continued from closed thread.

On Port, Rooms With A Rusty View
Skip directly to the full story.
By MIKE SALINERO The Tampa Tribune

Published: Jun 5, 2006

TAMPA - Rusting silos, teeming dry docks and tugboats pushing grimy barges are not everybody's idea of a pleasing visual milieu.

Casey Ellison, however, loves looking at the Port of Tampa from his fourth-floor condominium in Victory Lofts, where units cost up to $850,000.

"It's very entertaining," Ellison said. "You get to see all kinds of ships coming and going out of the port."

Many people think the ultimate Florida vista must include golden sunsets, frothy waves and a turquoise ocean. But there's a vigorous market for high-end properties overlooking industrial areas such as ports.

Channelside developer Brooks Byrd was surprised when residents buying into his 20-story Grandview development on Harbour Island passed up brilliant sunsets for units looking across Garrison Channel at the Port of Tampa.

"The primary reason that my residents gave me is they liked looking at these big ships moving around," Byrd said.

Industrial areas are the "last frontier" in the urban renaissance that has been luring residents to central city areas for years, said Theodore Trent Green, professor of architecture and urban design at the University of South Florida.

"We're probably late getting started," Green said. "If you look at cities like Seattle and Portland [Ore.], they have a number of very pricey condo buildings within walking distance of a working port."

Green said developable land is often scarce in downtown commercial areas, so developers look to industrial districts. Ports typically have lots of land, he said, and are always looking for economic development opportunities. It's even possible some ports will invest in, or provide land for, residential redevelopment.

Ellison and other Channelside condo dwellers have a birds-eye view of International Ship & Marine at the north end of Ybor Channel.

"At night, there'll be guys rappelling down the sides of the boat, welding on the ship," Ellison said. "Actually at night when the sun is setting … the colors that come up out of all the metallic surfaces … it's a great view."

That view includes TECO's new natural-gas powered power plant, the Mosaic fertilizer company's berth and a half-dozen industrial silos, some in use and some long abandoned.

One of those abandoned silos, rusting and in bad repair, is on International Ship property, a Tampa Port Authority spokeswoman said.

Another set of abandoned silos, on the east side of the channel, belongs to Florida Rock Industries in Jacksonville.

How long the abandoned silos will continue standing is uncertain.

A spokesman for International Ship would not comment. Jim Reed, Florida Rock's director of real estate, said the company is talking to potential buyers but has no immediate plans to take down the silos.

Reed said he's not sure whether the property is more valuable as industrial or residential.

"The area on the side of the channel where we are is quite distinct from the other side," Reed said. "On the other side, they're promoting multiuse and hotels. On the side we're on, it's still purely industrial. The real question is if that expansion to other uses is going to find its way around to the property on this side of the channel."

Fida Sirdar, developer of The Place at Channelside condominiums, said some residents might find even the rusting silos visually interesting.

In his home of Toronto, people are trying to preserve the same type of silos found around the Port of Tampa and turn them into a music hall.

"A lot of people actually like them," he said. "That's their history; that's the heritage of the city."

Contact Mike Salinero at 813-259-8303 or tarthur@tampatrib.com.

http://news.tbo.com/news/metro/MGBO9T162OE.html (http://http://news.tbo.com/news/metro/MGBO9T162OE.html)

Earlier today, a friend and I were checking out Smiley's updated pics from last week, and decided to go check out the new Channelside. So we hopped in his convertible and drove down to see the "rest of the story." Can you say, WOW! Both of us were floored by the explosion of growth in the district and it is really starting to take shape.
I can already see a mini Channelside skyline setting up in the not too distant future. :)

The Grand Central project is HUGE from ground level, and when you add in Ventana, it just seems to go on and on... I can't wait to see them when they're finished... and throw in the Slade for good measure.

Victory lofts, 1000 Channelside, and Meridian look (as Cartman would say) "sweeeet!"

All-in-all, it's still too quiet right now... gotta say this though; in a year or two, when a substantial number of residents have moved in, it's definitely gonna be an exciting area to call home!

If you haven't had a chance to check out Channelside, try to arrange some time. It really is quite a rebirth and it's definitely worth a look-see.

If anyone is interested, there are plenty of condos in established projects up for sale or lease right now if you can afford them.

b.t.w. ...also drove by Trump tower and didn't see much action... :(

I just hope that investors don't buy the majority of the units and then they sit empty for a while. Too many great places in Tampa are half empty because of these flippers. They have hung signs for the Slade now on an old white building right on Meridian, does anyone know if that building is where the Slade will be built?

I just hope that investors don't buy the majority of the units and then they sit empty for a while. Too many great places in Tampa are half empty because of these flippers. They have hung signs for the Slade now on an old white building right on Meridian, does anyone know if that building is where the Slade will be built?

If it was a white building between Kennedy and Washington fronting Meridian, on the east side of Meridian, then yes.

It was that building. There are still several smaller buildings on Meridian that are in bad shape that need to be torn down. I think that area will be nice when all the development is complete. Does anyone think the area could become like a version of Miami's South Beach?

It was that building. There are still several smaller buildings on Meridian that are in bad shape that need to be torn down. I think that area will be nice when all the development is complete. Does anyone think the area could become like a version of Miami's South Beach?
The buildings are in bad shape and are mostly warehouses, some vacant some not. We also need some stuff on the West side of Meridian too. Channelside architectally is a more modern version of South Beach with the coming projects. But the culture will never allow Channelside to be like South Beach. First off there is no beach, and second not enough nightlife. And third the history has been invested in different stuff in Channelside.

Well all these condo towers might have some nightlife in them, but I agree with you it won't be like South Beach. I just hope it brings life to the area after dark.

In a few years, the South Beach crowd will be talking about the hot Channelside area and how Ybor nightlife has exploded with the new population center nearby. The whole dynamic won't be South Beach, it'll will have its own unique personality and be the envy of many. Maybe wishful thinking, but a real possibility.

Well, I agree with your second statement - it will have its own vibe and energy. There will never be another South Beach, nor do I think we should try to emulate it.

It seems that Grand Central, Ventana and The Place Phase I are all on a collision course to finish up around the same time. When my out of town friends come down next Feb. for Gasparilla, they will be floored at the changes that have taken place in the past year.

I think you will also really start to see some changes to the streets, sidewalks, lighting and landscaping in a couple years when all the new residents' tax money piles into the CRT / TIF bucket.

If it was a white building between Kennedy and Washington fronting Meridian, on the east side of Meridian, then yes.

That's were it is located, yes. Based on the rendering I think it will fit very nicely in the area.

I was really struck by the variety in architecture that I saw yesterday. And what really makes this exciting is knowing that Channelside's development has just begun.

I just hope that the 'powers that be' make every effort to greenscape the district as much as possible. And I hope that they already have plans drawn up where mass transit is concerned. Channelside has the potential to be the first district that actually gets it right - earlier, rather than later. It shouldn't be an afterthought. :cheers:

Thank you for the rename, Jason.

The origianl THread (BTW) can be found here: http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=175423

I'll either have to import the project rundown post or someone else can write up a new one. Take your pick.

Here's the list that I have right now for Channelside.....

Teleconference Center- 45 stories, approved, 550 feet, construction to begin late this year
Place Tower- 32 stories, approved, 350 feet, 300 units, complete early ‘08
Newks- 40 stories, approved, 250 units, groundbreaking mid ’06, complete late ‘08
Towers @ Channelside- 2 x30 stories, U/C, 257 units, complete mid ‘07
Blu Channelside- 2 x30 stories, proposed, 250 units, complete mid ‘08
O2- ~25 stories, proposed, redesigning
Novare Channelsdie- 25 stories, proposed, delayed but still alive
Finergy- 11 and 23 stories, 212 condos and 110 hotel rooms, proposed
Martin- 22 stories, approved, 321 units, groundbreaking late ’06, completion late ‘08
Plaza @ Harbor Island- 3 x 20 stories, U/C, 138 units (first tower)
102 Whiting St. Tower- 20 stories, 200 feet, proposed, 190 units
Grand Central- 14, 12 stories, U/C, 392 units, complete mid ‘07
Ventana- 2x11 stories, U/C, complete late ’06, 84 units
Seaboard Square- 18, 16, 2 x4 stories, proposed
Seaport Channelside- 8 stories, site work underway, 422 units, complete late ‘07
Place Condos- 8 stories, U/C, 165 units, complete late ‘06
Slade- 8 stories, approved, 280 units, complete late ’07, sales underway
Meridian- 6 stories, recently complete
1000 Channelside- 4 stories, U/C, 15 units, complete June
History Museum- 5 stories, approved

FloridaFuture, I see you Newk's listed as to break ground very soon. Do you know when they are supposed to be doing this?

