I had the oportunity to visit Tampa last week and I took a picture of the skyline.

http://img94.echo.cx/img94/8278/tampaskyline9hl.jpg

the tampa skyline might not be the biggest but i do like the fact that the buildings always look so organized and leading to or having the amsouth tower as the centerpiece

the tampa skyline might not be the biggest but i do like the fact that the buildings always look so organized and leading to or having the amsouth tower as the centerpiece

I think Trump Tower is going to be the new centerpiece in a couple of years, with all those empty spaces filled as well... it's going to be one heck of a skyline - I can't wait!

Tampa is one of the few cities with a well planned dt area. All the buildings fit together.

I split this off from the Tampa DN thread, since this isn't about development.

the tampa skyline might not be the biggest but i do like the fact that the buildings always look so organized and leading to or having the amsouth tower as the centerpiece


Just imagine if it had been 55 stories, as they origionally intended.

Nice Pic MiamiSunCity. I am just curious what were you on when you took the picture?

Around malfunction junction, the interchange between I-4 and I-275 heading West I think.

looks to be taken at the Southbound I-275 to I-4 eastbound flyover. Best skyline view shots are probably best about half a mile away from downtown on the crosstown, the skyline just seems to sprawl on forever before the last toll booths and the southbound lanes of I-275 after coming up from the lower lanes of malfunction junction....

great pic suncity, thats a nice skyline

You can get some very nice shots of Tampa going west on the Lee Roy Selmon between DT and I-75.

Just go to the top of the garages in Ybor . . . it costs less than getting on the Selmon - but be prepared for the "security" folks to come question you - for whatever reason.

Just imagine if it had been 55 stories, as they origionally intended.
Jason :) , my friend , its all about the F.A.A. :bash: , Sunny Isles Beach its 551 ft. Downtown Miami its 900 ft., and if the Empire World Towers get at least 1,000 ft., it would be a miracle, but I doubt that , also. :sleepy:

But anyway, nice Picture of Tampa, SunCity :) , I really do love the Tampa skyline as much as Miami, its always my second favorite city to visit in Florida. :cheers:

nice, compact, uniform skyline. It looks great coming off the interstate, especially the angle where you drive "straight into" the skyline (can't remember what interstate it is, been a couple yrs since I've been to Tampa). Suntrust kicks ass at night.
Can't wait till it gets a strong residential and retail base. Speaking of which, are there any large scale retail projects slated for dt Tampa?

Actually there are no height restrictions in that little area (or if there are, they are so high that no one has come close to needing to refer to them ever). They could go up much higher.

Jason :) , my friend , its all about the F.A.A.

Actually, I think it was all about Tampa's towers going up at the end of the 80's boom, and running into the early 90's crash. Three large office towers all went up at the same time, and flooded the market. 100 N Tampa was downsized, and a competing tower wound up going 'bankrupt', and being sold to the county a firesale price.

What building heights will the FAA allow in Tampa?

55 stories. that's depressing. Its still impressive as hell, though; but the extra height would have made it a clearer tallest from, say, the perspective of the above photo.

Didn't someone post a while back that there is an FAA height limit in Tampa b/c of TPA flight approach vectors or something like that?

55 stories. that's depressing. Its still impressive as hell, though; but the extra height would have made it a clearer tallest from, say, the perspective of the above photo.

Didn't someone post a while back that there is an FAA height limit in Tampa b/c of TPA flight approach vectors or something like that?

In my opinion there shouldn't be any height restrictions. Look at cities like NYC...don't they have airports all around and tall buildings?

I don't think it makes much sense for them to restrict Tampa to 55 stories.

In my opinion there shouldn't be any height restrictions. Look at cities like NYC...don't they have airports all around and tall buildings?

I don't think it makes much sense for them to restrict Tampa to 55 stories.

New York isn't Tampa though -- the city was tall before the FAA came into being - it also has much more of a verticle need on Manhattan Island than in Tampa.

Not trying to excuse NIMBYism or defend the height restraints, but New York is a different bird.

Now if you had said CHICAGO.....

I could understand if they didn't want tall buildings in the Westshore area around the airport, but DT Tampa is far enough away. I didn't know the FAA had the right to limit building heights. I think the city will have a 55 story building soon enough, then what?

The FAA does not possess the power in itself to restrict building heights. It does issue recomendations which local governments tend to enforce. We've talked at length on the isue in the Miami forum.

