Grand Central made it "official", today, to delay the closings of the condos in the East Building. According to the memo, they are anticipating certain condos in the East Building to be complete by the middle of January, with actual closings of units to begin in mid February.

From the memo, I don't gather that ALL condos in the East Building will be completed by then, but all common elements of the East Building will be finished prior to the closing of ANY units on any of the floors.

They are projecting to complete construction on some of the units in the West Building by May 2007.

Here's some pictures of the Towers at Channelside i got last weekend....

http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o236/JordanA_015/Buildings034.jpg

http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o236/JordanA_015/Buildings035.jpg

http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o236/JordanA_015/Buildings036.jpg

They really dominate Channelside from every angle. It'll be nice to get a few other towers going up soon to balance it out, say the Martin and Place Phase 2.

I was surprise to read on their website that completion should be by Nov 2007. I would had expected an earlier completion than that. What would push it so far out there?

I also emailed them seeing if I can get more info.

Maybe they think that we are going to have a horrendous hurricane season like this year.

Maybe they think that we are going to have a horrendous hurricane season like this year.

What? You thought this was a bad year?!

It was a joke. I was there for Charley in PC. Then up here for the others.

^Where were you exactly in Port Charlotte?

Anyone have pics of the fire that took place North of the Grand Central at Channelside construction site?

Alden:doh:

^Where were you exactly in Port Charlotte?

Oleans Blvd. North of Kingsway and South of 41. I was closer to Villa. The harbor was like two seconds from my fathers house where I used to live.

Anyone have pics of the fire that took place North of the Grand Central at Channelside construction site?

Alden:doh:

I know exactly what happened with that and exactly what burned, it was the GC of Grand Central at Kennedys trailer complex. The Martin, according to the people at the sales center, are going to be breaking ground in March. In that time so will the Slade, and Finergy. Duh, forgot to mention, but I do not remember if it has been discussed already, but Seaboard Square was sold. Could not find out to whom though.

Anyone have pics of the fire that took place North of the Grand Central at Channelside construction site?

Alden:doh:

Ooo Fire. When? I was in Channelside around 8pm.... drove home on that spiffy new elevated span.

I know exactly what happened with that and exactly what burned, it was the GC of Grand Central at Kennedys trailer complex. The Martin, according to the people at the sales center, are going to be breaking ground in March. In that time so will the Slade, and Finergy. Duh, forgot to mention, but I do not remember if it has been discussed already, but Seaboard Square was sold. Could not find out to whom though.

Slade and Martin in March are somewhat believable but I doubt Finergy will break ground in March because it's a pretty new project, I've seen no advertising for it or any sign of sales at all.

The Seaboard Square project was sold to the developer of Baywalk in ST Pete.

Well that is what the guy said at the sales center, or at least that is what he thought.

I would be happy with slade and Martin (though I wonder about Place Phase 2). . .

I want to go and talk to the GC of phase one to see if he knows anything.

I was at a party for The Place homeowners and guests last week and found it interesting (although not surprising) that at least 60-70% of the people I chatted with had no plans on moving into their condos once completed. Most said they bought for investment, although a few also said that their plans had changed since the building was delayed.

I also know a friend who had a unit at Grand Central and backed out when the HOA fees doubled on his unit (he said they went from $0.25 to $0.50 per foot). He said the rep (I know this is hearsay, but for what it's worth...) at GC said they had a bunch 10-15% of the contracts back out for similar reason.

I hope I'm wrong, but I think we'll be seeing a short period (maybe 12-18 months) where 50-75% of these condos will be empty. This could serve as an excellent opportunity for those that missed out on the early price points of these projects...

Has anyone heard any new news regarding Novare's Channelside project? The last I saw on the project was the posting on villagerealestate.blogspot.com.

I think you will see a huge "adjustment" on sales prices in Channelside. I hope people undertand that it is a healthy adjustment. We had a lot of speculators who are trying to bank. We need real people, so it is a good thing they are being pushed out of the market. HOA fees are not bad in channelside compared to what I pay in southtampa already. GO TAMPA!!!!!!

What are the current prices of a 1/1? On lets say the 10th floor on the completed GC @ Kennedy.

Pre-construction prices at Grand Central were somewhere around $230 to $320 per square foot, depending on location within the building and amenities (i.e. floor to ceiling glass, balcony, all hard wood floors, etc.)

I have no idea how much resales are going to go for after the building opens. I would presume that even with the housing glut, they will sale for no less than $300 per square foot. If that's the case, almost all 1 bedrooms would still go for over $300,000.

I recieved a email back from Towers at Channelside Sales Manager and they said that they are topped off at 29 floors. Also said that they are planning a finish of Tower2 by August. There is 1 restaurant planned and waiting for more to rent. They have no other plans at the moment to build anything else in Tampa, but they still like the city and maybe in the future they will

I also know a friend who had a unit at Grand Central and backed out when the HOA fees doubled on his unit (he said they went from $0.25 to $0.50 per foot). He said the rep (I know this is hearsay, but for what it's worth...) at GC said they had a bunch 10-15% of the contracts back out for similar reason.

The condo fees did go up; however, they were not as bad as your friend led you to believe. The original estimate was that they would be around .32 per square foot and now they are going to be around .45 mostly due to higher insurance rates, which every condo is having trouble with . . . new or existing.

Secondly, they had 8% of the units cancel their contracts when they changed the condo docs and from what I know 93% of those were investors that probably had no business investing in the first place.

What are the current prices of a 1/1? On lets say the 10th floor on the completed GC @ Kennedy.

Prices are running from the low 200's for a Studio (620 sq ft) to the mid 700's (2200 sq ft), which translates to the low 300's to low 400's per sq ft, which is comparable if not less that the pre-construction prices at The Slade, The Martin and presumable Phase 2 of The Place (when they get around to it). These are real world values and not just guesses, as I have several resales under contract to new buyers at these prices.

The condo fees did go up; however, they were not as bad as your friend led you to believe. The original estimate was that they would be around .32 per square foot and now they are going to be around .45 mostly due to higher insurance rates, which every condo is having trouble with . . . new or existing.

Secondly, they had 8% of the units cancel their contracts when they changed the condo docs and from what I know 93% of those were investors that probably had no business investing in the first place.

Thanks for the clarification, the numbers you stated are quite interesting... Insurance rates have caused havoc with most condo/townhouse HOA's, to larger degree since they are considered commericial policies and are nowhere near as regulated as residential policies. I wasn't trying to single out any one project, because I believe all of them (Place, GC, Towers) are going to exhibit substantial (15-30%) fall-out when they start closing. Meridian and Victory Lofts haven't exhibited this partly because of their smaller influence on the overall market (smaller projects). Once these 250+ unit projects start closing, they will definitely play a critical role in the supply of investor condos entering the market (not to mention Skypoint, as well).

Tampa has been fortunate to have not experienced the same fall-out rates as those experienced recently in South Florida (60-85%), but it will still happen to a degree, as evidenced already by people backing out when contractually permissible.

I also believe this will be healthy for the long-term success of Channelside. Most of the people who bought in '04-'05 should be just fine, but there will surly be some great opportunities for those who are committed to the vision of Channelside and want to live there. Also, I'm sure retail will be slow going until potential retail owners can physically verify that potential customers are actually living in their condos. Once all the above works itself out, we'll get to see the vision of this wonderful community come to fruition.

The Pool/Amenities Deck is awesome:)
http://i17.tinypic.com/4hlxs1s.jpg
http://i18.tinypic.com/42s8w83.jpg

An interior view of the pool side cabanas. These will be outfitted with Viking mini fridge and icemaker for your poolside beverages.:cheers:
http://i13.tinypic.com/4hxalo7.jpg

East building from the street level.
http://i14.tinypic.com/2d6tz0x.jpg

North side of the East Building
http://i11.tinypic.com/473sw8g.jpg

North side of the West Building
http://i13.tinypic.com/2s6lurl.jpg

Interior of Bronze Unit on 8th floor with views of 2 cruiseships in terminal.
http://i17.tinypic.com/4g9hgmc.jpg

And . . . a panarama from the balcony of a 7th floor unit.
http://i17.tinypic.com/2cdfng5.jpg

Enjoy!

Alden Frostad
RE/MAX Premier Services
813-333-1683

Good pictures, thanks for posting. From street level the setback with the amenities deck doesn't look great but it looks like a project with great amenities as far as pool cabana, green grass, the retail that shoulf fill in on the bottom, etc.

Pretty impressive pics.Looks like a awesome project so far.

I hope we see more Channelside projects going up soon, even with the few the have gone up, I'l still sick of the openess of Channelside, just look at the last pic

Coming Attractions Filling Skyline

Published: Dec 30, 2006

CHANNEL DISTRICT - As a wrap-up to 2006 in this booming neighborhood, the city council approved three residential projects: the 21-story Navio; the 29-story Novare-Intown development; and the 25-story Kennedy Residences of Channelside.

The trio will further change the face of the Channel District, a warehouse area serving the nearby Port of Tampa a mere five years ago.

Projects completed or under construction represent 1,657 residences, said Michael Chen, manager of the district's Community Redevelopment Area. Projects approved but not under construction, he said, could add 2,875 residential units.

Don't look for construction workers and giant cranes to be gone for at least 10 years.

Add all that to a population estimated at 100 to 200 and the Channel District will metamorphose into an urban core like none other in the Tampa Bay area.

The growth has brought a big pain: no parking. But Chen said most of the high-rises slated to open in 2007 will have internal parking for residents and visitors.

Janis D. Froelich

http://southtampa.tbo.com/southtampa/MGB094K2BWE.html

^Great news!

Good, optimistic article and a great way to end 2006. As the city council approves more and more highrises without (what appears) no questions asked, I wonder how tall they would let the projects go now. Obviously the FAA would be a factor but not so much once you go more East and North.

I hate to be pesamistic...but man, there are so many condos vacant right now. I'm not sure how any of these will be financed. I want to see these built, but I know the is an over saturation of condos in the Tampa Bay area. I hope I'm wrong..believe me I want the downtown area to grow!

It's still too early to tell how many of the downtown condos will be vacant, since most of them are still being built. BUT .. I think we will learn a thing or two in 2007 as over a 1,000 condos are completed in Channelside (Grand Central, Ventana, The Place Phase 1, and the Towers), increasing the population potential of the area by ~500%. Depending on how this year goes, I think it will dictate the speed at which the rest of Channelside is built out.