FloridaFuture, I see you Newk's listed as to break ground very soon. Do you know when they are supposed to be doing this?

Tampamobster21 reported a week back that Newks was closing in a few weeks, once Newks closes demolition will begin followed by construction.

Tampamobster21 reported a week back that Newks was closing in a few weeks, once Newks closes demolition will begin followed by construction.
He says anything that he believes. He really didn't have any idea when they would close.

He says anything that he believes. He really didn't have any idea when they would close.

A matter of truthiness. The facts may be different but as long as you believe it, it's the truth.

He says anything that he believes. He really didn't have any idea when they would close.

Well it was supposed ot begin after hockey season was over. Now that its in the finals he may be about right. Its not like we've heard anything else, and mid '06 is a broad range, which I did on purpose because you never really know when these things start.

It was supposed to close when the LIGHTNING season ended which was in the first round. They anticipated the Bolts going a lot farther as did the fans - but there plans were the minute the Lightning were done for the year - they'd close.

It was supposed to close when the LIGHTNING season ended which was in the first round. They anticipated the Bolts going a lot farther as did the fans - but there plans were the minute the Lightning were done for the year - they'd close.

Its possible their plans were for the end of the NHL season which they expected would be about the same time as the end of the Lightning season. Either that or the restraunt has experienced a surge in patronage from hockey in general and not just the Lightning since they probaly are the most popular hockey bar in the bay area. Lots of hardcore Lightning fans could be interested in who wins the Stanley Cup.

I think they are building a small sales office for The Plaza in one room- but as far as I know Newks will still be open for a while.

Hey guys, I received a brochure "Urban Luxury Living" that shows The Plaza/Newk's at onyl 30 stories now.

Has anyone heard about the 10-story reduction? Is it FAA related? :dunno:

^unquestionably.

Hey guys, I received a brochure "Urban Luxury Living" that shows The Plaza/Newk's at onyl 30 stories now.

Has anyone heard about the 10-story reduction? Is it FAA related? :dunno:

Ya I remember the FAA (our favorite federal organization :bash: ) took Newks down about the same time they took O2 down. BTW does the brochere have anything else on it interesting?

How has the rendering changed, if at all? The same brownish look?

I <3 The FAA

Ok so the opinions are misguided, but I do not think that you people should make shit comments like that. Jason at least was decent with his comment to me. You guys could give two shits. As far as the Urban Luxury Living it has a list of the projects.

^^ TM21....Keep the info coming. The problem is, as I am doing now, we replied to every post as if bandwidth was unlimited.

Trying to post a picture I took the other morning of all the work along Channelside...See if this works.

http://SCL.smugmug.com/photos/76426917-L.jpg

Nice shot from Wachovia Garage (top floor?)

Nice shot from Wachovia Garage (top floor?)

Exactly- My favorite place to check out Trump when I am there.

That is an awesome picture. It is truely beautiful.

Thanks Gdad. What an excellent shot! :)

Trying to post a picture I took the other morning of all the work along Channelside...See if this works.

http://bellsouthpwp.net/j/a/jandkfillmore/Channelside2.jpg

Bandwidth limit exceeded.

I can host this for you if you want gdad? Just email me at webmaster at boltsmag.com with the picture and I'll send you a link for the image.

but that list of developments...I will be surprised if a third of them get built.

the market is cooling down fast. the speculation has stopped. people have doubts about Trump getting off the ground. not to be pessimistic guys but i just wanted you to be psychologically prepared for the worst.

believe me. i have done research (i just bought real estate in ybor). anything that isn't already under construction (vertical construction, unlike Trump) will most likely not get built.

Seeing as how more than a third of the projects are on their way, I'm confident a decent proportion will be built :P

Ones I'm confident in:
Martin
Place II
Novare

Not sure what to think about Slade.... and the lot across from Channelside - the one near Harbor Island - will be developed shortly enough. Not sure *what* will be put up, but rest assured the land will be developed. Same goes for the lot across the street O2's.

If I were a betting man...

Sure things:
* Seaport Channelside - apartments, which are sorely needed in this area
* Novare - they seem to have the right price point and the golden touch
* Martin - building on momentum from Grand Central, strong presales

Bit of a gamble:
* Slade - nice project, but on the pricey side
* Place Phase II - fought long and hard to get approved; is there a demand?
* Blu Channelside - good: on the water; bad: announced in 2003

Long shots:
* O2 - developer having other legal issues to overcome
* Seaboard Square - Didn't work the first time out
* Finergy - Johnny come too lately

Slade is a go. It will truly be a mammoth project. I was in the sales center yesterday (tried to get a picture and the developer said no), but I have their booklet. They went to contract two days ago. The woman in the sales center said that they would be moving the sales center to either CityBlue or another place close by. The prices for two of the units are A1 starts at $249,000 and the (largest) C1 will be 549,000.

Seaboard Square is a no go.

Does anyone have any information in regards to the "offices at Channelside" on the corner of Meridian and Kennedy? (Seems to be sandwiched in between the railroad tracks and Meridian st.)

Only thing I can say is that whoever proposes a one story building there (like the offices) should be . . .well you know

lol

One story buildings are not wanted in Downtown, it probaly doesn't provide enough urbanism to make it adequete. Save room for larger towers on that site later on. Especially since Meridian and Channelside will be a prime intersection in a few years.

Why in the hell is all of this Arts District stuff being posted in a Channelside thread?

Can you people PLEASE stop putting shit wherever you damn well feel like it, thus fouling up the place?

I'm dead serious, if this doesn't stop, and stop now, I am literally going to start suspending accounts and even banning people if need be. Enough is enough!

POST IN THE CORRECT THREAD, OR DON'T POST AT ALL!!!

Finergy Propels Channel Tower
Skip directly to the full story.
By DAVE SIMANOFF The Tampa Tribune

Published: Jun 28, 2006

TAMPA - A Sarasota-based developer is moving ahead with plans for a new condominium and hotel tower in downtown Tampa's burgeoning Channel District. Finergy Development LLC submitted plans to city officials Monday for a 25-story hotel-condominium building.

The company will need city approval to rezone the 2-acre development site at 222 N. 12th St. and 217 11th St., near Channelside Drive. Finergy wants to build the project in an area that's seeing a lot of new development. Two condo projects, Ventana and Grand Central at Kennedy, are under construction nearby.

Finergy's plans call for a combined 393 hotel rooms and condo units, 731 parking spaces and 57,000 square feet of retail space.

Project manager Eric Collin said pricing and the hotel will set Finergy's building apart from other Channel District complexes. Finergy's condominiums are expected to sell for $200,000 to $260,000, although prices have not been set yet, he said.

"We're going to be getting to the market with a much more affordable product and smaller unit sizes," he said. Owners will also be able to take advantage of the hotel's amenities, such as room service and a fitness center, he said.

Collin said he would like to see a sales office open by October or November, and construction begin next summer. The building will take 18 months to two years to complete, he said.

http://www.tbo.com/news/money/MGBT59D0ZOE.html (http://http://www.tbo.com/news/money/MGBT59D0ZOE.html)

Finergy Propels Channel Tower
Skip directly to the full story.
By DAVE SIMANOFF The Tampa Tribune

Published: Jun 28, 2006

TAMPA - A Sarasota-based developer is moving ahead with plans for a new condominium and hotel tower in downtown Tampa's burgeoning Channel District. Finergy Development LLC submitted plans to city officials Monday for a 25-story hotel-condominium building.

The company will need city approval to rezone the 2-acre development site at 222 N. 12th St. and 217 11th St., near Channelside Drive. Finergy wants to build the project in an area that's seeing a lot of new development. Two condo projects, Ventana and Grand Central at Kennedy, are under construction nearby.