I always thought downtown Tampa looked strange, especially while driving through it, just subtract like 6 buildings and you have no skyline - it's strange.

I don't mean that in a bad way either, it just seems they have either small or tall, not much inbetween! That's the strange part.

^Well, there is more ground clutter these days than there used to be, but it is still paltry... Some pictures look better than others.

I always thought downtown Tampa looked strange, especially while driving through it, just subtract like 6 buildings and you have no skyline - it's strange.


I don't think that statement is true. Downtown Tampa currently has 15 buildings above 200 ft. The distribution is pretty even: 4 - 500 footers, 2 -400 footers, 4 - 300 footers and 5 - 200 footers. There would still be 9 buildings above 200 ft. if you took away the tallest six. (See list below)

AmSouth 579 ft
Bank of America Plaza 577 ft
One Tampa City Center 537 ft
Suntrust 525 ft
Park Tower 458 ft
400 N. Ashley 454 ft
Hillsborough County Center 375 ft
Sam Gibbons Federal Courthouse 375 ft
Tampa Marriot Waterside 326 ft
Wachovia Center 311 ft
Franklin Exchange Building 280 ft
SouthTrust 279 ft
One Mack-Cali Center 252 ft
The Grandview 235 ft
Hotel Floridian 204 ft

I think what you might be reacting too is the density of the buildings for a city of Tampa's size. Many of the smaller buildings are blocked out by the larger ones from certain angles. Tampa's downtown is really confined to a small area compared to many cities. However, the development of Channelside will change all of this and double the size of Tampa's downtown

Nice pic of Tampa

Nice pic. I can't wait until Skypoint gets added to that photo! :)

Nice pic. I can't wait until Skypoint gets added to that photo! :)
It will be awesome! I drive across the Howard Franklin a lot and on a clear day I can see downtown very well. It looks like the skyline might become very "linear". If the towers on Franklin get built it will block the view of the Federal Courthouse and the Floridan Hotel (not that the Floridan is all that stately from the bridge). Anyway I would like to see the Tampa skyline change for the better adding more high-rise residental. Also when the Channnelside Condo's get built there will be a very impressive view for those who are sailing into Tampa.

here are two of the pics I've processed from yesterday's rooftop adventure at 400 N Ashley... I'll probably post some more later on...

Looking south over Davis Islands, and the bay. One can see the TGH annex is well under way, with two tower cranes now
up... (no zoom used)
http://www.skyscrapercity.com/photopost/data/500/8View_over_Davis_Islands_and_bay_2.jpg

Looking SW over S Tampa, with the bay and DT St Pete beyond... (no zoom used)
http://www.skyscrapercity.com/photopost/data/500/8View_over_S_tampa_and_bay_2.jpg

Tampa is looking good!

And a pic taken last year from the roof of "The Pointe", which is an office tower at the southern tip
of Rocky Point.

Sorry for the lame quality, but it was hella hazy that morning, and cheap cameras pointed into the
morning glare don't fare well. (no zoom used)
http://www.skyscrapercity.com/photopost/data/500/8Tampa_from_rocky_point_morning.jpg

Nice job Jason :)

Nice pics! I like looking at Tampa's skyline coming from St. Pete and St. Pete's coming from Tampa. Next time I get to go to Florida Power on Weedon Island (Progress Energy), I'll take the camara and see what I can do... Good shots of St. Pete from the Gandy Bridge too.

Great shots from atop 400 N Ashley (Rivergate?)!

Just a taste of what our well-to-do TTT neighbors will enjoy.

Pictures look great!

good pics man! cant wait 2 see the rest

The FAA does not possess the power in itself to restrict building heights. It does issue recomendations which local governments tend to enforce. We've talked at length on the isue in the Miami forum.
I have an article from the Tampa Tribune from January or February 1998 clipped out about the Hillsborough River Tower. It was titled "Skyscraper fans have thier heads in the clouds". It mentioned that originally it was to be 675 feet tall. It was supposed to open in 2001. I don't know the exact date that was published.

Just got back from DT. Here is what I noticed (for those of you who care):
Trump Site....two guys operating earth movers. Very muddy from yesterday's rain.
Skypoint...lots of activity & you could see the big hole.
Harbor Island....whole lotta nothing!
o2 and Towers....whole lotta nothing! Not a soul in site.
The dorm....lots of work today. Something is out of the ground already.
Ventana and Grand Central....they're going full-tilt-boogie on these.
Bayshore...theyr'e putting the facade/windows on the Alagon & Bellamy

^You should post that update in the Tampa Development News thread, not a photo thread.