I am going to start the new year off in a positive note. I think that half of all the projects mentioned to go in Channelside will happen. Just optimistic, and not dilusional.

I am going to start the new year off in a positive note. I think that half of all the projects mentioned to go in Channelside will happen. Just optimistic, and not dilusional.
I must agree with you. I think that most of the projects that said a 2007 start will go up as planned. Although it looks like the market is cooling, I expect a warm up by July.

It's just a wait and see game from now on.

Amen brother! Finally something that someone doesn't disagree with.

Having been reading through all of the Channelside development thread, my girl friend Laura and I headed down there on Saturday to grab some photos of all the construction and changes that are taking place. Now, it was not really all that long ago that we had been through there but it was really quite astounding to see all the changes that have taken place.

http://www.downshiftonline.com/rwm/albums/userpics/10001/DSC_7860E.jpg
http://www.downshiftonline.com/rwm/albums/userpics/10001/DSC_7864E.jpg
http://www.downshiftonline.com/rwm/albums/userpics/10001/DSC_7866.jpg
http://www.downshiftonline.com/rwm/albums/userpics/10001/DSC_7868E.jpg
http://www.downshiftonline.com/rwm/albums/userpics/10001/DSC_7877E.jpg
http://www.downshiftonline.com/rwm/albums/userpics/10001/DSC_7888E.jpg
http://www.downshiftonline.com/rwm/albums/userpics/10001/DSC_7892.jpg
http://www.downshiftonline.com/rwm/albums/userpics/10001/DSC_7896E.JPG
http://www.downshiftonline.com/rwm/albums/userpics/10001/DSC_7911E.jpg
http://www.downshiftonline.com/rwm/albums/userpics/10001/DSC_7920E.jpg
http://www.downshiftonline.com/rwm/albums/userpics/10001/DSC_7933E.jpg

http://www.downshiftonline.com/rwm/albums/userpics/10001/DSC_7891E.jpg
http://www.downshiftonline.com/rwm/albums/userpics/10001/DSC_7872E.jpg
http://www.downshiftonline.com/rwm/albums/userpics/10001/DSC_7893E.jpg
http://www.downshiftonline.com/rwm/albums/userpics/10001/DSC_7883E.jpg
http://www.downshiftonline.com/rwm/albums/userpics/10001/DSC_7902E.jpg
http://www.downshiftonline.com/rwm/albums/userpics/10001/DSC_7915E.jpg
http://www.downshiftonline.com/rwm/albums/userpics/10001/DSC_7929E.jpg
http://www.downshiftonline.com/rwm/albums/userpics/10001/DSC_7938E.jpg

http://www.downshiftonline.com/rwm/albums/userpics/10001/DSC_7892.jpg


Nice pictures. I espcially like this one it shows off 12th street as a hip, almost South Beach like community. We just need the Novare project and Seaboard Square before it's all but completely filled out.:)

Yep, there is definitely a trendy vibe down there. I had quite a bit of fun walking around in the later afternoon seeing all the goings on. Seems to be coming alive pretty well.

Nice pics! :)

^^ I'll second that. :)

I didn't realize how colorful Grand Central would be. I really like the first shot. Thanks.

Great pics, good job on the angles.

Superb photography.

When I first saw the first pic, I almost thought it was a drawing because of the color. Great shots!!

A special lense filter (or some photoshopping) must have been used for some of those pics because the colors of those buildings, in real life, aren't quite that deep and vibrant.

Those are some really good shots, though.

Its a post processing technique in PS-CS2 used to create that effect. The color and architecture down there lends itself to creating the perception of the image having been painted/drawn rather than photographed.

Yea, it's clear that you used PS but the result is still superb. I love the tone of them.

Since, there has been some question/interest in the photographs I thought I would share what some of the original photos looked like.

Original Photo (Reduced in size for the web)
http://www.downshiftonline.com/Temp/Pics/Rob/DSC_7860%20(Medium).JPG

Post processed result
http://www.downshiftonline.com/rwm/albums/userpics/10001/DSC_7860E.jpg


Original
http://www.downshiftonline.com/Temp/Pics/Rob/DSC_7892%20(Medium).JPG

Post Processed
http://www.downshiftonline.com/rwm/albums/userpics/10001/DSC_7892.jpg

The first picture of Grand central really helped me understand the layout of the project. It's really two residential buildings that squeeze the Parking Garage in the middle. I also really like the circular corner affect of Grand Central. It's a beautiful project overall I'm just waiting on the announcement of which grocery store will be moving in.

Just thought I'd share some pics of the model they built for The Martin at Meridian.

http://i11.tinypic.com/2ihb1fo.jpg
http://i14.tinypic.com/2gtdo9x.jpg
http://i14.tinypic.com/2d1oakg.jpg
http://i18.tinypic.com/2u43h8y.jpg
http://i14.tinypic.com/2hovkg6.jpg
http://i10.tinypic.com/29l1tex.jpg

Cheers,

Alden Frostad
RE/MAX Premier Services
813-333-1683

^^It's very stubby project but the park is an excellent added feature even if it is small considering all of the residents there will live within a block of it. Overall the building from the model, which I guess you can't completely trust, looks bland but acceptable as the colorful Grand Central is next door.

Alden, or anyone, do you know when they plan to begin construction on the Martin? Building a model shows they are still serious about the project which is good.:)

hide the parking garage! Please!

hide the parking garage! Please!

I agree, hopefully they will atleast paint it a more interesting color atleast when/if the project is built. The project still should help out the area alot as a whole though and give that Northern cluster of Channelside a major taller tower vertically.

^^Alden, or anyone, do you know when they plan to begin construction on the Martin? Building a model shows they are still serious about the project which is good.:)

I know they have taken quite a few reservations and plan to go to hard contracts soon with construction planned for next summer. Reality, however, is that when they get enough hard contracts to satisfy he bank is when they will break ground. Hopefully they can pull it off. We need more activity to make people want to live here. Seaport is now underway, which is good and hopefully the developers of The Slade and The Martin will tear down the buildings that exist on the land where there projects will be. Even if they don't break ground soon, it will at least look lie something is happening and that is always good. There are also a couple hotels that are slated to go in on the South side of Kennedy accross from Grand Central. Construction on these would be great too.

Alden

The Seaport Channelside apartment project (the only rental project in the Channel District to date) will have a groundbreaking ceremony on Monday, January 8 at 10:00 – the Mayor will attend. Project consists of:

422 apartment units - rents at workforce income levels.
7,000sf of retail.
706 parking spaces.

This project is widely recognized as a premier Brownfields site rehabilitation success in Florida.

http://www.tampasdowntown.com/newsletter.aspx?newid=69

I like the Martin. I do agree that the garage must hidden or blend in with the project. Wouldn't mind if they just put glass in the openings so it looks like the whole project. Also wish it wasn't so boxy in the front. Maybe curving the angles?

I'm surprsie of the massive parking spaces they will have. It almost looks like it takes half of the building.

The best I can say is I like the model better than the original renderings.

I don't think it is really understood but Seaport Channelside is a very important project. With Towers@Channelside on one side and Seaport Channelside on the other, the area will be framed - and the apartments will provide a good demographic - it will lead to the eventual filling in of all the spaces - whether in this boom or the next. IT is more important than the Martin - which it self is huge - literally.

^^. . . looks bland but acceptable as the colorful Grand Central is next door.

I think you'll find it more colorful than the photos show. It has tons of Blue glass, which I think will make it pop out better than the model shows.


Alden

I like the Martin. I do agree that the garage must hidden or blend in with the project. Wouldn't mind if they just put glass in the openings so it looks like the whole project.

Glass in the parking garage???

Uhh, have you ever been in a typical parking garage in the summer?

Ok, now try being in one that has no ventilation, and see if you can get from your car to the elevator without dying from CO poisoning or heat stroke.

Glass in the parking garage???

Uhh, have you ever been in a typical parking garage in the summer?

Ok, now try being in one that has no ventilation, and see if you can get from your car to the elevator without dying from CO poisoning or heat stroke.

I'm sure there will be some sort of ventilation...something like the Amsouth building maybe.

IT will be open and it will not matter . . . This is Florida - it is ok as long as there is street retail.

By the way, I don't know what kind of ceremony they plan at Seaport Ch., but they are working right now

Yep, here's a pic of the site being worked on. When I was there last week they were very active.

http://i13.tinypic.com/40f6po7.jpg

I don't think it is really understood but Seaport Channelside is a very important project. With Towers@Channelside on one side and Seaport Channelside on the other, the area will be framed - and the apartments will provide a good demographic - it will lead to the eventual filling in of all the spaces - whether in this boom or the next. IT is more important than the Martin - which it self is huge - literally.


You're 100% right about that. It also is somewhat of a connector into Ybor and may eventually encourage development of this scale on Adamo. Also, it has reatail, which gets a lot of people walking around the entire North to South span of Channelside, which ties back into the "framing" you mentioned.

The Selmon should provide some nice views.

The Selmon should provide some nice views.
Yep! Can't wait



Off Topic: Just say that my school is going to be on News Channel 8 today. But it's not a good story

I cannot wait until the area across the Selmon is redeveloped. This area was part of the original Central Park redevelopment proposal but was not included in the final approved plans since the owners backed out. This will remain the last "eyesore" in the area and probably command top dollar when the surrounding areas are completed.

The Selmon should provide some nice views.

Well this project at 5-6 floors is tall, so it's taller the the Crosstown so the Crosstown will no longer dwarf everything that is next door to it which could take away it's views for a small part so it will be a change. Dpending on weather it's good or bad will depend on the layout of Seaport. It might be cool to look down on the "little village" like development.

Can anyone repost a rendering for Seaport? I see there is one at the site along the fence but I can't recall seeing it. I'll check my files, but it couldn't hurt to have an updated rendering. Maybe even a thread for it?

It also is somewhat of a connector into Ybor and may eventually encourage development of this scale on Adamo.

No encouragement is needed. Just about every single parcel of land north of the Port Authority HQ, east of Channelside Dr, south of the Crosstown and west of 19th street is already in the long process of being added to the Downtown boundary, rezoned to mixed-use, and redeveloped in the coming years.

And a thread for the Seaport project is a good idea, since we have several folks who regularly post pics nowadays.