Finergy's plans call for a combined 393 hotel rooms and condo units, 731 parking spaces and 57,000 square feet of retail space.

Project manager Eric Collin said pricing and the hotel will set Finergy's building apart from other Channel District complexes. Finergy's condominiums are expected to sell for $200,000 to $260,000, although prices have not been set yet, he said.

"We're going to be getting to the market with a much more affordable product and smaller unit sizes," he said. Owners will also be able to take advantage of the hotel's amenities, such as room service and a fitness center, he said.

Collin said he would like to see a sales office open by October or November, and construction begin next summer. The building will take 18 months to two years to complete, he said.

http://www.tbo.com/news/money/MGBT59D0ZOE.html (http://http://www.tbo.com/news/money/MGBT59D0ZOE.html)
Maybe this is a start of high-rises moving north on Channelside. $200,000 is a awesome price.

^I wouldn't necessarily say that... There are already a couple of highrises approved for the very northern end of the district (around and even north of Twiggs St).

The approval of The Place Phase II was basically a watershed vote for the district... The council basically said that so long as developers were basically attentive to the street level environment and included community amenities, that the hieght restrictions could be surpassed by significant amounts... This proposal, along with others are basically capitalizing on that precedent.

Anyone have pics from channelside over the July 4th holidays??

I was at a presentation this evening for Channelside residents on the new plans for Seaboard Square. As you remember, Sembler bought out the former owner of the Channel District prime property about a year ago. They are now revealing their long-awaited plans at the Channel District meeting on Wednesday evening, and will go before the city in mid-August (the 17th?) for approval.

The first 'phase' will include a 29 (on top of parking) story residential tower on Cumberland across from the Eastern Tower of Channelside; an 11-story 'boutique' hotel just North of that, next to Victory Lofts; multi-level retail on 11th and Cumberland, including a restaurants with outdoor seating; a 12-story (on top of parking) residential 'signature' tower on 11th just North of Cumberland and a circular 'gathering' area, with water features ('dancing' fountains and a water wall).

The second phase will be a row of 3-story townhomes along the East side of 11th Street leading up to Whiting, and then along Whiting heading East over to Victory Lofts. All will have garages, and be patterned after Brownstones. My understanding is that these townhomes are somewhat to appease the Victory Lofters, but my guess is that a lot of SSC forummers won't like this phase.

The third and final phase will be two 21-story (on top of parking) identical residential towers with access on 11th Street, just South of Whiting, but also flanked by Meridian (as is the 12-story signature tower).

Lots going on here. Would really add some life and street action to the Southern part of 11th Street, as well as Cumberland (with the Towers of C'side directly across the street).

Looks pretty ambitious. The new schematic will be MUCH higher density than the original proposal from 2004. I would guess it will be mentioned in the local papers by the end of the week. Don't think you will find any info on their website yet.

Seacrest OUT. :runaway:

How tall is Towers at Channelside now?

Was in Ybor late Sunday afternoon (07/16/06) and took this photo of the Channel District construction from the top floor of the Ybor parking garage.

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h80/cthomasd/ChannelsideConstruction16Jul2006.jpg

They are at about 17 floors.

Was in Ybor late Sunday afternoon (07/16/06) and took this photo of the Channel District construction from the top floor of the Ybor parking garage.

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h80/cthomasd/ChannelsideConstruction16Jul2006.jpg

Thank you so much for the pics..
The start of the Tampa wall.. :dance: lol

only our wall is shorter than Miami's. lol

In a couple of months you should start to see the 2 cranes on the Plaza at HI in the background and by the end of the year maybe a Novare-Newks and Blu Channelside projects..

Cool shot of the X-Town elevated lanes in that pic

YOu can see the cranes on HI right now- behind the red ground based crane

Great update on Seaboard, if a bit lofty. I'm very familiar with the area but not sure I am placing all of those. The brownstones run behind Victory Lofts? And the other towers across the street? The boutique hotel fills the spot between Starship Yacht, Cumberland, 12th, and VL?

Well, I guess we'll have to wait for the whole proposal...

Difficult to picture all these buildings from a description I'm sure. If I'm at the corner of Cumberland and 11th, walking North, the first thing on my right (East side of 11th) is the 29 story tower w/ retail. As I continue walking North, next to the tower is the 11 story hotel. Then all the way on the street up to Whiting are the Brownstones, which circle around the corner heading East on Whiting.

If I turn around at Whiting and am heading back South towards Cumberland, immediately to my right are the two 21-story towers. Keep walking South and next is the 12 story residential. Finally, at the NE corner of 11th and Cumberland is the retail / restaurants building.

Hopefully, the papers will publish a layout schematic of this so it will be clearer.

It sounds like it will look like Emerald Plaza in San Diego.

Oh, so Seaboard is going to be completely different. Yea, brownstones, whatever if they can actually get the towers up. I like how the whole area is now going towers. FIne by me.

It will add to Tampa's already growing skyline.

I was in Channelside and I saw that they are starting to connect the two T@C buildings.

Difficult to picture all these buildings from a description I'm sure. If I'm at the corner of Cumberland and 11th, walking North, the first thing on my right (East side of 11th) is the 29 story tower w/ retail. As I continue walking North, next to the tower is the 11 story hotel. Then all the way on the street up to Whiting are the Brownstones, which circle around the corner heading East on Whiting.

If I turn around at Whiting and am heading back South towards Cumberland, immediately to my right are the two 21-story towers. Keep walking South and next is the 12 story residential. Finally, at the NE corner of 11th and Cumberland is the retail / restaurants building.

Hopefully, the papers will publish a layout schematic of this so it will be clearer.

Thanks, that was perfect. Hopefully we get renderings...

I'm fine with the brownstones, actually. 3 stories isn't shabby, and it worked out decently enough on 12th with the cluster known as Tampa City Lofts. This brings just enough density to the area, I think. Hopefully the design improves upon Towers at Channelside, which I think is rather cheap looking (but not shabby).

I realized a few weeks ago that there is going to be a parking lot on the side of T@C facing the Channelside complex... anyone else find this a bad move? Some insulating retail and cafe space along with a small garage with an expanded roof garden seems more appropriate. With Tampa Port Authority filling up the garage (and overcharging) more public parking will no doubt take off. Especially valet, as that lot might be at risk for development.

IT is my impression that the ground floor will have retail

.... But there is a large parking lot between Channelside and the towers, along with the trolley lines and the street.

I think its wasteful of a prime spot.

That lot is actually not too large and is owned by the people who own Channelside (at least it was) with the idea that eventually they could put stores on it too. We shall see.

Wow, thanks for the update on Seaboard Square. And yes T@C will have ground retail, a rather large amount I believe.

Oh, so Seaboard is going to be completely different. Yea, brownstones, whatever if they can actually get the towers up. I like how the whole area is now going towers. FIne by me.

Agreed... I don't really care about the brownstones either, though one would think that something like some live/work units could be thrown into the mix... Plus, I'm strongly of the opinion that higher densities like this are crucial to the district ever attaining the vibrant street scene everyone is expecting... If the district really did have to be a bunch of squat lowrises, there would have never been enough people living in the nieghborhood to generate enough foot traffic to sustain much retail at all.

Now if the FAA can just keep it's f***ing nose out of everyone's business, things would be just fine.

Agreed... I don't really care about the brownstones either, though one would think that something like some live/work units could be thrown into the mix... Plus, I'm strongly of the opinion that higher densities like this are crucial to the district ever attaining the vibrant street scene everyone is expecting... If the district really did have to be a bunch of squat lowrises, there would have never been enough people living in the nieghborhood to generate enough foot traffic to sustain much retail at all.

Now if the FAA can just keep it's f***ing nose out of everyone's business, things would be just fine.
Amen to that Brother!

[QUOTE=Jasonhouse]I'm strongly of the opinion that higher densities like this are crucial to the district ever attaining the vibrant street scene everyone is expecting... If the district really did have to be a bunch of squat lowrises, there would have never been enough people living in the nieghborhood to generate enough foot traffic to sustain much retail at all.
QUOTE]

Jason...you are so right about density. Downtown/channelside should be high and dense. FAA go Away.

