offset any impact on new residents.

"The level of service on all the roads will not change," he said.
http://www.sptimes.com/2005/01/07/Citytimes/Neighborhood_notebook.shtml

The Place at Channelside
By MICHAEL CANNING
Published January 7, 2005

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

LOCATION: 918 Channelside Drive, occupying the block bordered by Channelside Drive and 12th, Washington and Whiting streets.

DEVELOPER: Key Developers Group.

DESCRIPTION: Two eight-story condominium towers with 244 units. Floor plans will have one bedroom and bathroom, two bedrooms and two bathrooms, or three bedrooms and three bathrooms, and will range from 600 to 3,636 square feet. More than 13,000 square feet of retail space is planned on the ground floor facing Channelside Drive and 12th Street. A two-story mural will adorn the project's facade along Washington Street. The artwork is yet to be determined, Key Developers president Fida Sirdar said.

PRICE: $159,900 to $1.7-million.

AMENITIES: Common areas to include a fitness center, pool with cabanas, spa, clubhouse and open landscaped green space on the fifth level. All condominiums will have integrated air conditioning, lighting and security systems. Hardwood floors, high ceilings, fireplaces, granite counter tops, stainless steel appliances and glass mosaic backsplashes in the kitchens in all. Ground floor units facing the pool area have private cabanas. Elevated units will have balconies. There will also be a doorman and 24-hour concierge service.

WHAT THEY'RE SAYING: "It's a very modern expression," said Marc Van Steenlandt, one of the architects. "It's really geared toward people that have sophisticated lifestyles in how they dress, how they entertain, how they go about their day-to-day business. The building has very sophisticated detailing, but in a very crisp manner."

TIMELINE: Construction is scheduled to begin in February and finish by May 2006. Sirdar said the Place is more than 70 percent sold.
MOVE-IN DATE: August 2006.

FOR INFORMATION: 272-2121, or online www.theplacecondos.com

- MICHAEL CANNING, Times correspondent

The Latest Development features a new residential or commercial project. To suggest a project, e-mail mikecanning@hotmail.com or call 226-3394.
http://www.sptimes.com/2005/01/07/Citytimes/The_Place_at_Channels.shtml

Smiley, thanks for the Embassy Suites Pics!!

As to the Novare Group project, the quote in the Times was:

"Bannister said TECO talked with several buyers interested in the property, but sold to Intown and Novare because they were ready to move quickly."

www.stpetetimes.com/2004/09/01/Hillsborough/Condos_may_fuel_Tampa.shtml


This may explain why the project seems to be moving along. They may also be building on pure speculation and have financing not contingent on percentage sales. Hard to tell.

smiley, I had PM'ed you over your photo hosting stuff.

Unless they are going to build it as apartments and slowly sell the units as condos, I can't imagine they would be crazy enough to build it spec. OF course, there is only one way to find out - ask. We'll see what they say.

Is 318 bayshore those ugly green and pink apartments near downtown?

Here's nice Meridian shots - coming along quickly.
http://www.intowngroup.com/images/Meridian_2.jpg
http://www.intowngroup.com/images/Meridian_1.jpg
TBBJ says in today's issue (one the web Monday) that ground breaking for Tower at Channelside is Jan 17 and Place is starting in Feb. 12th Street is sure going to be different in 2006

BTW, the condo proposal at Whiting and Ashley just went into high gear.

Donald Trump is now officially involved with that project. It is now the 'Trump Tower Tampa'... And will be 52 stories (not 50) and over 600ft tall. (not sure if it changed from the previously reported 603ft)

Jasonhouse, was there a press release on this Trump Tower or do you have "sources?"

I got called by a "source" today at work. But I think he found out only because it's going to be public knowledge tomorrow.

BTW, the condo proposal at Whiting and Ashley just went into high gear.

Donald Trump is now officially involved with that project. It is now the 'Trump Tower Tampa'... And will be 52 stories (not 50) and over 600ft tall. (not sure if it changed from the previously reported 603ft)


:eek2:

BTW, the condo proposal at Whiting and Ashley just went into high gear.

Donald Trump is now officially involved with that project. It is now the 'Trump Tower Tampa'... And will be 52 stories (not 50) and over 600ft tall. (not sure if it changed from the previously reported 603ft)

Whoa... thats awesome!
very, very, awesome. Cant wait to get more details ~tomorrow.