^You should post that update in the Tampa Development News thread, not a photo thread.
OK. No problemo.

Flyover
http://img34.imageshack.us/img34/6879/dsc000144jw.jpg
Ybor
http://img34.imageshack.us/img34/9668/dsc000157pi.jpg
http://img34.imageshack.us/img34/3601/dsc000168no.jpg
http://img34.imageshack.us/img34/8674/dsc000179za.jpg
Channelside
http://img34.imageshack.us/img34/8011/dsc000184wj.jpg
http://img34.imageshack.us/img34/486/dsc000196ab.jpg
http://img34.imageshack.us/img34/2527/dsc000202ku.jpg
http://img34.imageshack.us/img34/4224/dsc000218zq.jpg
http://img34.imageshack.us/img34/8747/dsc000222kb.jpg
Downtown
http://img34.imageshack.us/img34/3984/dsc000245tu.jpg
http://img34.imageshack.us/img34/8780/dsc000259ph.jpg
http://img34.imageshack.us/img34/5223/dsc000264li.jpg
Bayshore
http://img34.imageshack.us/img34/182/dsc000346yj.jpg
http://img34.imageshack.us/img34/2590/dsc000358dt.jpg
http://img34.imageshack.us/img34/6585/dsc000394wo.jpg

I have a lot more pics I'll post soon...... Hope everyone here has a broadband connection!!!!

Very nice man...

AWESOME! I had been wondering about so many of thsoe projects and just what exactly is going on -- It's damn nice to see exactly what is up.

The Embassy Suites is now starting to be visible past the crosstown and as you drive around. I think it will really be an enhancement when done - despite its odd architecture. Just gotta fill those empty lots a bit.

Awesome!

On the 9th photo, The one with Victory lofts in it, is that rubble where Seaboard Square will be?

That's the opne nit pick I have for the photos --

Some of them I was clueless on what they were -- not because I am unfarmiliar with the projects but I really haven't seen them close up... I wasn't sure that was Vicctory Lofts in the ninth picture or what it was... TTT was unmistakable, same with the Meridian and Embassy Suites but some of the others.... Eh...

^You gotta clue in man...:)

TTT was unmistakable

I guess all the signs on that site sort of help. :wink2:

Harbor Island (from channelside)
http://img398.imageshack.us/img398/8876/dsc000234rq.jpg
Harbor Island (from Davis Islands)
http://img384.imageshack.us/img384/4903/dsc000314sa.jpg
Harbor Island (from Davis Islands)
http://img384.imageshack.us/img384/8091/dsc000326at.jpg
Davis Islands...... New construction on Davis Blvd.
http://img396.imageshack.us/img396/340/dsc000332wx.jpg
Hyde Park (looking east)....... If you look closely you can see 345 Bayshore and One Bayshore
http://img396.imageshack.us/img396/1025/dsc000281gz.jpg
Downtown Tampa (from Bayshore)
http://img384.imageshack.us/img384/4996/dsc000365bm.jpg
Don's Palace (Bayshore)
http://img384.imageshack.us/img384/7167/dsc000380jy.jpg

Who is the Don of Don's Palace?

I believe they are referring to Don Wallace. He owns Lazy Days and the most expensive home in Tampa. You can read more about him in the Central Park Revitalization thread.

I love that house. Everything about it is great (would have been better if they had more land, but who's complaining)...

Who owns that big bluish/gray house that is on Harbour Island? Its massive. Unfortunately there looks like there is some big ugly building right behind it.

Who owns that big bluish/gray house that is on Harbour Island?

A very rich person. :)

I knew who owned the house at one time but i've forgotten...... It's an older couple from up north I believe..... What you see on the other side of the house is a building at the port where ships are repaired.