There are so many small projects going on in Ybor that the whole south side of Ybor will connect with the Channelside district beautifully. I was in Ybor yesterday and you can see all the development in Channelside from Ybor.
You can really see the potential and direction the city headed. It is impressive.

The Plaza at Harbor island is up to the 7th floor which is the 3rd floor of the tower portion.

Development details dispensed
Seaboard Square developers provide 50 people with a look at the 5.8-acre hotel, condo and retail project.
By RICK GERSHMAN
Published July 28, 2006

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

There isn't much so far to the Web site for Seaboard Square, one of the largest proposed residential/retail additions to the Channel District.

The site boasts a photo of Tampa's skyline, an e-mail address and the marketing line, "Hip. Square. Now." And that's about it.

Developers provided more details to about 50 people at a Channel District Council meeting July 19 at the Florida Aquarium.

The development is bordered by 12th and Meridian streets, E Whiting Street and E Cumberland Avenue. Sembler Investments bought the original developer, West Bay City Homes, and took over the project earlier this year.

Sembler president Darian Johnson told attendees the 5.8-acre development will include a 10-story, 120-room hotel, condominiums, townhomes, and retail and office space.

Plans also include one 29-story building, two 25-story buildings and one 16-story building, significantly taller structures than originally presented. Most of the 725 residences would sell in the $300,000 to $500,000 range, Johnson said. Penthouse-level homes would sell between $600,000 and $900,000.

The development has contracted with SpringHill Suites by Marriott for the hotel. Sembler, a St. Petersburg company, developed Centro Ybor in Ybor City and BayWalk in St. Petersburg.

The project has its first public hearing before the Tampa City Council on Aug. 17, said Jean DeFries, Sembler's development manager. If built as planned, the project would take about five years to build, Johnson said.

Also at the neighborhood meeting, the city's urban development director, Michael Chen, talked about Channel District's Community Redevelopment Area, which funnels money from increased property values into neighborhood improvement projects.

Chen said the redevelopment area will have a budget of more than $1.4-million in fiscal year 2007. That's compared with $626,000 for this fiscal year and $253,000 for 2005, he said.

"Those are fairly healthy gains, and I assure you, you ain't seen nothing yet," Chen said. "Because that does not include all of this construction we have going on now."

Within a few years, he said, the district's budget should be about $7-million.

Chen proposed that more than two-thirds of the 2007 budget - more than $1-million - be spent on engineering and consultant fees to deal with the district's many upcoming infrastructure needs.

Another $240,000 was budgeted for remedial infrastructure projects, with the remainder going toward such issues as marketing and promotion, the TECO streetcar and a partial-year salary for a Channel District arts administrator.

Chen, who is on HARTline's streetcar board, also said he was hopeful officials will be able to promote more ridership for regular daily commuting, in addition to tourist and occasional specialty use.

Rick Gershman can be reached at rgershman@sptimes.com or 226-3431.

[Last modified July 27, 2006, 09:48:24]
http://www.sptimes.com/2006/07/28/Citytimes/Development_details_d.shtml

So to organize it all for Seaboard Square here's the most recent proposal....

29 story condo
25 story condo
25 story condo
16 story condo
10 story hotel
3 story brownstones

Total Units: 725

I can't wait to see a rendering of this one because this is one of the most important projects in the district IMO. It conneccts T@C and Channelside to the Place and all of the other condos in the Northern district. and the land area is impressive that it will cover, should be very dense.

It IS important, and it IS impressive, and also quite ambitious. I think they are smart in planning to build in phases.

I don't foresee any specific issues that the city might have with this proposal, as it seems we have all moved past the 'height' issue in the Channel District.

They keep talking about the CRT monies, and I can't wait to see some tangible improvements to infrastructure.

I plan take some updated construction photos around Channelside this weekend. Sorry to be dense, but how do you post them?

If you take some of the towers of CS, can you possibly take them from the street that runs in front of the Grandview? The view from there is great and will even be greater when they start putting the windows in. Just a request.

Wow! I can't wait to see the rendering!! Go Cranes! :cheer: :cheer:

advertising is allowed now?

advertising is allowed now?
NO!!!!

ChannelsideTitle, I am no mod, but advertising in any way is prohibited on the boards. Can you please remove your website from your sig. Thank You.

Back on topic. Since I don't have a camera, anyone willing to take some new pics? :)

What is allowed? I see many links to blogs and websites in people's sigs, etc. Is it only real estate that is not allowed? Let's follow the rules across the board please.

^Basically people making money... Which is why links to some sites are also not allowed.

Developer Aiming To Straighten Street

By JANIS D. FROELICH The Tampa Tribune


CHANNEL DISTRICT - A proposed residential and retail project is so large it involves moving a street.

Sembler Investments of St. Petersburg's plan for the 5.8-acre Seaboard Square complex will take the zigzag out of 11th Street where it meets Whiting Street.

A city council zoning hearing on the 725-residence project is scheduled for Aug. 17.

Seaboard Square would take four to seven years to complete, said Jean DeFries, Sembler's vice president of development.

"We've worked with the city and the neighborhood," DeFries said. "It's such a core area in the Channel District we wanted to do something special to bring people in."

DeFries said Sembler will be open to ideas during the council session.

"A project this size is always a work in progress," said Michael Chen, newly named manager of the district's Community Redevelopment Area.

DeFries said much thought went into traffic flow. In addition to moving 11th Street slightly so it's straight, Sembler has offered to landscape a dirt path behind the Tampa Port Authority parking garage.

The sidewalk would allow access from Channelside Drive to Seaboard Square, which plans 27,000 square feet of retail and office space, and a 110-room Spring Hill Suites, a Marriott brand.

DeFries said the goal is to open the hotel in time for the 2009 Super Bowl in Tampa.

Planned retailers include a dry cleaner, coffee shop, salon and convenience store. If work begins in January, Sembler plans to first build the hotel and retail plaza, plus the first of four residential towers.

"The market is here now for the hotel, with the cruise industry right across the street," DeFries said.

DeFries said the tallest tower, at 29 stories, would be built near the 30-story Towers of Channelside project, under construction. Next to Victory Lofts, Sembler plans 22 three-story town houses.

"It's a very massive thing," said Genie White, president of the Channel District Council. "But Seaboard Square has been well received by the residents. Victory Lofts people are really happy because they won't be next to a tower."

DeFries said planned outdoor space would include dog walks. The retail plaza, with an interactive fountain, may include a movie screen for showing art films, sporting events and community presentations. There could be up to four restaurants to complement the Channelside entertainment complex across the street.

The property, shaped like a thick L and stretching from Meridian to 12th streets and Whiting to Cumberland Avenue, was purchased by Sembler early this year.

The parcel faces Meridian Street, and Sembler hopes to install lighting and artwork to form a wall between Seaboard Square and the street, which links to the elevated Lee Roy Selmon Expressway.

"We know the streets around us will be busy," DeFries said, "but with 11th Street going through our development, we hope to offer some [traffic] calming devices."

DeFries said Sembler isn't deterred by other condominium projects in the area, including The Place Phase II, Cobalt Development, The Martin and Finergy Development, which includes a hotel.

"We don't see Seaboard Square not happening," she said. "This area just has too much appeal."

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

http://southtampa.tbo.com/southtampa/MGB57O5F7QE.html

^^Looks like this is for real. It'd be awesome to see a model of the project to see its massiveness. Also to see the designs. And the improvements will help get approval.

Sounds like an impressive project. It would be nice to see something a little more upscale or unique than A Spring Hill Suites though.

What dirt path behind the Port garage? Eh? I park my car outside the garage nearly every day and can tell you there isn't a dirt path... unless he means the grassy area that runs in front of the Starship Yacht Warehouse... but that isn't his land, anyway. Whatever. Glad to see they plan to straighten out 11th street. It'll be nice to have that street open for parallel parking (I hope).