Holy Bejeezus, I'm Gobsmacked!!! So I asked and - from Novarre's partner:

We have a little prep work to go along with
the demolition prior to going vertical with the building. We are planning
a marketing center opening for March and construction to commence in
April. The project will take approximately 18-20 months to build

I would never have believed such a thing. It defies all logic and common business planning . . .

There was a report on "Trump Tower Tampa" during the 6:00 news and it will re-air on the 10:00 news (Channel 13 WTVT). The report states that there will be an official announcement on Monday.

Just ran a whois search on trumptowertampa.com and saw that it was taken by a downtown marketing company this past August. Should be interesting to see the level of buzz the upcoming release provides... I'm sure this will end up in the national news considering Trump's current media status.

March opening for Novare group sounds great. It's nice to see that two very different customer types will be served by these projects (entry level and high end condos).

Any news on Grand Central, anyone? I'm dying to hear how their contract conversions went. I hope they converted enough reservations in order to start soon as well...

Great news For Tampa:)

I just hope Trump doesn't Trump-ify it. You know, make it gaudy, ugly...Trump-like.

Man this seems like its going to be the year that multiple cranes finally grace the Tampa skyline. Its going to be interesting to see what the type of urban projects the current ones attract as they start construction and near completion.

Holy Bejeezus, I'm Gobsmacked!!! So I asked and - from Novarre's partner:



I would never have believed such a thing. It defies all logic and common business planning . . .

Just smile, Smiley. :)

I just hope Trump doesn't Trump-ify it. You know, make it gaudy, ugly...Trump-like.

I think the design was already a bit ungainly. I'm hoping to see some refinements.

Awesome news for Tampa! Also, great to see Meridian rising, this is one midrise I really like.

I think the design was already a bit ungainly. I'm hoping to see some refinements.

It seems like a cookie cutter design. Not cookie cutter per-se but I mean it's a design that seems similar to projects and buildings in other parts fo the country.

So definately hope to see soem refinements.

I got called by a "source" today at work. But I think he found out only because it's going to be public knowledge tomorrow.

and public it is...

http://www.sptimes.com/2005/01/08/Hillsborough/Trump_looks_at_Tampa_.shtml

Justin
www.bayciti.net

Holy Bejeezus, I'm Gobsmacked!!! So I asked and - from Novarre's partner:

We have a little prep work to go along with
the demolition prior to going vertical with the building. We are planning
a marketing center opening for March and construction to commence in
April. The project will take approximately 18-20 months to build

I would never have believed such a thing. It defies all logic and common business planning . . .


Dude, you ain't kidding. That's about as fast as "fast track" gets in Tampa... The pace of development is akin to those PAC Lofts recently built behind Laurel Place, only this development is like 8x bigger.

Perhaps you will finally see cranes galore in Tampa.

I don't think it's so bad ,except I wonder about the street action -

then there are these ditties
Yacht Basin Project Starts With Demolition
By MICHAEL H. SAMUELS msamuels@tampatrib.com
Published: Jan 8, 2005




SUN BAY SOUTH - The landscape of one of Tampa's gateways is changing.
Two buildings standing in the way of the $350 million redevelopment of the Imperial Yacht Basin were demolished this week, with more set to fall in the coming weeks.

The buildings, a house on Price Street and a one-story warehouse on Paul Street across Bridge Street from the marina, took less than 30 minutes to raze.

Next week, a gas station, shack and old building at the marina and former industrial site at the foot of the Gandy Bridge are slated to be taken down.

Keith Steward Sr., an operator foreman for Sonny Glasbrenner Inc., used a trackhoe Thursday morning to turn the vacant cinder block warehouse with an aluminum roof into a pile of rubble.

``I'll slam right through it,'' Steward said shortly before beginning. ``It'll come right down.''

It did.

Gary Dabbs, who lives at nearby Freedom Village, a subsidized housing community for the disabled, watched the demolition.

``It's something to watch other than television,'' said Dabbs, out on his motorized scooter taking his dog, Beans, for a walk. ``I always get my nose into stuff. I'd rather do that than sit in my apartment all day.''

St. Petersburg developer Grady Pridgen bought the 16- acre property, which includes the marina and Jimmy Mac's restaurant, in May for $25 million.

He plans to build 750 residences, and 95,000 square feet of retail, commercial and restaurant space. A two-story hotel will front Gandy Boulevard.

The first building won't be completed until 2007.