I'm surprised tehy were not forced to jack it up a bit to avoid flooding. It looks pretty low - with living areas on the first floor

Those houses would definitely not be ugly to me if I owned them. :)

Updates.....
The Bellamy
http://tinypic.com/mcbv61.jpg
http://tinypic.com/mcbxpl.jpg
The Alagon
http://tinypic.com/mcbygh.jpg
http://tinypic.com/mcc0uf.jpg
http://tinypic.com/mcc1eg.jpg
Tampa General construction
http://tinypic.com/mcc22e.jpg
http://tinypic.com/mcc47m.jpg
The Plaza HI
http://tinypic.com/mcc4ur.jpg
Towers at Channelside
http://tinypic.com/mcc6yr.jpg
http://tinypic.com/mcc83t.jpg
Grand Central / Ventana
http://tinypic.com/mccavc.jpg
http://tinypic.com/mccd9c.jpg
http://tinypic.com/mccg1h.jpg
Embassy Suites
http://tinypic.com/mccgtx.jpg
http://tinypic.com/mcchgh.jpg
UT Dorm
http://tinypic.com/mccjfb.jpg
http://tinypic.com/mcckcl.jpg
Skypoint
http://tinypic.com/mcd5pj.jpg
http://tinypic.com/mcd8iu.jpg
More to come.....

Nice pics i think you should post some in the main construction developments on this site show something is happening round here.

the tampa skyline might not be the biggest but i do like the fact that the buildings always look so organized and leading to or having the amsouth tower as the centerpiece
I always thought of Bank Of America as the center piece anyway i might as well add these pics i took at the Gandy Trail today
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/I-275/000_0278.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/I-275/000_0289.jpg
WestShore
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/I-275/100_2394.jpg
Gandy Bridge
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/I-275/100_2403.jpg
Saint Pete(yea its blurry)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/I-275/100_2404.jpg

Recently posted pics are real nice, except for the part where they are so huge that they can't be seen without scrolling.


Just for future reference, please don't post such huge pics. Something around 800x600 to 1024x768 is about the most anyone should post (except for panoramics)...

Recently posted pics are real nice, except for the part where they are so huge that they can't be seen without scrolling.


Just for future reference, please don't post such huge pics. Something around 800x600 to 1024x768 is about the most anyone should post (except for panoramics)...
If you were talking to me i resized them you just gotta click refresh sorry.

sorry..... i have a huge monitor and the pictures fit on my screen

sorry..... i have a huge monitor and the pictures fit on my screen

Very nice pics, thanks for the update.

Finally, a lot of really good pics of Tampa in the forum!!

I can't complain about scrolling -- pictures are pictures and any size is appreciated. Of corus eiI am contradicting administrative wishes so I'll shut up...

sorry..... i have a huge monitor and the pictures fit on my screen

I run a big monitor too (19" at 1600x1200), but the vast majority of people don't...

It's no big deal guys... The pics are still great to have...

55 stories. that's depressing. Its still impressive as hell, though; but the extra height would have made it a clearer tallest from, say, the perspective of the above photo.

Didn't someone post a while back that there is an FAA height limit in Tampa b/c of TPA flight approach vectors or something like that?

What is the actual height restriction in feet because the Wachovia tower in Miami is also 55 stories and over 750ft. A 700-750ft. tower is quite possible with 55 floors from sidewalk to roof. Who knows, maybe we will see one go up before the 2009 Superbowl comes to town!!

A few more....
http://i1.tinypic.com/mtuqhg.jpg
http://i1.tinypic.com/mtut4w.jpg
http://i1.tinypic.com/mtutcw.jpg
http://i1.tinypic.com/mtuqyx.jpg
http://i1.tinypic.com/mtusdz.jpg
http://i1.tinypic.com/mtuvky.jpg

http://i1.tinypic.com/mtut4w.jpg
I love that pic makes Tampa look like a big city. :cheers:

Skypoint's definitely going to be a nice addition to our skyline. Does anyone know the latest on TTT?

To the person who took the photos.....I love the fourth one with Victory lofts on the left, Meridian on the right and downtown in background. That's a picture worth framing.

As for TTT, the archaelogical thing should have been done last year. I have seen the site twice in January and nothing has changed. I'm getting a little suspicious that something has gone wrong.

I have been hearing rumblings that TTT is on hold for some time now.

Had to dredge this up, since it includes pics from the roof of 400 N Ashley that someone had asked about.

http://i1.tinypic.com/mtut4w.jpg

Sort of sad to see Maas Brothers in the lineup there.

Had to dredge this up, since it includes pics from the roof of 400 N Ashley that someone had asked about.Thanks, They enjoy a pretty nice view from up there, huh? It's a shame that the building is only 1/3 full or so.

Just so you know, there are other pics of dt, westshore and UT in another thread somewhere too (including some night shots)...