I don't care who creates it, just please don't create it unless you will keep the first post up to date with relevant facts and figures...

This was the only rendering of the project from Synergy's website.

http://i11.tinypic.com/350nzmo.jpg

I thought this would be an interesting look back at the beginnings of the Channelside transformation. You can clearly see the now removed people mover/monorail that connected Harbor Island and the City Center to the left middle of the photos and in the grassy areas we no have a park. trolley system, parking garages and multiple hotels...an interesting look at the no so distant past.

http://www.kimmins.com/images/icepalace.jpg

I'd guess that was taken around 1994?

I know a lot of people - many on this forum - harp about the slow pace of development in Tampa. But think about what was NOT in the Channelside area15 years ago:

- Florida Aquarium
- Times Forum
- Mariott Waterside
- Ft Brooke Park
- TECO Streetcars
- Channelside restaurants & theatres
- Cruise Terminal 3
- Redone Meridian Street
- Embassy Suites
- Residential (Victory Lofts, Meridian, Channelside 212, et. al.)

^^ Hell, most of that wasn't there 10 years ago. Although Tampa has a ways to go as far as Residential Space and Street Retail, I believe the Tampa is ahead of the curve as far as hotel space downtown. I think Tampa compares favorably in this area to Orlando and St. Petersburg.

Here are the latest rendering for the proposed Finergy project on the corner of 12th and Kennedy.
http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l313/mbrechwald/channrend.jpg http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l313/mbrechwald/channelrend2.jpg

I'd guess that was taken around 1994?

I know a lot of people - many on this forum - harp about the slow pace of development in Tampa. But think about what was NOT in the Channelside area15 years ago:

- Florida Aquarium
- Times Forum
- Mariott Waterside
- Ft Brooke Park
- TECO Streetcars
- Channelside restaurants & theatres
- Cruise Terminal 3
- Redone Meridian Street
- Embassy Suites
- Residential (Victory Lofts, Meridian, Channelside 212, et. al.)

I think the pic was more like 1995. I remember I visitied Tampa in December 1994 to do some research about "City Planning and Integrated Management in Waterfriont Cities". At that time there was hardy any construction of the Ice Palace going on.

Don't forget to mention all the construction on the northern end of Harbour Island. Back then, besides the failing Shopping Mall there was nothing but vacant land.

^^ Hell, most of that wasn't there 10 years ago. Although Tampa has a ways to go as far as Residential Space and Street Retail, I believe the Tampa is ahead of the curve as far as hotel space downtown. I think Tampa compares favorably in this area to Orlando and St. Petersburg.

Tampa beats the living crap out of St. Petersburg when it come sto downtown hotel space. I mean what does St. Petersburg have? The Vinoy and then...? The biggest complaint from the Final Four at Tropicana Field was having to drive long distances to get to the game and elsewhere. There was talk aobut a new hotel downtown to make the Trop more attractive to marquee events but in the end -- it was just talk.

Here are the latest rendering for the proposed Finergy project on the corner of 12th and Kennedy.
http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l313/mbrechwald/channrend.jpg http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l313/mbrechwald/channelrend2.jpg

The Finergy Project and The Martin look very much alike.....Do they have the same architects?

Here are the latest rendering for the proposed Finergy project on the corner of 12th and Kennedy.
http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l313/mbrechwald/channrend.jpg http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l313/mbrechwald/channelrend2.jpg
Awesome, I like! :)

This one was approved, right?

The Finergy Project and The Martin look very much alike.....Do they have the same architects?

I believe that Grand Central, Finergy, The Martin, and the proposed Navio are all using Urban Studios Architects. Which would explain the physical similarities.

Awesome, I like! :)

This one was approved, right?

Yes this one is approved. It looks good, I like the top and wish that style with more glass went all the way down the tower portion. Those 3 blocks will be a very dense, stubby part of Channelside. Hopefully we get some skinnier, maybe taller, towers in the area to mix it up a little bit. Also from what I can see the parking garage looks more covered which is good.

Tampa beats the living crap out of St. Petersburg when it come sto downtown hotel space. I mean what does St. Petersburg have? The Vinoy and then...? The biggest complaint from the Final Four at Tropicana Field was having to drive long distances to get to the game and elsewhere. There was talk aobut a new hotel downtown to make the Trop more attractive to marquee events but in the end -- it was just talk.

Yes you are right - downtown St. Petersburg's weakness is hotel space. Aside from the Vinoy, there is the Hilton, Embassy Suites, Grayls Hotel and an OLD Holiday Inn. Throw in some Bed and Breakfasts and not much else.

Downtown Tampa on the other hand has a Marriott, Hyatt Regency, Westin, Courtyard by Marriott, Sheraton, Marriott Residence Inn, Ashley Plaza Hotel, Embassy Suites Hotel, Economy Inn and throw in the Hilton Garden Inn Hotel and The Hampton Inn and Suites right on the Trolley Line

Here's how it's going to fit in the channelside area:

http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/169/1636/320/slade5.jpg

Now, if you add the Novare tower (center of pic) in the mix. . .

http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/169/1636/320/navio2.jpg

You can kind of get an idea of what the district is going to look like. :)

b.t.w. I tried to find a 3D look at Navio, but I couldn't find one. In the last shot, Navio will be located just to the right of Novare's project.

I also just noticed the Federal building in visibly under construction in the background.

I thought this would be an interesting look back at the beginnings of the Channelside transformation. You can clearly see the now removed people mover/monorail that connected Harbor Island and the City Center to the left middle of the photos and in the grassy areas we no have a park. trolley system, parking garages and multiple hotels...an interesting look at the no so distant past.

http://www.kimmins.com/images/icepalace.jpg

Let's not forget about the proposed project for the block next to the parking garage by the developer of Grand Central.

Here are the latest rendering for the proposed Finergy project on the corner of 12th and Kennedy.
http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l313/mbrechwald/channrend.jpg http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l313/mbrechwald/channelrend2.jpg

That looks great, except for one little thing... I REALLY wish it didn't visually compliment Grand Central so much. The last thing I want to see in Channelside is 15 blocks of the same generalized style writ ad nasuem.

Oh, and the other problem is the hulking massing (ok, so these issues are pretty major). I'm thinking that these folks missed Mr Sidar's presentation to the city council on 'point towers' a few months back. The city council and Channelside's residents made it clear then that tall projects were not only acceptable, but desired... So long as they prescribed to a certain arrangement and massing of the project, which would yield tall, thin towers atop a lowrise pedestal. What these folks are proposing is a low aspect ratio tower with two half-height wings, not a pedestal and tower... I would suggest that the city council and Channelside residents take notice of this, and understand exactly how massive this project will appear from some viewpoints. And considering that the Grand Central, Martin and Ventana will already combine to make a hulking mass at the northern end of the district, it is especially important not to approve more of the same. (and for those with a more 'fiscal' outlook, permitting this as a squattier, more hulking project will depress the values of some units in nieghboring projects, which in turn affects nieghborhood desirability, and ultimately tax collections.

So yeah, hopefully this isn't what gets built... At least not from my perspective.

^^ I thought is was new drawing of the Martin at first.....personally I like this better than the Martin.

Seems like we are getting a grouping of large bulky buildings being proposed. It would be much better if those large plots where broken up into smaller lots. OR maybe someone could use some vision and design different facades....

These things are huge - I don't think most get it. I just hope that the permanently shaded part tends to be parking not balconies

Grand Central East Building
http://i3.tinypic.com/2hq5mro.jpg

Ventana
http://i12.tinypic.com/35c0e87.jpg

Grand Central & Ventana
http://i13.tinypic.com/2iqftcz.jpg

Looking pretty good.

Maybe it's just me but did they have to leave the garage exposed from the south? And that chiller on the roof - with the city council being such pains in the ass about everything else how could they miss that abomination?

The chiller is going to get some sort of decorative covering so you won't see it. I can't say what it will look like, but the city did tell them the MUST hide it somehow.

As for the garage. You can't see this from the ground. I happened to be standing on the roof of a 4 story building from this angle, so from the street I don't see it as an issue.

I've also heard people comment about the bulkyness of these projects. At the time this was what the city wanted. Now they are leaning toward the taller buildings, but they also want them to have a strong base (large/bulky) but skyward they should not block out all the sun, light, sky, etc. I think this is good, because you definately want to see the sky and also get shade from the penetrating sun. Downtown in the summer is amazingly cool compared to areas with not high building protection. I hope channelside gets this way also from all the new tall buildings.

I think these buildings look great. I've enjoyed watching them get built.

I looked back at the original renderings of Grand Central, and the garage from the south was "covered". I think it looks okay exposed, but I hope they at least paint it.

What's up with the Palm Trees? The palm branches look to be turning yellow.

I looked back at the original renderings of Grand Central, and the garage from the south was "covered". I think it looks okay exposed, but I hope they at least paint it.

What's up with the Palm Trees? The palm branches look to be turning yellow.

LOL. Where are you from TampaGuy? Fresh planted palms always lose their lower branches when transplanted:cheers:

Useless trees, havens for roaches, mice and what not and they provide barely an iota of shade. I'll take Savannah's oak lined streets any day over those scrubby palm trees we insist on planting everywhere.

I wish they would plant more palms around here! I don't know why you'd call them useless. If you are new to Florida you appreciate them more I guess.

I like palm trees and think they look great for Grand Central. No, I didn't know the lower branches fell off when transplanted. I've lived in Boston, Arkansas, and Dallas most of my life so I wasn't familiar with how palms react to transplantation.

Palm trees are useless because 1) most aren't indigenous and 2) they provide no shade

Palm trees are useless because 1) most aren't indigenous and 2) they provide no shade

Hit the nail on the head with that one. The palm trees that are indigenous are of the more scrubby variety and not what they like to plant. Its always bugged me to a certain extent, this is not south Florida why don't we stick to our own native flora...c'mon who doesn't love the scrub pine or the palmetto bush. :lol:

Actually in all seriousness I would much rather see oak trees, magnolias, etc... as they provide shade, cleaner air, cooler walls and sidewalks. Thats just my opinion though, I could very well be wrong.

Nevermind, got my Firefox tabs mixed up when posting. Sorry.

Seeing shots like this reminds me of playing Sim City.

I think Palm trees add a nice touch. What is the big deal??

I think Palm trees add a nice touch. What is the big deal??