Dabbs said some Freedom Village residents are concerned about the project's effect on rental prices, but he said it will improve the area by bringing sidewalks and beautifying the neighborhood.

``It's progress,'' Dabbs said. ``There's nothing we can do about it.''


Reporter Michael H. Samuels can be reached at (813) 835-2109.

http://www.tampatrib.com/News/MGBKP85XO3E.html

Tampa Heights Greenway Planned
By JOSE PATINO GIRONA jpatino@tampatrib.com
Published: Jan 8, 2005




TAMPA - About a quarter- mile strip of land from Amelia Avenue south to Seventh Avenue will become a trail and park space, according to plans by the Florida Department of Transportation.
Work on the Tampa Heights Greenway Trail project will start this year and is expected to be completed in February 2006.

The asphalt trail will allow bike riding and skating. It is 12 feet wide in some areas, and 9 to 10 feet wide in others, said Elaine Illes, a DOT consultant.

Several green areas will serve as park space. One of the green spaces will be 300 feet long by 100 feet wide, the size of a football field, Illes said.

The idea for the greenway came about a few years ago when the DOT began planning for a massive interchange improvement affecting historical areas, including Tampa Heights. The greenway was proposed to offset the changes and as a buffer between the community and the interchange, Illes said.

Many roads around the interchange will be dead ends, so the greenway will help to beautify the area and bring people to it, Illes said. It also should reduce dumping and improve safety, she said.

``It will be a wonderful asset to the Tampa Heights community,'' she said.

The cost of the property in the area was about $2 million. DOT is constructing the greenway, which will be maintained by the city.

Streetlights in the area won't be upgraded with fancy poles, however.

Despite the improvements, the Tampa Heights Greenway Trail could be temporary. It could be removed in 25 or 30 years if DOT needs more land to expand the highway system.

The project is still in the concept stage and could receive minor modifications. It must pass a safety review with the police department and final review with the city's parks department.


Reporter Jose Patino Girona can be reached at (813) 259-7605.

http://www.tampatrib.com/News/MGBWSGLXO3E.html

Call me crazy, but does the architectural rendering of the Novare Group tower planned for downtown looked eerily similar to one they are currently building in Midtown Atlanta??

http://www.spiremidtown.com/

Not that I'm complaining. Looks pretty sleek at night.

That's probably how they can move so fast - all their buildings look pretty much the same, but I'll take a couple.

And we have confirmation of Trump Tower Tampa. Thanks to Jasonhouse for breaking the story.

LATEST NEWS
9:52 AM EST Monday
Trump to build in downtown Tampa

Donald Trump Monday announced plans for a 52-story, luxury condominium in downtown Tampa to be called Trump Tower Tampa. The project will be developed in a partnership with local Tampa Bay-area developers SimDag-RoBEL LLC.

According to a release, Trump Tower Tampa will be Trump's first project on the Gulf of Mexico.

"We are developing a signature landmark property so spectacular that it will redefine both Tampa's skyline and the market's expectations of luxurious condominium living," stated Trump. "Trump Tower Tampa will undoubtedly have a phenomenal impact on the city."

The $220-million development will be located on a 1.5-acre site at 111 South Ashley Drive along the Hillsborough River in the heart of Tampa's financial and cultural districts.

The building, which will be the tallest residential building on the Gulf, will feature 190 condominium and penthouse residences ranging from 1,991 square feet to 6,150 square feet and priced from $700,000 to more than $5.5 million.

"I appreciate Mr. Trump's investment in Tampa," stated Mayor Pam Iorio. "This is an exciting residential project along our Riverwalk and will add greatly to building a vibrant downtown neighborhood."

Trump Tower Tampa is designed by the Tampa-based firm Smith Barnes Santiesteban Architecture Inc. Turner Construction will build the project.


© 2005 American City Business Journals Inc.

http://tampabay.bizjournals.com/tampabay/stories/2005/01/10/daily1.html?jst=b_ln_hl

I came across these TBBJ Articles this morning -

More Trump:

Snippet - "We are developing a signature landmark property so spectacular that it will redefine both Tampa's skyline and the market's expectations of luxurious condominium living," stated Trump. "Trump Tower Tampa will undoubtedly have a phenomenal impact on the city."

http://tampabay.bizjournals.com/tampabay/stories/2005/01/10/daily1.html?jst=b_ln_hl

More Channelside:

Snippet: "A Tampa Bay Business Journal inquiry has found as many as 6,000 units now are on the books or envisioned for the downtown district in view of the Port of Tampa."

http://tampabay.bizjournals.com/tampabay/stories/2005/01/10/story1.html

I guess the second article is proof positive that you can't even get a boom started these days before the Cassandras come out of the woodwork with all their handwringing about impending oversupply.