Also, not sure if there is demand for an outdoor screen. Channelside Cinemas will be opening the OCL soon on the second floor. If you look at Channelside from the street and notice the blue sign over the tunnel, there is a balcony. Behind the sign, they have built and bar and installed several tables. Not sure about the delay but the Outdoor Cinema Lounge will have a door on the street (there is actually a small sign posted, if you look carefully) and will have a movie screen on the wall for art house showings in the summer. There is a set of stairs that takes you up to that rather large area... should be nice. Finally, there is word that once Sunrise Cinemas closes in Hyde Park, 3 of Channelside's 9 35mm screens will be dedicated wholly to independent film. They are toying with the idea of "Sunrise at Channelside" as the naming for the new Independent section of the theater, although it will have no association with the Sunrise Cinema chain. This is supposedly worked out with the owners... not sure when we might see this happening. Same goes for the OCL, despite the bar being nearly ready...

edit

I think this is a message that everyone gets, but this is a reply to my email

Hello Mike,


Thank you for your interest in Seaboard Square! We’re busy putting the final touches on an exciting expansion of this new urban community – the Square squared. More spacious homes, more rooftop gardens, pools, gathering areas – plus every urban convenience you can think of, and more access to hip Florida living, with spectacular views to boot. More, more, more!

Now you’re No. 1 on the list to receive the very latest news as it becomes available. We’ll keep you posted as plans unfold.

The Sales Center is not opened at this time but if you have immediate questions please give us a call at (813) 223-1128

Finally some rental units in the downtown area. WE NEED MORE!!!!!!!!


Renters To Find Home In Channel District
Skip directly to the full story.
BY JANIS D. FROELICH The Tampa Tribune

Published: Aug 17, 2006

CHANNEL DISTRICT - Developer Michael DeMarcay said Seaport Channelside was supposed to be on an expedited brownfield program, meaning the much-anticipated large apartment complex would be ready to go as soon as the land was cleaned up and the paperwork completed.

More than two years and many government delays later, Seaport Channelside is about ready to break ground. DeMarcay, vice president of Synergy Properties, estimates work will begin in 45 to 60 days.

He said dealing with the federal Environmental Protection Agency isn't easy.

"If we were on the expedited program, I'd hate to see what the other programs were like," he said.

The city previously used the 7½-acre site for storage and transportation needs, including a yard full of stop signs and lights. The city sold the property to Synergy for $5.5 million in April 2004 after Synergy proposed what was judged to be the best use for the land based on a competition among developers.

"The need for rental is crucial in the downtown," DeMarcay said.

With boundaries of Twiggs, Meridian, Raymond and 12th streets, Synergy plans an approximately $86 million complex on the Channel District's northern boundary. Ranging from one to three bedrooms, 426 apartments will be built along with 12,000 square feet of retail.

Rent at the five-story Seaport will be $1,040 to $2,600 for units of 800 to 2,000 square feet, DeMarcay said. There will be one parking space for each bedroom.

DeMarcay said the project was planned to have comparable rent with Harbour Island. When the city council approved the land sale, it was told rent would be $990 to $1,700. The range will probably be adjusted when Seaport is completed in 2009.

Christine Burdick, executive director of the Tampa Downtown Partnership, said she wants moderation in rent.

"I know it's somewhat difficult to find a solution to affordable rental property in the downtown," she said. "But I trust the marketplace. The trend towards a better climate for developers to consider building rental units is happening."

http://southtampa.tbo.com/southtampa/MGBR0M12YQE.html

^^ Is this the land on the farthest point north in Channelside next to the Selmon Expressway?

Good news anyhow!!! :)

Was there any guarantee this project won't go condo?

I am guessing that this project is built with the sole intent being that it will not become condos. I think there might be a problem with the criminal element of the Tampa Park Apts. If this place is built I wouldn't mind getting a place in there if they are appealing.

^^ Is this the land on the farthest point north in Channelside next to the Selmon Expressway?

Good news anyhow!!! :)

Was there any guarantee this project won't go condo?

yep... It's part of the arc of land adjacent to the south side of the Selmon, which defines the northernmost boundary of Channelside... It's next door to the Expressway Authority's new digs, which is on the NE corner of Meridian and Twiggs. (btw, this is the same intersection where the Selmon upper deck lanes terminate)

I am guessing that this project is built with the sole intent being that it will not become condos. I think there might be a problem with the criminal element of the Tampa Park Apts. If this place is built I wouldn't mind getting a place in there if they are appealing.

What? Criminals? This is a luxury condo district with rents in the $2000-a-month range, not some crack town subsidized apartments.

What? Criminals? This is a luxury condo district with rents in the $2000-a-month range, not some crack town subsidized apartments.

He is referring to the Tampa Park Apts. :bash:

Looks like Blu Channelside (Byrd) nixed the grocery store...oh well.

http://www.sptimes.com/2006/08/18/Citytimes/Blu_s_builder_looks_f.shtml

Blu's builder looks for green light
Revised plans include removal of a grocery store neighbors had objected to.
By RICK GERSHMAN
Published August 18, 2006

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

It took a long time for the clouds to part, but now, Brooks Byrd sees only Blu skies ahead.

After four years, the developer envisions what he believes to be a finish line for getting under way on construction of his Blu residential and retail development.

Byrd has submitted revised plans to the city that he hopes will finally ensure approval of the project next to the Channelside entertainment complex along the Garrison Channel.

The main changes involve removing a grocery store and moving the development's main entrance from Beneficial Drive to Garrison Street. Garrison borders the Channelside plaza's west side, where patrons pull up for valet parking.

In February, the City Council rejected a plan that would have included a 58,000-square-foot retail center plus the grocery store.

The new plan has no supermarket and just 25,000 feet of retail, Byrd said. It still includes two 30-story towers with a total of 250 condominiums.

"With this new design, we're not adding any additional traffic than what's on there today," Byrd said. "It's a direct response to what the folks on Harbour Island wanted."

The entrance change was key to many island residents, for whom the Beneficial Drive bridge is one of only two ways to enter and exit the island. The other is the Harbour Island Boulevard bridge, near the Tampa Convention Center.

The original Blu plan would have required residents or shoppers entering Blu from downtown or the Channel District to make a left turn across traffic on Beneficial. Traffic studies estimated that would add up to 6,000 cars a day at the site.

That was unacceptable to island residents, said Dave Schlingman, president of the Harbour Island Community Services Association.

"That was absolutely going to choke off Harbour Island," Schlingman said. "It was going to make the Meridian Avenue/Channelside/Beneficial intersection a nightmare."

Joyce Schauer, president of the Harbour Island South Neighborhood Association, said "the whole density and the flow of traffic would have almost shut down Beneficial, in my opinion.

"We've always been concerned with the ability of emergency vehicles to access Harbour Island - it really is a safety and security issue."

Both Schauer and Schlingman credited Byrd, who developed the Grandview condo building on Harbour Island, for working with residents to revise the project.

"Everybody hit a home run with this," Schlingman said. "We were just elated when (Byrd Corp.) came back with the new plan."

The City Council will review the plan Sept. 14. And though the proposed project will not be exactly what Byrd first envisioned, he's happy to have reached a consensus with the neighbors.

"I'm very enthusiastic about this," Byrd said. "It's been tough to wait, but I'm thrilled to be moving forward."

Rick Gershman can be reached at rgershman@sptimes.com or 226-3431.

I don't understand the reasoning to not have a grocery store. I can see how moving the main entrance to the other side of the property would help, but doesn't everyone on Harbour Island still need to go grocery shopping somewhere? It seems as if they have a suburban attitude about traffic in an urban setting. Why are all these people driving to the grocery store anyway if they live right there?

Now the people living in Blu will have to get in their car and drive somewhere as well as the people across the street in ToC. The people living on H.I will definetely have to drive somewhere. The nearest grocery store that I know of is a Publix on Bayshore & Platt.

I beleive there will be a grocery store at Grand Central, though, which isn't too far out of the way.

There is a planned grocery store at Grand Central (the "North" Side of the Channel District). I would think, though, that the long term population projections of Channelside, Harbour Island, Ybor, and the Central Park Development area would make 2 grocery stores feasible for the area.

The problem is that the grocery store would've caused to much traffic at and near the intersection of Beneficial and Channelside. That is debtable if its true or not but thats what the city came up with. Hopefully we'll get a grocery store somewhere else in the Southern half of Channelside soon.

EDIT: Article was already posted.

Thanks FLHawk!

Sorry, NewPortRicheyGuy, but that same article was posted above a few days back (see post #86).