Palm trees are o.k. when not used in excess. But as it has been said before they don't make much shade and try to hard to give Tampa a South Florida theme which is something Tampa really wants to do. Palm Trees are best in medians of Tampa's larger streets in downtown that have medians. Like Channelside Drive, Meridian, Ashley, Adamo and maybe Kennedy where it is wide enough to have a median.

I love palm trees for asthetics; however, I like it when they're dispersed with larger shade trees. It gets Africa hot here in Tampa and a little shade can do ya good during our nine months of summer! :)

b.t.w. I'm glad they're going to cover the chiller!!! It looks nasty as it stands right now. And as far as the garage area is concerned, I'm kinda hoping that they paint it white like the one section towards the top of the project. I think it'll "pop" and accent all of the colors. Just my opinion though...

Hey Everyone,

This is fun. Lots of posts here lately. As for the trees . . . can you imagine having large Oaks on the 9th floor of a building? Just imagine the damage from a falling branch at that height! Yikes :ohno:

I'll find out next week when I talk to the developer the color that is to be applied to the garage (if any ~ lets hope so). I'll also try to get more info on the covering for the chiller.

:cheers:

^^ while the damage can be bad, sun bleached concrete isn't exactly enjoyable here in Florida -- though developers seem to think we're fine with it.

So if not an Oak, something else.

I wish they would plant more palms around here! I don't know why you'd call them useless. If you are new to Florida you appreciate them more I guess.

The problem with that logic is that -- hey! Florida has plenty of residents who are past the NEW stage. I've been here almost 20 years and I am sick of dainty palm trees, planted for ornamental value alone. It gets f'n hot in the summer and driving, parking or even walking/riding down palm lined streets does NOT offer any relief from the blistering sun.

I'd rather see canopies than palms on GC if they can't have something else. Yes, Channelside is a tourist area, but there has to be some usefulness with things that are planted there. Palm Trees surrounding the area where residents are supposed to live just isn't thinking about the area as much more than a money maker. Let alone a neighborhood.

Palm trees in the medians and shade trees next to the side walks, gives you the best of both worlds.

I dont see how "Tampa" is trying to have a "South Florida Theme" I lived in South Florida for many years and just don't see it at all. Most of the Palm trees the grow in soflo will not grow in Tampa. Palm trees are very expensive, more so than "shade trees" They are also better suited for small urban street scapes. This is "Channelside", shade or not it is f'ing hot during the summer here and I dont see someone getting any relief from some poor tree wrapped in concrete. Anyway, it looks like these trees are up quite a few floors, It would be impractical to place large trees like that on the 9th floor next to the pool where people are "TRYING TO GET SUN IN THE FIRST PLACE"

BTW, I am a Floridian... and I am never tired of Palm Trees

I fully agree, way to many palms planted here. Look around the natural areas and only 5-10% palms in the wilderness. Sorry to bring others up again, but other cities in Central Florida seem to be using a lot more live oaks, white oaks, and other shade trees in their streetcaping. Look at the pics of downtown Lakeland, Orlando, and Winter Park. You find a good mix.

I'm a native of Central Florida and it has bugged me for quite a while that landscapers overuse the non-native palms or use the rather ugly frequently untrimmed native palms. Cities and counties plant them and don't trim and maintain them so they look half-dead. Interestingly, I heard that cities like Miami and Los Angeles are going to replace some of their palms for more trees that provide shade. During the summer, staying out of the sun is a goal of many. However, on a pool deck on top of a condo is the perfect place for palms.

Man, I never realized Palm trees could evoke such passion. :?

^I think it needed its own thread...

LOL

shade or not it is f'ing hot during the summer here and I dont see someone getting any relief from some poor tree wrapped in concrete

Actually, if you have ever stood outside waiting for a ride at lunchtime - you would be looking for the nearest oak tree - of course, all this would be irrelevant if the buildings were build with real overhangs (and possibly fans) - like they often were in the past. THen you could have both shade and silly palms.

Maybe there's not enough of a base up there for a shade tree to develop much of a root structure? In any case, I think it's pretty cool to look up there and see that row of trees. Doesn't really matter what kind of trees they are. It's very un-Tampa.

I think the density in Channelside is going to be staggering. What a neighborhood it's going to be. Unlike anything else in Tampa. I can't wait to see how it's going to look in a couple years when it's really filled out.

I agree. I think Channelside is a very unique area and once everyone starts moving in, it is going to be a fun place to go

I was in Channelside today and noticed it appears the East tower of the Towers @ Channelside is topped out now. With the West building a floor or two at the most behind.

The east one has been topped out for a while I think.

Also, The Plaza on Harbour Island looks like it's on the penthouse floor...

Look around the natural areas and only 5-10% palms in the wilderness. Sorry to bring others up again, but other cities in Central Florida seem to be using a lot more live oaks, white oaks, and other shade trees in their streetcaping. Look at the pics of downtown Lakeland, Orlando, and Winter Park. You find a good mix.

I'm a native of Central Florida and it has bugged me for quite a while that landscapers overuse the non-native palms or use the rather ugly frequently untrimmed native palms. Cities and counties plant them and don't trim and maintain them so they look half-dead. Interestingly, I heard that cities like Miami and Los Angeles are going to replace some of their palms for more trees that provide shade. During the summer, staying out of the sun is a goal of many. However, on a pool deck on top of a condo is the perfect place for palms.

Actually, if you travel towards the gulf, you will notice more and more exotic palms and plants, this is because the gulf keeps the temperature warm enough for more "south florida-like" palms during night and certain points in the winter. Infact, royal palms, coconut palms and many others are native to this area, check out the several palm arboretums in St. Pete, or just look up the native palms in Tampa/St.Pete

^that's interesting to know.

A house I rented in Citrus Park a few years ago had banana plants growing in the backyard that had migrated from a wild patch past the backyard... It always died in the winter at least once, but then it always came back and sprouted fruit before dying again the next winter.

Sabal Palm is native
http://www.floridanativeplants.com/articles/palmsarenottrees.shtml



Florida Palm Trees
Many people do not know that most of the Florida Palm Trees are not native to Florida. Those these palm trees are imported from all areas around the world, Florida has become well know for its numerous palm trees. There are five well known Florida palm trees.

1. Coconut Palm: This is the most popular and well known palm tree in the world. Growing to a height of 100 feet and having a slim trunk, it's one of the first sites you will notice when you visit Florida. Its greenish yellow coconuts will turn brown when ripened.

2. Florida Royal Palm: This Florida palm tree is one of the few natives to Florida. It can be easily identified by its glossy shaft rising from its light gray trunk. These can reach a height of 80 feet. You will find these Florida palm trees lining the streets of Florida.

3. Triangle Palm: Given this name because of its unusual triangular shaped base, this plant is easy to identify. Rising 20 feet and bearing small oval shaped fruit, these are suitable for full sunlight exposure. The Triangle palm also makes a nice indoor plant because of its slow growth.

4. Chinese Fan Palm: Imported originally from southern China, these palms are known for growing extremely slow. Trunks are usually less than 12 inches in diameter and growing to a height of 40 feet. These Florida palm trees have earned the nickname of Fountain Palm for its dipping palm leaves.

5. Canary Island Date Palm: These palms were imported off the coast of Africa. Measuring as high as 60 feet, they have stout trunks that often reach 3 feet in diameter. These are the heaviest of palm trees. A small tree of only 3 feet tall can weigh as much as one ton. Its leaves are sharp and stiff.

Palm trees are a well known trademark of Florida. Next time you visit Florida, take note of the many varieties of Florida palm trees.

http://www.florida-incorporation.com/library/florida-palm-trees.html

And just to let you guys know, almost zero palms are native to Los Angeles and virtually all of the many many palms lining the streets were brought there and planted in the early 20th century.

Yup - and they are dying

[QUOTE=HardRocker;11190775]Actually, if you travel towards the gulf, you will notice more and more exotic palms and plants, this is because the gulf keeps the temperature warm enough for more "south florida-like" palms during night and certain points in the winter. Infact, royal palms, coconut palms and many others are native to this area, check out the several palm arboretums in St. Pete, or just look up the native palms in Tampa/St.Pete[/QUO

Coconut palms native to Tampa?? I wish they were it would look a lot nicer around here.

The origins of this plant are the subject of controversy with some authorities claiming it is native to south-east Asia, while others claim its origin is in north-western South America. Fossil records from New Zealand indicate that small, coconut-like plants grew there as far back 15 million years ago. Even older fossils have been uncovered in Rajasthan and Maharashtra, India. Regardless of its origin, the coconut has spread across much of the tropics, probably aided in many cases by sea-faring peoples. The fruit is light and buoyant and presumably spread

The only two states in the U.S. where coconut palms can be grown and reproduce outdoors without irrigation are Hawaii and Florida. Coconut palms will grow from Bradenton south on the Florida west coast and Melbourne south on the Florida east coast. The occasional coconut palm is seen north of these areas in favored microclimates in the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater metro area and around Cape Canavera

Here are some (crappy) Channelside pictures... I don't have PS or anything, just my simple Mac tools... meh...

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/145/349755373_70de1dfc10_b.jpg

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/125/349772995_1b22fb352c_b.jpg

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/161/349755395_20c698a7b3_b.jpg

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/161/349773001_39b5a2bd05_b.jpg

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/148/349755382_725e121353_b.jpg


These were on my thumb drive for other reasons. I have about 300 pictures of the area saved, but lots are outdated by a month or two so I won't bother uploading them. As I remember to bring them home, I'll upload them to Flickr...

Oh wow.... Great perspectives

I haven't been in Tampa for quite some time... could someone fill me in on what that crazy metal dragon is?

It is in front of a metal art shop on I believe 12th or 11th street in Channelside. I am going to love the whole 11th and 12th street area after everything is completed.

Good question, moxwax. I'm clueless as well. :)
b.t.w. those are absolutely outstanding pics, maxum98! Nothing "crappy" about them at all. I really like the first and fourth pics. . . keep posting!

thanks! :cheers:

Yea, the "urban dragon" was a project of the metal shop on 12th Street. I can't remember the name, but they design fantastic stuff. That dragon is about 15 ft long - I have a picture of it "driving" down the street in front of their studio. It was finished over a month ago and has been shipped, iirc. They have another project they've kept in front of their shop for as long as I can remember, which is a bit older. IIRC, it's still there.