Don't thank me, thank DB&W Structural Designs. ;)

Re: TTT, $220-million suggests a spectacular project !

I guess the second article is proof positive that you can't even get a boom started these days before the Cassandras come out of the woodwork with all their handwringing about impending oversupply.


Sounds like a nice way to scare off a bit of the competition, and get those pre-construction priced units for their own portfolio.




Something else I caught from that article.

St. Petersburg developer Roger Gatewood goes before Tampa zoning officials Jan. 13 seeking approval to build a $100-million mixed-use village, complete with 360 units in 14-stories in the Channel District.


So, looks like we'll finally have some decent info on that mysterious project. What's it called? Channelside Villiage?

good point

The only thing tha tbothers me is the lack of downtown business now.

With allt he Channelside/Downtown projects that are expected to commence shortly, I'd just LOVE to see someone move out of the suburban office park sprawl and make a statement by relocating their offices downtown in a to-be-built high rise (Hillsborough River Tower is the only pending downtown office project that is still ont he books -- and long dormant at that).

While I wouldn't mind an office building or two I have a few things to point out:
1) Hillsborough River Tower will never happen. It is a horrible design in the wrong place. It is not in the core, it is away from all the development, it has no street action. I actually don't want it. That lot will probably become condos, especially if this Trump thing gets built - waterfront you know

2) The logical place for an office building is where Heritage Tower was to go - in those dirt lots south for SunTrust

3) Offices will follow people and aminities. When you can live, shop, and hang out, people will put offices there.



Yea, that is Channesldie Village - the land Markham sold 14 stories, a bit higher than the 60 feet height limit she kept bitching about. . .

As for the Biz Journal article. Yea, there are a lot of units but my view is this - once the first wave happens and a neighborhood gets basically established, there may be a drop of a few years in a recession, but the core is there. it will fill in. The core is the key and we are getting it. additionally, tehre really isn't anywhere else in Tampa to build such a neighborhood at the moment, so I think it will do ok. IF you want that style, you go there or St. Pete. That article also had a map that was most incomplete. I think they should be a bit embarrassed - I could do better off the top of my head.

^^^ lol... I saw that 'map' yesterday in a friend's copy of the paper (subscriber, so he gets it Friday). It's worse than our development thread, and I still basically don't include a project if we don't have a rendering.

I htink it's ok to make note of a proposal - like Channelside Villages, but when they are serious, they put out a picture - except for Alagon - which waited until jsut about when they broke ground for whatever reason.

Smiley, being across the river from downtown doesn't exactly make HRT out of the core - it does keep it out fo the office grid that we're used to but it expands downtown west of the river. I have no qualms about that.

The design is rather bland but then again it was still impressive back in the 1990's when it was proposed. If they ever re-open the project, it will likely be re-designed.

And I have to argue where the best location for an office tower is. What aobut north downtown? You get to a certain point and everythiing sprawls out into parking lots or mid-rises. I know there is nothing wrong with a mid-rise building but it'd be nice to see things fill out instead of continue sprawled out.

Speaking of downtown - and I aplogize for asking this question again because I know I have asked it before on thsi forum and in the Tampa thread of the past but what is the deal with property that Palace Sports and Entertainment have the rights to in downtown near the Forum? I remember reading that part of the lease agreement entitles the Lightning to property near the arena but I am not sure what property it is.

Hey Guys.

I am thinking very strongly about reserving in one of the new developments. I have something on hold in O2, but am also very interested in Novare and Downtown Channelside. But since the latter two are not in sales yet, I can only evaluate the O2 property.

Since I haven't been following Tampa development as long as some of you guys, I was hoping to elicit some opinions. I know Pinnacle has been on the books for a long time. It appears to me that 02 will get built though. (with or without the needle.)

I am told by the Sales Agent who I know you all know, that building 1 is 70% sold. For those of you who have been following this project since the beginning, In your opinions, will 02 actually break ground?