From Village real estate http://villagerealestate.blogspot.com/ No idea where he got the drawing but he says it shows how the new Seaboard will fit in

http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/169/1636/1600/site_final.jpg

and then there was news that Seaport Channelside is breaking gound soon - that in the paper so maybe they mean it

Yeah, saw that at the other blog. I'm waiting for a higher quality rendering, but that really shows the scope of the project. I think you can see Place Phase II in the rendering, but I'm not sure... doesn't seem to be tall enough. Anyone see what I'm talking about?

I don't like the 'L' shaped mass on the corner...That needs to be much slimmer and taller imo. (meaning as tall as the FAA goons will endorse)

Yeah, I see what your saying, Maxim, about the Place II not seeming tall enough. I agree. Also, I'm not sure what that tall building is behind Grand Central East. I don't think that's supposed to be the Martin. Whatever it is -- it seems to be the tallest building in the sketch.

I believe your talking about.....
Tampa Global Communication Teleconvergence Center- 45 stories - 550ft -
400 hotel rooms, 182 condo units. The project also includes retail and a large conference center.
Hotel and condo concierge services will be managed by Mandarin oriental Hotels. Approved/Financing secured. Construction claimed to begin by April 2006.

See page 1 of this thread.

I believe your talking about.....
Tampa Global Communication Teleconvergence Center- 45 stories - 550ft -
400 hotel rooms, 182 condo units. The project also includes retail and a large conference center.
Hotel and condo concierge services will be managed by Mandarin oriental Hotels. Approved/Financing secured. Construction claimed to begin by April 2006.

See page 1 of this thread.
Wow April 2006? That was like 5 months ago!

Wow, the rest of the renderings are new to me... only the aerial was up before. Not bad.

http://img170.imageshack.us/img170/2568/l2zr7.jpg http://img170.imageshack.us/img170/710/l42od0.jpg [IMG]http://img243.imageshack.us/img243/1267/l1yz7.th.jpg (http://img243.imageshack.us/my.php?image=l1yz7.jpg)[/IM

Is this across from the Ice Palace and Channelside?

I don't really like the garage in the back. It kills it somewhat. But the rest looks amazing.


PS:bueller come and talk to us. You only come and post renderings that I have no idea where you get.

I don't mind the garage if there is some sort of retail space on the bottom floor, which there looks to be. If this is where I think it is (Towers at Channelside and Seaboard Square will be to the East side, Channelside to the SE, Forum to the SW) then there def. needs to be some sort of consideration taken to the street interaction. Very prime lot. I like the use of the land, though. Thumbs up.

So, if I counted that right, they're 17 and 21 stories...

And I wonder what big box retailers they are courting?

I hope their final plan has a better looking garage area. Maybe a better color scheme or something...

I actually like this building. Do they have a timeline for the building?

Now that I think about it, I do not like the parking garage on it. I say put the parking garage in the building and then increase the height.

this belongs in Westshore... Or that is what it reminds me of.

That building looks awesome. I'm guessing it would be 1 block West of the T@C. If the buildings get built, I don't mind the crappy garage one bit. The key to this project are the apartments and office space which gives it a huge edge over other projects of being built. :cheers:

However, bueller, there is a no rumor policy on these boards so I'm sure everyone here would appreciate you telling us maybe where you got the renderings or the status of the project or something. You gotta talk to us. :)

Here's some rough crappy renderings of seaboard square from VillageRealEstate.com....

http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/169/1636/1600/site1_final.jpg

http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/169/1636/1600/sea5_final.jpg http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/169/1636/1600/sea4_final.jpg

I hope it looks better if/when its built then here. The base is cool though. :dunno:

That is a rendering of a possible replacement for part of the dead Pinnacle Place project...The next block west is where the O2 condos were.

In regard to the renderings for the northwest corner of Meridian and Channelside, if my map is right that puts these 17 and 21 story buildings on the west side of the twin 30 story Towers at Channelside; on the east side of the Blu (formerly O2) twin 40 story condos; north of the twin 30 story Downtown Channelside towers; and southwest of the 29, 25, 25, 26 and 10 story towers in Seaboard Square. Add the 30 story Plaza at Channelside further west and that'll be quite an impressive downtown neighborhood in the south end of Channelside. I know some of them are still very much proposed, but at least someone besides hard core tower fans like us have a dream - they are actually doing something about it!

In regard to the renderings for the northwest corner of Meridian and Channelside, if my map is right that puts these 17 and 21 story buildings on the west side of the twin 30 story Towers at Channelside; on the east side of the Blu (formerly O2) twin 40 story condos; north of the twin 30 story Downtown Channelside towers; and southwest of the 29, 25, 25, 26 and 10 story towers in Seaboard Square. Add the 30 story Plaza at Channelside further west and that'll be quite an impressive downtown neighborhood in the south end of Channelside. I know some of them are still very much proposed, but at least someone besides hard core tower fans like us have a dream - they are actually doing something about it!

Nothing is planned for the O2 site, that we know of. Blu and Downtown Channelside are the same project.

Still an impressive skyline in the works.

All of this updating for the master list. Will it ever get done? :-P

I'll go edit these projects in. All we need is to take the initiative to upload the renderings.

^Won't be this weekend, or probably next... We are upgrading the database server, and the site will be shut down a for a while again this weekend... Plus, it will run like shit for a week or so as the different servers on the network are load balanced.

But feel free to post whatever it is you were going to post, because before I do anything with the list, I still have to see what it is and determine if I'm just going to copy/paste (if it's ok with the contributing forumer) something into the thread, or reassemble it to my preferences...

^Won't be this weekend, or probably next... We are upgrading the database server, and the site will be shut down a for a while again this weekend... Plus, it will run like shit for a week or so as the different servers on the network are load balanced.

But feel free to post whatever it is you were going to post, because before I do anything with the list, I still have to see what it is and determine if I'm just going to copy/paste (if it's ok with the contributing forumer) something into the thread, or reassemble it to my preferences...

Well, as per usual, I will be stretched thin this holiday weekend between working two days, going to Atlanta to do some additional side work, and homework (as if anyone cared about my personal life, but still) so I doubt much updating will be done on my part. Whoever feels compelled to work on it can simply quote it and make the changes. This should be a collective work between all of us, so I don't think that it will be an issue if you decide to paste it into the first post. Actually, I think that is what we are all mostly aiming towards.

An update was sent out to buyers for the Grand Central project. Not really a whole lot of new information -- they are still saying that the "lower" floors of the east building should be ready for move in starting this December, with the remainder of the east building being available by Spring '07.

The construction of the west building is expected to be "topped out" by October, and move in dates are expected to begin in early, summer '07.

One thing I did not realize, the update commented on the tinting of the glass. Some windows will be tinted green and other windows will be tinted blue (a design aspect of the project). I didn't realize that two tints would be used, and I wonder how they will mix and match the tinting. (Will one building be tinted blue, and the other building be tinted green? Or will each building have a certain pattern of blue and green tints? If so, I'll be curious as to how that turns out.)

With the completion of Grand Central right around the corner, I think this marks the next "major milestone" in the development of the Channelside district. This project will be among the first completed with lots of retail space available on the ground floors -- a grocery store, fitness club open to the public (i.e. lifestyles), coffee shop(s), restaurants (I believe a Panera Bread has already bought space there). Also, with nearly 400 condos in this project, the current population of Channelside (about 200) will suddenly have the potential to increase by 200%.

And by late summer 2007, I assume that this project won't be the only new (large) project completed -- The Place, Ventana, and The Towers should be wrapping up about that time. I think we will suddenly have a clear picture of the 'future' of the condo market in Channelside. I'm wondering how many of these newly-completed condos will be sitting empty. If a lot of them go unoccupied, I think it will affect the future build-out of Channelside (a lot of empty condos means that it will take a lot longer to develop the remainder of the land). We should know all this in about one year as these first, large projects are completed.

I think that Channelside will fill in faster than people realize... I think of it as basically the next Harbour Island, which has usually been able to sell itself in any phase of the market's cycle...