It's a great studio. Their dog is really quite friendly and roams 12th frequently. The studio is attached to a few lofts and shares a small lot with an architectural firm. I'll post a few more pictures later :-)

The company is Rustic Steel Creations (http://www.rusticsteel.com/). They're one of the original 'artsy' business in the Channel District.

The Dragon was sold to a business along Kennedy (b/w MacDill and Himes?), and you can see it on the top of their building lit up at night.

I attended the Channel District Council meeting last night (which is open to the public, by the way), and I have updates on a couple interesting presentations from the meeting:

Mercury Advisors Project -
* 33 story/360 ft condo tower
* SW corner of Channelside and Whiting
* Robotic parking garage w/ green roof
* 4 apts per floor, about 1170 sq ft each, starting around $300K
* Designed by Urban Studios
* Zoning hearing at City Council on March 8
* These are the Grand Central and Martin guys

Klauber / Teleconvergance Project -
* Two 400 ft towers (38 floors); one hotel, one residential
* Channelside (East side), b/w Kennedy and Twiggs
* 1.5 Million sq ft project
* Fairmount has signed operating agreement as the hotel - 5 Star
* 200 luxury condos
* 1200 parking spots
* Originally slated to be 70 stories until FAA shot it down
* Designed by same guys that did Four Seasons hotel in Miami
* Both tower reminiscent of Signature in St Pete, "glass sails"
* Zoning hearing before City Council on March 22

Both projects would bring something interesting and new to the Channel District. Isn't it interesting that the only ones complaining about tower height these days is the FAA? Just a year ago, many residents and Council members were up in arms. :nuts:

Stupid FAA...that would have been nice for the area...IF it gets built. I'd love to see a 70 story building in the CBD even more.

70 stories would have been too much for the area. Did you see the renderings of the twin towers? I wonder what the design is like...

Great updates. Things looked nice last night (I was in Channelside for the Rod Stewart concert - hippest place to find Tampa's youth... yikes... great show though).

I thought the Teleconvergence Center project had a time-certain date to break ground or it was a no go. . .

I really hope the Mercury Advisors project looks much different from Grand C. and especially Martin. Hopefully, we'll see some renderings of these projects soon.

Yeah, but the hotel lease agreement and the active role the developer has taken has been enough for the Port Authority to extend the deadline a few times. I'm not sure when the next deadline is, but they're going to need to take an active role in prepping for construction/advertising before they get another extension on the land, I suspect.

If anything, the hotel project should be a sure bet for them.

Q & M - you're both right. There is a deadline (I believe in March) that the Port Authority set a few years ago, but Klauber has been dutifully paying lease $$$ every year, and has therefore been granted several extensions.

I think the significant difference is that this is the first time that he will be bringing a concrete proposal before the City Council.

I saw a rendering and I was impressed. Two glass wedge-shaped buildings at angles not parallel nor perpendicular to Channelside. As I mentioned, similar to Signature IMO. Very clean lines, lots of glass. Elegant.

RE: Mercury, if you're hoping for a radical departure from Martin and Grand Central style, you'll be disappointed. However, this will be a much taller and much thinner tower, whereas the other two projects are more bulky.

The last entension gave them until March or April 07 to break ground.
Really sucks that the FAA shot down the height. Makes you think Tampa will be stuck with the maximum 40 stories FOREVER as the FAA has been keeping all projects in that range:(...

Yeah, but the hotel lease agreement and the active role the developer has taken has been enough for the Port Authority to extend the deadline a few times. I'm not sure when the next deadline is, but they're going to need to take an active role in prepping for construction/advertising before they get another extension on the land, I suspect.

If anything, the hotel project should be a sure bet for them.
It sounds like they split it up for the very purpose of building the hotel and then build the condos later when they're more marketable at the price point they're trying to hit.

:banana: This is so HUGE :banana: Tampa needs a high end hotel and for the emerging Channelside District this is an amazing thing to be happening to further make this the hottest new neighborhood in the Tampa. According to Patty Del Villar (Wife of Ken Stoltenberg of Mercury Advisors) they expect no hurdles for Klauber getting his approval and that they are expected to break ground on the hotel portion in May. :dance2: (Break ground means: site work, caisan work, etc. not necessarily going vertical) They also have the rights to filling in the channel that comes in from the main channel towards channelside drive. I'm told they don't plan to fill it in, but do plan to make it a better water feature area.

The site is the one across from Ventana now, right? North of the Port Authority? That stubby basin?

That would be GREAT filler if they could fix the area up.

I attended the Channel District Council meeting last night (which is open to the public, by the way), and I have updates on a couple interesting presentations from the meeting:

Mercury Advisors Project -
* 33 story/360 ft condo tower
* SW corner of Channelside and Whiting
* Robotic parking garage w/ green roof
* 4 apts per floor, about 1170 sq ft each, starting around $300K
* Designed by Urban Studios
* Zoning hearing at City Council on March 8
* These are the Grand Central and Martin guys

Klauber / Teleconvergance Project -
* Two 400 ft towers (38 floors); one hotel, one residential
* Channelside (East side), b/w Kennedy and Twiggs
* 1.5 Million sq ft project
* Fairmount has signed operating agreement as the hotel - 5 Star
* 200 luxury condos
* 1200 parking spots
* Originally slated to be 70 stories until FAA shot it down
* Designed by same guys that did Four Seasons hotel in Miami
* Both tower reminiscent of Signature in St Pete, "glass sails"
* Zoning hearing before City Council on March 22

Both projects would bring something interesting and new to the Channel District. Isn't it interesting that the only ones complaining about tower height these days is the FAA? Just a year ago, many residents and Council members were up in arms. :nuts:

Sounds great, I've been waiting on the Fairmont thing for a long time. Faimont gives Northern Channelside a destination, right on the trolley line. Hopefully they build the hotel first to get it done for the Super Bowl, and so today's down condo market doesn't kill the project. I think 70 stories would've been overkill, that should go on say the Wood site. Otherwise, It would dwarf the surrounding area too much in. 38 stories will probably still be the tallest in the district, and will look great from I-275. If it's like Signature Place then Tampa is starting to make a comeback design-wise.

It's good the Grand Central people are back with a taller, skinnier tower. I'd like to see them start Martin first though.

The site is the one across from Ventana now, right? North of the Port Authority? That stubby basin?


Yea it is across Channelside Drive from Ventana, on the Ybor Channel I believe.

The site is the one across from Ventana now, right? North of the Port Authority? That stubby basin?

That would be GREAT filler if they could fix the area up.

Yes. The Fairmont site is directly accross Channelside Drive to the East of Ventana and north to Twiggs. I agree. A great filler project. The North side of the Channel District is really starting to take shape now. I just hope the other 2 hotels along Kennedy between Meridian and Channelside will get going soon also. This would really make the area look and feel more livable than with the current vacant lots and old rusty buildings.

I attended the Channel District Council meeting last night (which is open to the public, by the way), and I have updates on a couple interesting presentations from the meeting:

Mercury Advisors Project -
* 33 story/360 ft condo tower
* SW corner of Channelside and Whiting
* Robotic parking garage w/ green roof
* 4 apts per floor, about 1170 sq ft each, starting around $300K
* Designed by Urban Studios
* Zoning hearing at City Council on March 8
* These are the Grand Central and Martin guys

Klauber / Teleconvergance Project -
* Two 400 ft towers (38 floors); one hotel, one residential
* Channelside (East side), b/w Kennedy and Twiggs
* 1.5 Million sq ft project
* Fairmount has signed operating agreement as the hotel - 5 Star
* 200 luxury condos
* 1200 parking spots
* Originally slated to be 70 stories until FAA shot it down
* Designed by same guys that did Four Seasons hotel in Miami
* Both tower reminiscent of Signature in St Pete, "glass sails"
* Zoning hearing before City Council on March 22

Both projects would bring something interesting and new to the Channel District. Isn't it interesting that the only ones complaining about tower height these days is the FAA? Just a year ago, many residents and Council members were up in arms. :nuts:

In my opinion, the "Tampa International Technology Center" project has a larger impact than both Trump Tower and Venu combined. I believe this is the biggest project in the entire Tampa Bay area. In the former plan, the Hotel and Condo were only the first part of the project. According to the study conducted by USF, only 2 out of 12 Acres would have beeen used for the hotel and condo. The rest of the property, Dr. Klauber intended on building offices, more exhibition space, High Tech Training Centers and a museum of Technology.

okay neoobie question, but whats the main reason for the 40 story range max?...is it just safety issues?..it would be real nice to see some of these building go round 60 stories...I just dont understand it, if you have PPL ready to biuld that high here in Tampa, let them, dont turn it away thats just holding us back if you ask me!

It's the FAA, because of Peter O' Knight Airport.

oh man wish they would just rule it a no fly zone, DT's should be anyways

oh man wish they would just rule it a no fly zone, DT's should be anyways

I agree, especially after 9/11, and the BOA crash, and because accidents happen. However Peter O' Knight would have to change their runway alignment, because the people that designed the runways have a runway pointed straight at Downtown. Which is ironic because you would think that they would want Tampa, downtown especially, to grow economically, and one of the ways to do that is to grow up and have a denser core.

HEre's a little ditty:
Navio
A look at a new development in our midst.
By MEGAN VOELLER
Published January 19, 2007


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ADVERTISEMENT

LOCATION: 101 N Meridian Ave. at E Whiting Street.

DEVELOPER: Skye Development of Tampa.

DESCRIPTION: A 22-story condominium tower with 160 residential units and 8,000 square feet of retail on the ground floor. Units have 750 to 3,500 square feet and one or two bedrooms.

PRICE: From $300,000 to $1.5-million. Twelve units available to low- and moderate-income buyers will start in the $250,000s and be eligible for a city down payment assistance program.

ARCHITECTS: Urban Studio Architects of Tampa.

AMENITIES: Granite counter tops, stainless-steel appliances, amenities deck with dip pool, waterfall area, proximity to expressway, views of downtown skyline and port.

WHAT THEY'RE SAYING: Navio, a Spanish word meaning "galleon," was chosen to evoke Tampa's pirate history, said Skye Development president Jason Koshy.

TIMELINE: Sales and construction are scheduled to begin next year, with projected completion in 2009.