Thanks for your feedback

My personal opinion is the Novarre project is going to be a good one to buy in. Not so much for flipping or whatever, but for buying, living in for 3-5 years, and then selling for probably something like double-triple what was paid (or more). IMO, the Novarre location just can't be beat.

It kind of drives me nuts, actually. I will finally be able to make some moves (financially speaking) later this year, but Novarre will go into and out of pre-sales long before I can do anything.

Jasonhouse,

I like the Novare location too, and the price looks like it is going to be more affordable then some others. Howerver, I'm not sure I want to wait on that one and let the current opportunity pass.

Having follwoed Tampa development for sometime, what do you think of O2's chances to break ground? Anyone else's thoughts on the project are appreciated too.

Hey Guys.

I am thinking very strongly about reserving in one of the new developments. I have something on hold in O2, but am also very interested in Novare and Downtown Channelside. But since the latter two are not in sales yet, I can only evaluate the O2 property.

Since I haven't been following Tampa development as long as some of you guys, I was hoping to elicit some opinions. I know Pinnacle has been on the books for a long time. It appears to me that 02 will get built though. (with or without the needle.)

I am told by the Sales Agent who I know you all know, that building 1 is 70% sold. For those of you who have been following this project since the beginning, In your opinions, will 02 actually break ground?

Thanks for your feedback

I think O2 will break ground but not for a while, just my opinion though.
Other developments seem to be better organized and more 'impending'. I have had a lot of dealings with one of the more incompetent developers of the O2 (DeBose) and did not hold out much hope for it until it changed hands. Sales agents will say just about anything.

I'm looking at moving into the Novare Development from where I am now, I like the location quite a bit and it's opening will likely coincide when I get tired of where I am now.

Cheers,
Justin
www.bayciti.net

Back to TT, if the original was 50 stories and 593 ft., I should think that 52 stories would yield something in the range of 610-615 ft.

And for the record, let's toss in the new rendering - which if you look closely seems to have no street retail - which I can't believe they would allow.
http://www.02condos.com/condo_large_pic.jpg

Smiley, I have been told that this rendering is old and have been shown a site plan that has street retail on Caeser and Cumberland Street facing the Channelside side of the building. Also, the parking garage is not so prominent in the front of the building. I am told that they moved the building amenities to the front, and parking is more towards the back. In addition, the pool is in the common "green" area in between the two buildings, not on the garage roof tops.

I am also told that they still plan to develop the tower and hotel. The tower will be a TV/Radio/Communications tower with the observation deck and restaurant space near the top. Pinnacle Holdings is still involved in the development as well as Morin. There is also an Ampitheater on the site plan. The Tower/Hotel will be developed at a later date from the condominiums.

.... Or so I am told.

From everything I've been reading, I believe that O2 will break ground. However, all indicators lead me to believe that Novare will be the next residential hi-rise to begin construction after the Towers at Channelside. If the info in this thread is accurate, Novare's sales center will be opening in 2 months with construction to commence in the spring.

It's a single tower vs O2's double tower/mixed use complex. Seems like a lot more pieces of the puzzle will have to fall in place before O2 is ready to break ground. Downtown Channelside has been quiet as a church mouse lately, so who knows about that one.

I'd also look at which one has the potential for the greater appreciation. With Novare starting at $170K, I would guess that the cost per square foot is going to be lower than O2. I also think that area of Tampa is really going to explode in the next few years, much as the Channel District is now. Trust me, it's been gratifying to see my Channelside loft appreciate in value with each new nearby development announcement.

Good luck whichever way you decide.

woow great news on the trump tower cant wait to see a rendering and how tall it can be!

FLHawk,

Good point, Novare could actually be topped off before 02 building 1 even though 02 has the head start. Not to mention the fact that its 10 stories shorter.

I have had a lot of dealings with one of the more incompetent developers of the O2 (DeBose) and did not hold out much hope for it until it changed hands.

Justin,

Thanks for your response.
I am told that DeBose is still very much involved in the project.

Back to TT, if the original was 50 stories and 593 ft., I should think that 52 stories would yield something in the range of 610-615 ft.


It was actually 50 and 603ft. If it's 52, then it is probably another 20-30ft taller than that, depanding upon where those floors were added.

http://www.bayciti.net/hrb/22102.jpg

It was actually 50 and 603ft. If it's 52, then it is probably another 20-30ft taller than that, depanding upon where those floors were added.


My guess is that Trump increased the height to be taller than Four Seasons which is 51 stories and 630 ft.