Great News Indeed! :)

Hey everyone -

I recently met with Stephanie Gaines (I toured The Florida Brewery Renovation with a few classmates) and decided to check her firm's site, only to notice a project I hadn't seen before in Channelside. Anyone seen/heard about this? http://www.cgharchitects.com/projects/ (Then go to Midrise; on the first page, The Channelside Key Lofts). Is this not for Channelside, or perhaps an early design for The Place?

I think fro the similar floor count and the color it is quite possible that it could be an early rendering of The Place. Speaking of The Place has there been any news on phase 2 or is it in limbo just like a lot of projects?

I remember seeing that rendering here in the past, but I don't remember if it was for the Place or a different project.
Edit- Now that I think about it "Key" the developer of the Place, is also the name of the project. I don't remember who the architects for the Place was.

Retail Plan Curtailed For Harbour Island
Skip directly to the full story.
By JANIS D. FROELICH The Tampa Tribune

Published: Sep 14, 2006


CHANNEL DISTRICT - Brooks Byrd decided he couldn't fight Harbour Island residents. Not that he wanted to - the upscale neighborhood was good to him when he built the GrandView waterfront condominiums there.

So when Harbour Island residents protested at a city council meeting in February that Byrd's Channel District twin tower project, with a grocery store, would bring too much traffic, the Clearwater developer listened.

"The grocery store went bye-bye," he said.

As a result, Byrd goes into tonight's city council zoning hearing with residents' support. He still proposes 250 residences at Blu Channelside, but has slashed retail space from 88,000 square feet to 25,000 square feet.

"The plan is really spectacular," said Joyce Schauer, president of the South Harbour Island Community Association, which represents 657 residences in the gated portion of the neighborhood.

"We never took issue with the residential portion. But the grocery store would have been a disaster," she said.

Schauer said access is an issue for the island's 4,000 or so residents. There are only two ways on and off: the Franklin Street Bridge next to the Tampa Convention Center and the Beneficial Bridge near the Channelside complex, where Byrd planned the grocery store access.

Schauer said she knew Byrd was disappointed.

"I also see the value of having a grocery store on the east side of downtown," she said. "But we can't compromise on making sure emergency vehicles can get onto the island."

Byrd said retail customers will enter from Garrison Street, which separates the property from Channelside. Visitors and residents would exit on Beneficial Drive.

"There are other opportunities in the Channel District to make a grocery store possible," he said.

The 30-story Blu Channelside will offer two- and three-bedroom condominiums plus penthouses, with two parking spaces for each unit. Residences will be about 1,700 square feet to 2,400 square feet, with prices to be set. Construction would begin in summer 2007 and be completed in 2009.

Also at the 6 p.m. council meeting, the developers of Meridian 101 will seek zoning approval for their 17-story project of 120 to 140 units at Meridian Avenue and East Whiting Street, developer Jason Koshy said.

Koshy, owner of Skye Development, is working with a Massachusetts company, Kurian Limited Partnership. He said the 30,000-square-foot property housed a dance studio.

"We're too small to provide green space to the community," Koshy said. "But we'll offer some public art … somehow."

http://southtampa.tbo.com/southtampa/MGB2E3O42SE.html

Too bad the grocery store won't be there. I was looking forward to using it. The residents of Harbor Island (and I'm guessing it's just a couple of them) don't realize what they are going to be missing. Some of them still seem to think they live in the suburbs and can kill commercial development. The cut in commercial sq. footage would have been a great addition.

Despite the loss of the store I really home this project gets built!!!

Too bad the grocery store won't be there. I was looking forward to using it. The residents of Harbor Island (and I'm guessing it's just a couple of them) don't realize what they are going to be missing. Some of them still seem to think they live in the suburbs and can kill commercial development. The cut in commercial sq. footage would have been a great addition.

Despite the loss of the store I really home this project gets built!!!
I'll just be happy if this gets off the ground. This project has been delayed too long. There is much more room for a store in Channeliside

I'm not sure which project is located at 110 S. 11th St. in Channelside, but it was approved by the city council this morning by a vote of 5 - 1. Linda Saul-Sena was the only councilmember who voted against the project.

I'm hoping that someone knows which project is located there. I'm thinking that it's Seaboard Square... :dunno:

I caught the last 15 mins. of the hearing on public access -- the project includes 20 townhomes and apparently some towers (775 units in all within this project).

Councilmember Dingfelder asked the petetioner to remove 10 of the townhomes in the project to provide for more greenspace. The petetioner respectfully declined the request.

I missed the "renderings" portion of the hearing and even in the motion offered, the project name was never mentioned. :(

All in all, the council members praised the visual appeal of the project. However, Saul-Sena objected because the city has agreed to handling the maintenance of the open spaces surrounding the property for a term of 30 years. According to Saul-Sena, this is a precedent setting vote as no other project in the Channelside district has asked the city to handle the maintenance of their open spaces.

I'll keep my eyes open for a replay of the hearing... ;)

The project that you are describing is indeed Seaboard Square, being developed by Sembler. I believe this will be a great addition to the Channel District.

Hopefully, Blu Channelside will get approved at this evening's council meeting. The deletion of the urban grocery store and reduction in retail was Byrd's main concession in order to get the blessing of the Harbour Island residents association, which they did.

There will also be a presentation tonight for a project at 12th and Meridian. I believe it will be for a 17 story tower on a site that currently houses a dance studio. Can't recall the name of the developer but someone may want to try to get information on it.

There will also be a presentation tonight for a project at 12th and Meridian. I believe it will be for a 17 story tower on a site that currently houses a dance studio. Can't recall the name of the developer but someone may want to try to get information on it.

That would be Meridian 101.

Now see, I just don't get it... The City Council almost had a shitfit over The Place Phase 2, but they approved Seaboard Square, which features some shitty tower designs imo.

Now see, I just don't get it... The City Council almost had a shitfit over The Place Phase 2, but they approved Seaboard Square, which features some shitty tower designs imo.
that's the City Council for you.

Any news about what happen last night?

Retail Plan Curtailed For Harbour Island
Skip directly to the full story.
By JANIS D. FROELICH The Tampa Tribune

Published: Sep 14, 2006

ADVERTISEMENT


More from this channel:

Search for more information:



Site Search Archives Keyword

TBO.com Site Search | Tribune archive from 1990

CHANNEL DISTRICT - Brooks Byrd decided he couldn't fight Harbour Island residents. Not that he wanted to - the upscale neighborhood was good to him when he built the GrandView waterfront condominiums there.

So when Harbour Island residents protested at a city council meeting in February that Byrd's Channel District twin tower project, with a grocery store, would bring too much traffic, the Clearwater developer listened.

"The grocery store went bye-bye," he said.

As a result, Byrd goes into tonight's city council zoning hearing with residents' support. He still proposes 250 residences at Blu Channelside, but has slashed retail space from 88,000 square feet to 25,000 square feet.

"The plan is really spectacular," said Joyce Schauer, president of the South Harbour Island Community Association, which represents 657 residences in the gated portion of the neighborhood.

"We never took issue with the residential portion. But the grocery store would have been a disaster," she said.

Schauer said access is an issue for the island's 4,000 or so residents. There are only two ways on and off: the Franklin Street Bridge next to the Tampa Convention Center and the Beneficial Bridge near the Channelside complex, where Byrd planned the grocery store access.

Schauer said she knew Byrd was disappointed.

"I also see the value of having a grocery store on the east side of downtown," she said. "But we can't compromise on making sure emergency vehicles can get onto the island."

Byrd said retail customers will enter from Garrison Street, which separates the property from Channelside. Visitors and residents would exit on Beneficial Drive.

"There are other opportunities in the Channel District to make a grocery store possible," he said.

The 30-story Blu Channelside will offer two- and three-bedroom condominiums plus penthouses, with two parking spaces for each unit. Residences will be about 1,700 square feet to 2,400 square feet, with prices to be set. Construction would begin in summer 2007 and be completed in 2009.

Also at the 6 p.m. council meeting, the developers of Meridian 101 will seek zoning approval for their 17-story project of 120 to 140 units at Meridian Avenue and East Whiting Street, developer Jason Koshy said.

Koshy, owner of Skye Development, is working with a Massachusetts company, Kurian Limited Partnership. He said the 30,000-square-foot property housed a dance studio.

"We're too small to provide green space to the community," Koshy said. "But we'll offer some public art … somehow."