MOVE-IN DATE: 2009

FOR INFORMATION: Call 514-2802 or go to www.skyedevelopment.com.

The Latest Development features a new residential or commercial project. To suggest a project, e-mail latestdevelopment@gmail.com or call 226-3394.

http://www.skyedevelopment.com/images/projec7.jpg
http://www.skyedevelopment.com/images/projec4.jpg
http://www.skyedevelopment.com/images/projec6.jpg
http://www.skyedevelopment.com/images/projec5.jpg

Is is possible for planes coming out of POK to turn a hard left or right to avoid downtown? I know this seems wacko but could it be done?

Navio is a Novare project right? I thought in the past it was Novares.

The article says it is by Skye Develpment, not Novare.

Sorry I did not read the whole thing. I thought that Navio was a Novare project at one time.

tell these developers to use someone other than Urban Studios Architechs. Every project looks identical and is starting to get very boring. How about a nice skyline like this?

http://i18.tinypic.com/35ktkbc.jpg
http://i1.tinypic.com/2u89rvc.jpg
http://i1.tinypic.com/2s7zv9t.jpg

or better yet, tell someone over at Urban Studio to lay off the "copy" and "paste" tools in AutoCad.

While I certainly don't dislike the Navio project - there's nothing egregiously wrong with it - it does leave me somewhat dry. As mentioned above, it does seem to be more of the same. Nothing interesting or unique about this project compared to the others in Channelside IMO.

The new Fairmont / Teleconvergance Ctr and Place Phase II are raising the bar for design. Novare is offering a decent park and likely lower pricepoints. And the new Mercury project is doing the robotic garage w/ green roof.

There are a lot of proposals on the boards for the Channel District, and it just seems to me that this one could get "lost" in the shuffle.

is that minneapolis?

Looks very boring, and another slab by the same arcitect. It'll be interesting to see what the taller skinnier one described on the last page looks like, since that doesn't seem to be their style. Two positives is that the parking garage looks improved, and the streetscape with trees and overhangs.

is that minneapolis?
the picture by Alden is, yes.

The problem is too, is that when a developer heards Tampa, they think artsy, colorful, and tropic. And that is what some of them are doing. Now, I'm not saying that isn't okay, but I don't want to see green, blue, yellow, orange, and pink all on the same building. White and light blue is a great combination and I think something like 51 stories tall with that color combination would look great, espicially that would be the tallest in Channelside.

Another problem could be that developers are looking at Channelside and not the other part of Tampa. Novare and a couple others, Venu developers and Trump, is a exception, but almost all the rest is near Channelside. I can't blame them, because that is a hot spot for Tampa, but we can't be able to build everything in one area. I don't know if I can blame RiverWalk for this. I can because if it looked like it was going to go through or was starting, we might have seen some more proposals near the river, but RiverWalk shouldn't get all the blame.

Council also needs to take this into consideration. Both the color schemes and were everything is going to be built. I wouldn't mind seeing some towers I-275, I actually encourage it, and most will be offices or Hotels. Along the River would be nice, because that would be great vacinity and still close to everything. Also, I think the height restrictions or allowed to be higher, so maybe a City tallest could happen there aswell. I don't know, but something has to change.

I prefer Navio to GC AND Martin, so it's alright. I wish Martin would get the redesign, and the die is cast with GC.... At least it has a few curves.... eh... it's going to age like crap. I hope that S. Florida, beachy look stays in style... yikes...

Here's a question for you guys that I've asked before (posted about Novare's purchase of the TECO parking lots which Element and the TWELVE project shall sit on):

How many of you would actually stand up and attend a meeting to voice disapproval of a building's design? There have been a lot of posts in the past that say "Hey, anything dense is better than nothing so I likey!" by some people in here and at the same time -- density may be density but generic is generic too, or a poor design is a poor design.

Grand Central is basically a wall of this design, The Martin is a tower version of this design and Navio is more of the same. As long as their is demand, they will keep building -- and as long as their is silence about the architecture, they won't try to change up their building designs.

Actually, if there is a district where there are five or so buildings that look similar, I don't really care. . . if it were everywhere, that would be different. Also, they aren't really that tall. They are filler and that is ok

By the way Alden, there are a lot of copycat buildings in Minneapolis, but they are not the tallest buildings so you don't really notice them - thoug on the rights side of the photo you posted there are two right there

building that all look alike might seem weird now, but if you think about alot of other cities they have profited from promoting certain architectural themes, like Miami (MiMo and Art Deco), and "Sarasota School of Architecture" so mabye one day this stuff will seem important and people will come to Tampa just to look at it. As it is, better to have something than a parking lot there!

Honestly, I think that in terms of fill Portland, OR is good role model. It may be a bit stubby looking but it functions terrificly. Their skyline and adjoining urban residential areas are different enough to be unique while sharing a certain level of commonality. The CBD has plenty of fill and is linked by a versatile network of trolleys, busses and commuter ight rail.

http://www.ohsu.edu/research/parc/conf/pdx_downtown.jpg
A view from the river

http://www.capstone.org/img/pdx-river.gif
Not too bad looking at night all lit up.

http://www.oregonscenics.com/pa-hd-port-late-n.jpg
Too bad we don't have any hills or mountains...

http://www.cs.cornell.edu/Info/People/xliu/act/july00/portland4.jpg
Hmm, this could be Tampa with a few more older buildings in place and a few less gravel parking lots.

http://www.railwaypreservation.com/vintagetrolley/Portland_VT_Downtown_2_Loop_sm.JPG
Hmm, a trolley system in use and integrated with light rail...

http://www.portlandground.com/downtown/2005-10-14portland-BusMall-.jpg
Augmented use of traditional busses in surrounding resedential areas.

http://www.portlandground.com/downtown/2006-03-19RossDressLess091.jpg
Rush Hour

http://www.trainweb.org/aorta/1oldtown.jpg
Light rail

http://www.travelportland.com/portland_resources/photos/images/max_downtown2.jpg

If you don't like gravel, blame sandy freedman

Do you want hills and mountains or The Gulf of Mexico?
That trolly car looks familiar. Empty!

portland is great. tampa and portland probably have more in common than any other major metro in terms of their development (which is why they are always compared).... there is NO reason why tampa can't be at a similar level in 10-15 years in terms of mass trans and pedestrian friendliness.

It is just rediculous that we are having to wait so long for our governing body (s) to join together and plan for mass transit, namely light rail.

Very informative article, some what has already been posted, some hasn't.:cheers:

More Cars Mean Fewer Parking Spaces
Skip directly to the full story.
By JANIS D. FROELICH The Tampa Tribune

Published: Jan 20, 2007

An emotional discussion of parking woes ended this week's Channel District Council meeting. But not before developers updated the neighborhood group on two condominium projects that would bring still more residents to this former warehouse area.

A five-star Fairmont Hotel & Resorts on the Ybor Channel is proposed for an 11-acre parcel next to the Tampa Port Authority complex, 1101 Channelside Drive. The 38-story hotel, with a ballroom and technology conference center, would be coupled with a condominium tower, also 38 stories.

Developer Murf Klauber, owner of Longboat Key Colony Beach and Tennis Resort, originally proposed a single 70-story tower. But Klauber said the height of the 349-room hotel and 200-unit condominium tower needed to be reduced to meet Federal Aviation Authority recommendations.

Ken Stoltenberg, developer of two Channel District residential complexes, Grand Central at Kennedy and The Martin, plans a robotic parking garage and a rooftop garden for his latest project, Del Villar, 858 Channelside Drive.

The project, next to the Tampa Port Authority parking garage for Channelside customers and cruise ship vacationers, calls for a 33-story tower, with four two-bedroom, 1,170-square-foot units on each floor. Stoltenberg said prices would start above $300,000.

Stoltenberg's project is set for a zoning hearing before the city council on March 8;. Klauber's is set for a March 22 hearing.

As for the Channel District's parking crunch from ongoing construction, city parking manager Jim Corbett said a temporary fix is in the works. The city will reinstitute a 10-year-old plan to repaint parking stripes. Visitor parking would be limited to two or three hours from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.; residents would have permits to park from 6 p.m. to 4 a.m.

Corbett said the plan was to include 11th and 12th streets and surrounding areas, but residents and developers at Wednesday night's meeting convinced him that including 11th Street would be unnecessary. The street will soon be reconfigured for Sembler Investments' residential and hotel project. (Seaboard Square)

Reporter Janis D. Froelich can be reached at (813) 835-2104 or jfroelich@tampatrib.com.


http://southtampa.tbo.com/southtampa/MGBTEVD55XE.html

Very informative article, some what has already been posted, some hasn't.:cheers:

More Cars Mean Fewer Parking Spaces
Skip directly to the full story.
By JANIS D. FROELICH The Tampa Tribune

Published: Jan 20, 2007

An emotional discussion of parking woes ended this week's Channel District Council meeting. But not before developers updated the neighborhood group on two condominium projects that would bring still more residents to this former warehouse area.

A five-star Fairmont Hotel & Resorts on the Ybor Channel is proposed for an 11-acre parcel next to the Tampa Port Authority complex, 1101 Channelside Drive. The 38-story hotel, with a ballroom and technology conference center, would be coupled with a condominium tower, also 38 stories.

Developer Murf Klauber, owner of Longboat Key Colony Beach and Tennis Resort, originally proposed a single 70-story tower. But Klauber said the height of the 349-room hotel and 200-unit condominium tower needed to be reduced to meet Federal Aviation Authority recommendations.

Ken Stoltenberg, developer of two Channel District residential complexes, Grand Central at Kennedy and The Martin, plans a robotic parking garage and a rooftop garden for his latest project, Del Villar, 858 Channelside Drive.

The project, next to the Tampa Port Authority parking garage for Channelside customers and cruise ship vacationers, calls for a 33-story tower, with four two-bedroom, 1,170-square-foot units on each floor. Stoltenberg said prices would start above $300,000.

Stoltenberg's project is set for a zoning hearing before the city council on March 8;. Klauber's is set for a March 22 hearing.

As for the Channel District's parking crunch from ongoing construction, city parking manager Jim Corbett said a temporary fix is in the works. The city will reinstitute a 10-year-old plan to repaint parking stripes. Visitor parking would be limited to two or three hours from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.; residents would have permits to park from 6 p.m. to 4 a.m.

Corbett said the plan was to include 11th and 12th streets and surrounding areas, but residents and developers at Wednesday night's meeting convinced him that including 11th Street would be unnecessary. The street will soon be reconfigured for Sembler Investments' residential and hotel project. (Seaboard Square)

Reporter Janis D. Froelich can be reached at (813) 835-2104 or jfroelich@tampatrib.com.


http://southtampa.tbo.com/southtampa/MGBTEVD55XE.html



This is great news. I could only imagine that Channelside will have a 5 star hotel(Fairmont) 38 stories-38 story Condo- there along with Finergy-Martin-and the other proposed 33 story condo.. Man that will be such a nice cluster going on in CS..

March is going to be a great month, as we can get approval on these 2-3 projects. And also Trump and Element might really be moving in the right direction by then.. Just hoping!!!!

^^Element should be going up by then if it isn't already working on going up now, Trump is the question mark.

I'm a little concerned about the parking proposal in the article. I mean why limit the time of parking? That just seems like it could be a pain. What they should do is approve Blu if they set aside some public parking and to make the Harbor Island people happy don't put the entrance on Beneficial Drive. IMO

The Fairmont hotel is a big time testament to the renewed district though. Very few would've thought that a 5 star hotel would want to build there just 5+ years ago.

^very few thought it sounded plausible when it was proposed, which was less than 5 years ago.

^very few thought it sounded plausible when it was proposed, which was less than 5 years ago.

If/when it's built, it'll be interesting in a few years to see suburbanites going Downtown and being shocked that there is a five star hotel. Or, better yet, to see that the whole district is more self sustaining then a 1 mile radius from their single family home. :yes:

I wonder if the Teleconfernece Center part of the project would attract some office buildings in Channelside, or atleast a trolley extension so people could go there to use it easily from their office.

My idea of the Channel District is that Channelside Drive turns into like a mini South Beach, minus the over priced botique hotels and eateries. I say Channelside needs some museums and other civic buildings.

My idea of the Channel District is that Channelside Drive turns into like a mini South Beach, minus the over priced botique hotels and eateries. I say Channelside needs some museums and other civic buildings.

If you take away the boutiques, eateries, and the fact that there is no beach how would it be like a mini-South Beach? Channelside could use a museum and more public things though.

My point was that Channelside could use more of anything and everything.

I'm just happy the way Channelside is going so far. 5 years ago, we were probably wishing something would happen anywhere in Channelside, and now that there is a BIG boom, what else can you ask for?

Now for Parking. I have posted some of my ideas on here and a couple few other threads. I believe the best 2 locations for a better well-maintence and better designed paking garage would probably be the land for Blu and across the streets aswell as the parking garage near the Aquarium. Both very close to everything and right nest to a trolley station.

70 story? What a bummer that wasn't built, but isn't that a huge step to take since we haven't reached the mid 50's yet?

70 stories was overkill, and I'm giddy at the thought of a 5 star hotel going in. Awesome. That adds substantial credibility to the district and city.

Del Villar sounds great - we haven't seen a rendering yet, correct?

About parking - there is a serious problem. Ideally, the city would push developers to add more visitor space to their garages. It seems like the port authority should be able to add on to the channelside garage. The cruise section of the garage is one or two floors lower than the visitor section and I don't understand why it couldn't be expanded upon. Obviously, it depends on how the project was engineered but surely they left it ready for expansion. At worst, the city should try and purchase a fringe lot to add another garage on.... eh... construction workers are going to have trouble finding spaces to park as it is.

I would love to see a rendering of the hotel or Del Villar. A hotel in that district would be nice, it's stuck inbetween hotels in Ybor and CBD.

You couldn't put a free standing garage on the Blu site, it's just to prime of land and on the water. The aquarium may be a good idea if they convert some of their lot into a garage, but then you always have the cruise ship people that say it is a security threat. :bash: Probably something underground would be best.

A hotel in that district would be nice, it's stuck in between hotels in Ybor and CBD.

I believe there are three hotels currently planned for the Channelside area -
1. Springhill Suites (part of Seaboard Square) - approved
2. Finergy project hotel (as yet unnamed) - approved
3. Fairmont Hotel - proposed

As I look at my map of new and recent construction in C-side, it seems like most, if not all parcels between C-side Drive on the south and east, Meridian on the west and Selmon on the north are developed or proposed. Doesn't leave much room for anything else significant. Developers have been unsuccessful getting anything going outside of that zone, and that may be the only options left for public space, parking, museums, etc. We've talked about Agri-rama (or whatever that place is) which does not seem to be a viable option. C-side's growth may just begin to spill over to the west eventually.

I read in an article in the Tampa Bay magazine that there is a theatre that is going to be going into Grand Central. It is supposed to be a production theatre.

I read in an article in the Tampa Bay magazine that there is a theatre that is going to be going into Grand Central. It is supposed to be a production theatre.

Yes. This is true. The developers donated the space for the Theatre along with space for an art gallery. Very Cool!

Very cool indeed. I can not wait to see what it's going to look like.

I just email Ken Stoltenberg asking politely for any rendering of Del Villar, hope to get a reply

Remind me what Del Villar is. Stats?

^^The Mercury Advisors project just announced, 33 stories.

The Del Villar is a 33 story, 132 unit condo project by Mercury Advisors. It also featuresa robotic garage and green roof. Prices start at $300,000. Located near the Port Authority Garage.

Hmm, interesting specs. It will be interesting to see if it actually gets vertical.

^I think it will.... it's certainly in a more desireable location that just about everything else going up north of it.

^I think it will.... it's certainly in a more desireable location that just about everything else going up north of it.

I agree, but it's probably atleast a year off construction considering it is just proposed (not approved) and the Martin is in line first.

Great news! I just recieve an email from Mercury Advisors with 2 renderings of Del Villar. Let me see if I can get them up

Okay, it says scan it and save to computer, but I can't scan it since it is on Adobe photoshop and it can scan it. Help!

what says scan it?

says by the links to scan the pics and then save to compouter, but I am unable to scan it from Adobe

How about I email it to you, maybe you can do bette than me with this. :)

Okay, it says scan it and save to computer, but I can't scan it since it is on Adobe photoshop and it can scan it. Help!

Since it was an email, the photos are already digital. No need to scan them (you can only scan hard copy stuff like paper). All you need to do is save the images to your desktop and then use a site like PhotoBucket.com or ImageShack.us to post them online. Or like you said, forward it to Jason and he can do the same.

actually, I can't post them to the server like I have before... at least not for a couple more months.

I have my own webserver for the business and the magazine, forward them to me and I will make them available. robert.maddrey at downshiftonline.com

excellent, thank you... I don't know exactly why we can't upload to the server right now, because that's just not my bag... I think our server guy is working out some kinks in the setup, and has shut some things down for a while.

btw NPRG, that was probably a virus scan during download. all you have to do is click whatever the instructions tell you will save the file to your HD.

*waits excitedly for renderings*

As do I anxiously wait (for the renderings).

Channelside has seen an unbelievable run of proposals. And to think, this area was basically a shipping and warehouse district not so many years ago.

Here's what I've managed to compile. I've listed 27 proposed/approved/current construction projects (with a minimum of 11 floors) that are in play (as of now) in the channelside area. And yes, I know that many will probably not see a groundbreaking but I figured I'd provide a rundown anyway.

Channelside Projects:

01. 39 The Plaza Channelside
02. 38 Tampa Global Teleconvergence Center - tower 1
03. 38 Tampa Global Teleconvergence Center - tower 2
04. 33 Del Villar
05. 30 The Place Phase II
06. 30 Blu Channelside - tower 1
07. 30 Blu Channelside - tower 2
08. 30 Crescent Heights - tower 1
09. 30 Crescent Heights - tower 2
10. 30 Crescent Heights - tower 3
11. 29 Towers of Channelside - tower 1
12. 29 Towers of Channelside - tower 2
13. 29 Novare Channelside
14. 29 Seaboard Square - tower 1
15. 25 Seaboard Square - tower 2
16. 25 Seaboard Square - tower 3
17. 25 Finergy Project - condo portion
18. 22 The Martin
19. 22 Skye Project - Navio
20. 21 Meridian 101 - tower 1
21. 17 Meridian 101 - tower 2
22. 14 Grand Central - tower 1
23. 12 Grand Central - tower 2
24. 11 Seaboard Square - hotel
25. 11 Finergy Project - hotel
26. 11 Ventana - tower 1
27. 11 Ventana - tower 2

As I see it, the channelside district, alone, could give many-a-city a run for their money. :cheers:

All I can say is: :eek2:

Channel District Offerings Are Offbeat

By JANIS D. FROELICH The Tampa Tribune

Published: Jan 27, 2007

ADVERTISEMENT


CHANNEL DISTRICT - For someone who has sat through a dozen or so condominium project presentations over the last several years, Genie White doesn't often see anything vastly different proposed for this former warehouse area close to downtown.

But White, president of the Channel District Council neighborhood group, said the developers of two proposed projects are stretching in a welcome way.

"I'd really like to thank them for bringing the new and unusual to us," White said of Murf Klauber's Tampa International Technology Center and Mercury Advisors' Del Villar.

"I think what you're seeing now is quality and then some," Channel District resident Francine Messano said. "Hopefully, our community is known as the place to be innovative."

Klauber said he felt as if he were chasing rainbows in trying to solidify his plans for a luxury hotel and condominium complex along the Ybor Channel.

"I've spent over five years trying to get ready to go," he said at last week's Channel District Council meeting. "It's the longest gestation of any dream I've had."

Klauber has in mind "a Tampa icon."

He plans a "crystal palace," two towers of twinkling glass. Fairmont Hotel & Resorts would occupy a 38-story structure next to the Tampa Port Authority complex; the other tower would have 200 condominiums.

Blake Middleton, whose New York City company Handel Architects is designing the Technology Center, describes the project as "a set of glass sails." He didn't want a monolithic structure that blocked views of the gritty port.

The structures will use photovoltaics, a technology that converts solar energy into electricity. A transparent film applied to the windows will store solar energy.

The 349-room hotel and condo tower would be on a somewhat isolated 11-acre site next to the Channelside Drive route of the streetcar, and city urban planner Wilson Stair said he wants to ensure the project is incorporated into the streetscape.

"These structures could well be a gateway" to the community, Stair said. "We want to make sure they treat the street level with care."

Klauber said he plans a ballroom and restaurants fitting the hotel's five-star rating, plus teleconferencing rooms. He said he was inspired by the Four Seasons in Miami, also designed by Handel Architects.

Prices haven't been set, but the project will be in the luxury category for hotel rates and condos. But Klauber said there should be a sense of comfort and relaxation similar to the Colony Key Tennis & Beach Resort, a Longboat Key property he purchased in 1969.

"I know condos aren't selling," he said.

But he said he believes there's a need for upscale housing for empty-nesters looking to downsize.

Klauber's project is set for a city council zoning hearing March 22.

On March 8, the council is set to consider zoning for Del Villar, the third Channel District residential project for Mercury Advisors.

Partners Ken Stoltenberg and Frank Bombeeck, also developers of Grand Central at Kennedy and The Martin, plan a 33-story, 120-unit condo tower on less than 1 acre at the southwest corner of Channelside Drive and Whiting Street.

All units would be 1,170 square feet and have two bedrooms, starting in the $300,000 range. The complex would include 1,000 square feet of retail and feature a cascading wall of water on one side of the building.

The challenge will be to provide parking.

Stoltenberg likes the idea of a separate automated parking garage and has been talking with Clearwater's Robotic Parking about a 250-space garage about 40 feet to 50 feet high.

Dennis Clark, Robotic Parking's chief executive, said using an automated garage is similar to pulling into a drive-through car wash, with the vehicle resting on pallets.

Stoltenberg said such a garage would require 175 square feet per vehicle, compared with up to 700 square feet in a regular garage.

He wants the garage to be made of glass and support a rooftop garden of plants and flowers.

"It will be a meadow in the sky," Stoltenberg said. "And the garage will be built so all the cool machinery that makes it work won't be hidden."

Reporter Janis D. Froelich can be reached at (813) 835-2104 or jfroelich@tampatrib.com.

http://southtampa.tbo.com/southtampa/MGBT1XXZEXE.html

I wonder if these are really going to get built. They seem like the real deal, but like so many they seem like they could be plans for the future, we shall see.

Towers Of Channelside Is On Track

By JANIS D. FROELICH The Tampa Tribune

Published: Jan 27, 2007

CHANNEL DISTRICT - When Richard Sacchi predicted Towers of Channelside would take two years to build, like all developers, he had his fingers crossed.

But from the beginning of construction in July 2005 to the planned beginning of occupancy in July 2007, everything has been on schedule, Sacchi said.

"We'll be very excited to not only see our project open this year," he said, "but the three others, Grand Central at Kennedy, Ventana and The Place as well."

The projects will bring a surge of residents to the Channel District: The Towers' two 29-story buildings will have 257 units; Ventana will have 84 units; Grand Central at Kennedy will have 392; and The Place will have 465 units when complete.

"This area will change almost overnight when all these buildings are up and running," said Sacchi, whose project includes a five-level platform linking the two high-rises.

The 3-acre site across from Channelside's stores, restaurants and movie complex will offer a four-level spa and health club.

On the fifth-level, there will be a pool with room for large parties and a deck capacity of 1,700.

Sacchi said announcements will be made later about the rest of The Towers' 11,000 square feet of retail space.

"The owners are splitting up the space," he said. "So we aren't sure how that will end up."

Reporter Janis D. Froelich can be reached at (813) 835-2104 or jfroelich@tampatrib.com.

http://southtampa.tbo.com/southtampa/MGB9FWXZEXE.html

Hey Guys :hi:

Sorry for the delays of the renders. My computer is crappy and died on me so I have to use another one for now. Just sent the email with the renderings to Robert so they should be up pretty sonn when he gets them.

NewPortRicheyGuy

The proposed building is 33 stories high and would have 120 units all 2 bedroom of about 1180sf. each

http://www.downshiftonline.com/Temp/Pics/Skyscraper/Del%20Villar%20-%20Perspective%201%2085x11L.JPG
http://www.downshiftonline.com/Temp/Pics/Skyscraper/Del%20Villar%20-%20Perspective%202%2085x11L.JPG

Awesome. thanks Robert! :):cheers:

Looks a bit dated, but pretty good. I wouldn't mind it.

Better than The Martin.

I approve.

I like it. The only things that I must say that I don't perfer is the base and texture. I don't know about the random red, white, and tan base, doesn't appeal to me. And the texture would do much better if it was a light blue or just white, the tan isn't one of my favorite colours.

And guys, you're welcome for the renders, even if I was too dumb to get them on here! :D

Very nice, love the name Del Villar, and I like the way the top of the building is.. Nothing like that yet in Tampa..



This building might end up being one of the better views of the city..

It's just OK to me (too reminiscent of Grand Central, The Martin, and Finergy) but not quite as modern looking.

Underwhelming.

Wow - I like it. I think the Channel District could end up developing it's own unique style and identity.

I like it. I'm a little scared of those white sides, but if they're textured right to make a mosaic so to speak like at the top of the Beercan, then it's a good, unique edition to the skyline. Also the street action looks sucky. I know some people won't like the palm trees.

Underwhelming.

I'm with you!

I think it is ok. Not quite sure about the top - what I really like is the fine print "not to scale" - in other words we streched it way out and pulled a view from our asses, submitted for your approval . . .

Though it is definitely better than their previous 5 cookie cutter jobs.

Its ok to me, not to fond of the building design,Looks too plain to me. I do like the top it is something different.

The word that comes to mind is "disappointment."

After reading the promotional article touting this project and the Teleconvergence thingie, I expected so much more than what they've offered.

Someone mentioned in another thread (in so many words) that it is important to offer quality projects beyond just something to fill up space. I totally agree. And for me, personally, I'll take the "cut and paste" Novare projects anyday over this thing. :rant:

sorry to be such a killjoy. . . :(

Looks retro, but not in a good way. Underwhelming and disappointing are good descriptions.

Maybe it will look better when its built. That happens a lot.

Maybe it will look better when its built. That happens a lot.

I hope so... The one side looks like someone threw up something from the 60s and smeared it around on paper until it looked relatively new. I do like the top though... That's what redeems the whole design. And it has enough glass on the other sides to make it look ok. I just can't get over the concrete walls.

I think underwhelming is the best way of describing this project. It is by far not the worst I have seen, nor is it something I relish gracing our skyline.

Thumbs down. Too much precast.

I'm new to the forum and was not sure how you post a photo or image, would appreciate anyones assistance

If I can find a way to get a render out of Murf Kluaber than maybe that will change the mood of the thread. Anyone know what his company name is?

It is a disappointment. When they mentioned it in the news paper, it sounded like a great project, but it looks like the Trib looked at on one side naming all the positives that it didn't feel like naming the negatives.

Handel Architects, who has an overall strong history is designing the project. Here is the website-

http://www.handelarchitects.com/main.html

Handel Architects, who has an overall strong history is designing the project. Here is the website-

http://www.handelarchitects.com/main.html
Thanks! Let me see if I can get a render from Murf

I like it fine. At least it's not another skypoint/element/610 clone.

I like it fine. At least it's not another skypoint/element/610 clone.
Well, atleast all of them look like they are modern buildings and not something from the 60's. Del Villar sounds like a Art Deco Project, not something that was brought from the book of dead.

I like the height and the view will be awesome. But it reminds me of 70's condos. In time it'll turn out to be a square beer can.

What can I say, I like a little variety in a skyline. And if it ends up looking like it was built in the 60s, that's fine with me.

From the rendering, it looks like a giant cabinet with lots of drawers, or a big tool box. And I like balconies that are flush with the edge of the building. Don't care for the Skypoint style with balconies that extend out from the side of the building.

What can I say, I like a little variety in a skyline. And if it ends up looking like it was built in the 60s, that's fine with me.

From the rendering, it looks like a giant cabinet with lots of drawers, or a big tool box. And I like balconies that are flush with the edge of the building. Don't care for the Skypoint style with balconies that extend out from the side of the building.
It would be a fine project if there were alittle changes to it.

The proposed building is 33 stories high and would have 120 units all 2 bedroom of about 1180sf. each

http://www.downshiftonline.com/Temp/Pics/Skyscraper/Del%20Villar%20-%20Perspective%201%2085x11L.JPG
http://www.downshiftonline.com/Temp/Pics/Skyscraper/Del%20Villar%20-%20Perspective%202%2085x11L.JPG


I have to say, I find this building quite bland architecturally speaking, along with all of its shorter twin siblings in the neighborhood. But I do applaud the extra added features, (the robotic garage = really friggin cool). Plus it has an awesome name. All in all its alright, but does not compete with rival novare towers.

I would love to see it be entirely made out of glass. Take off the yellow stucco and replace it with solar glass and cool lighting at night.

Maybe another thing that makes the project seem...well...dull, is that the glass should be more lighter than it shows. The dark glass does not mix in with the rest of the structure. Skypoint's glass would likely work with it's sky blue color.

Maybe another thing that makes the project seem...well...dull, is that the glass should be more lighter than it shows. The dark glass does not mix in with the rest of the structure. Skypoint's glass would likely work with it's sky blue color.

Actually the glass of the base of the project would fit in better for the whole facade, especially if the stucco was darker. Then again you have to question the overall credibility of the rendering, considering it says it's not even to scale. :nuts:

Edit- BTW, New Port Richey Guy, did you get a response or send a mesage yet for the Teleconference Center's renderings?

Ok so it Del Villar the residential portion?

^^ The residence portion of the Teleconference Center? No. They're two seperate projects. Del Villar is the 33 story residential tower located just north of the Channelside parking garage, pictured in the rendering. The Teleconference Center is two 38 story towers, one the hotel, one the condos, along with a state-of-the-art Conference Center.

that building is hidious, it looks like something from the 70's BLAH

Actually the glass of the base of the project would fit in better for the whole facade, especially if the stucco was darker. Then again you have to question the overall credibility of the rendering, considering it says it's not even to scale. :nuts:

Edit- BTW, New Port Richey Guy, did you get a response or send a mesage yet for the Teleconference Center's renderings?
The glass at the base would work better, you are correct. :yes:

I haven't checked my email lately, so I'll see if I have, I hope I did. *crosses fingers*

http://seaportchannelside.com/ Look at what Seaport Channelside has done with their website. It is nothing impressive. It is a start though.

Here you go:

http://www.seaportchannelside.com/index_files/image003.jpg

^^ What project is that?