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

http://centraltampa.tbo.com/centraltampa/MGB2E3O42SE.html

IMO that was short sighted. But I didn't spend a million bucks on my downtown condo, either. I can ride my bike to the Platt Publix a while longer. It's the people on Harbour Island who will make extra car trips each week driving to a distant grocery store that will have to deal with matters.

I went down to Channelside today and its starting to fill in. The drive down 12th street is impressive of how far its come and is coming. T@C is at 22 and 19 stories now. Grand Central building 2 is up about 8 stories. Ventana and Grand Central building 1 are topped out. The Place is also topped out. I didn't get to check out Seaport though.

I was over there and there was no movement on the Seaboard Square area.

I was over there and there was no movement on the Seaboard Square area.
Seaport not Seaboard :rolleyes:

One thing I noticed from the top of the Channelside parking garage was how big of a lot Saeboard Square is. Its a project, if built, that I think is large enough to turn Channelside from a "abandoned district with urban pioneers" into an "urban district with a few abandoned parts".

BTW- Anyone know what happened to Blu?

Also something I forgot to add was that Plaza@HI is looking great on Harbor Island. You add in tower 2 of that project And it gives H.I. a nice density to it. I didn't get an exact floor count but it appered to be 10 or 11 floors up.

Sorry I misread NPRGuy. What project is Seaport?

Sorry I misread NPRGuy. What project is Seaport?

Six story apartment complex on the very North end of Channelside taking up about 3 blocks.

Ohh ok that is right, what is the word on those? The downtown could use some classy apartments in the downtown/ channelside area.

Also something I forgot to add was that Plaza@HI is looking great on Harbor Island. You add in tower 2 of that project And it gives H.I. a nice density to it. I didn't get an exact floor count but it appered to be 10 or 11 floors up.

I still say the view from HI will be the best, once most of these projects are done..

Tampa heights will also have great views of DT Tampa..

A blurb from villagerealestate.blogspot. about Novare and a new project


Sptimes- Channel District residents got a sneak preview of two residential-retail projects planned for their neighborhood.
The Novare/intowngroup partnership last week presented the Channel District Council the latest plans for their yet unnamed development at Washington Street between 11th Street and Meridian Avenue.
The development would have about 29 stories, 425 units and about 11,000 square feet of retail, representatives said.
Included in the project is a small public park. Homeowners' fees would pay for the cost of maintaining the park in perpetuity.
As with other Novare/intowngroup partnerships in Tampa, the units would be marketed as reasonably priced urban housing geared toward young professionals.
In addition, the partnership is building the nearby Meridian Lofts and the SkyPoint condo tower on Ashley Street. Also in the works is the Element high-rise on Franklin Street.
Skye Development and Urban Studio presented a plan for a new development named Navio, which would neighbor the Novare/intowngroup project at Meridian and Whiting Street.
Navio would stand on 0.7 acres, said Richard Zingale of Urban Studio. It's planned for 21 stories, including seven floors of parking, 10 floors of standard-sized units and a few floors with penthouse units.
Zingale said he expected the development would include about 160 units in all and about 260 parking spaces.
Both projects are still in the design and review phase, and no construction dates have been set.

Some up to date info.

Towers at Channelside is at 21 and 23 stories. The Harbour Island tower is 13 stories. Ventana is almost completely topped off. I believe the Grand Central at Kennedy was being topped off. That is all I got to see.

Also, looking at this link, can anyone tell me what the Lafeyette Lofts are

http://www.channelside.com/channelside.asp?categoryID=6

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

Hope to find out more about the 2 above projects. Only wish both could be taller.

I remember seeing a sign for "The Lafayette" about 9 months ago while in Channelside. I even took a picture of the sign. If I remember correctly, the project was on 12th st., just North of the Meridian. There was a phone number on the sign -- 813-839-5000. The sign described the project as "30 historically luxury flats". If I'm not mistaken, the building was already there (at least one that looked similar to the photo on the sign). I assume it's a conversion project. I have no clue if it's still underway.

Hmm, Navio. Interesting name. It'd be nice to see a rendering.

The Channel District is definitely the It spot these days, with all these projects planned. I'm personally waiting for Place II, but I'm confident it will take off. They can't leave a huge gap in the site, can they? Anyone who has passed by the Place I, which is pretty much finished shell wise, may notice that the tower is, erm, important ;-) to finishing off the design.

Half of Grand Central is finished for the most part, needs to be painted. Just finishing details remain. The other half has a bit to go before being totally topped off and the exterior slab walls are erected.

Coming home from work at midnight can be interesting - often, they're out doing interesting work on Ventana and Grand Central.

Speaking of Ventana, they are assembling the ornamental roof tops. Looks really nice.

Towers @C are making a nice impression on the area, and I hope they do a nice job with the street interaction. The shopping are should do well there, and the addition of Seaboard Square should bring more activity down towards the existing retail in Victory Lofts, Meridian, and Model T. I hope Grand Central will act as a secondary destination, and the Place in between will link the two retail centers... it'll make for a nice walk if and when Novare also puts a park in.

The "Lafayette" project site was purchased by Finergy Group. Plans are being prepared for council to include a hotel & condos on the site. Details on their website www.finergygroup.com

The "Lafayette" project site was purchased by Finergy Group. Plans are being prepared for council to include a hotel & condos on the site. Details on their website www.finergygroup.com

Reading about it makes it sound like an awesome project. Great to see more hotel rooms planned for Channelside. We need anough hotel rooms before the Super Bowl comes rolling in. I also like that parks are becoming a big thing now for some projects. I like the whole idea that if you want to build something inChannelside or Tampa in all, you must give back. Although it is sometimes rough for the developers and this has probably stopped some projects from going up.

Mixed-use Channelside Project, Downtown Tampa, Florida

This project will be built on a 2 acre site located on Kennedy Boulevard on the North Section of the Channelside District in Downtown Tampa.

Conceptual plans are for a 24-story building, 212 residential condo units, 44,000 sf of commercial and retail space and a 120-room upscale hotel. Preliminary design proposes 2 public parks, large sidewalk and and attaianble housing program that will make the project part of the vibrant neighborhood.

Urban Studio Architect and Wilson Miller Engineering are part of the development team.

Project is currently under conceptual planning and City of Tampa review.

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e260/lennier07/1005061847.jpg

Update on Towers @ Channelside progress from Friday.

http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k98/toccoa7/PICT0424.jpg
<br>
http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k98/toccoa7/PICT0425.jpg

Some pics taken today near the Garrison Channel

Are those the Towers?

Drove by and noticed the first of the Grand Central Buildings was being painted today. Bright orange/red and white contrasts nicely with the blue tint windows. Nice look

What is the black crane for that looks like is right in front of The Towers? Is it for the pool deck or the reatail portion?

What is the black crane for that looks like is right in front of The Towers? Is it for the pool deck or the reatail portion?

No, if you drive by and look at the signs it appears to be for some 3 story law office building. Which would be nice infill if it was attractive, considering the small amount of land, but its not. Its white and rather plain according to the sign.

I was driving on the Crosstown and I noticed some activity in Channelside (North of Grand Central, right by the Crosstown). Is this the Seaport Channelside Apartment project?

I was driving on the Crosstown and I noticed some activity in Channelside (North of Grand Central, right by the Crosstown). Is this the Seaport Channelside Apartment project?

Yes, it should be, either that site prep for the Martin. Good to see activity there.

Either way it is good to see more of the old dirty Channelside going away.

News:

* Driving down Twiggs today, I noticed a good deal of ground moving at the Seaport site (bulldozers, dirt piles, and such).

* Lots of new color at Grand Central facing Kennedy - burnt orange, cream, and gold.

* Going before City Council on Thursday night: Navio project, Finergy project, and Novare project - all requesting rezoning from CBD-1 to CBD-3.

* I'll post some updated construction photos for the Place, Crand Central, Ventana and Tower of C'side this coming weekend.

So what are the heights of CBD-1 and CBD-2 and CBD-3?

News:

* Driving down Twiggs today, I noticed a good deal of ground moving at the Seaport site (bulldozers, dirt piles, and such).

* Lots of new color at Grand Central facing Kennedy - burnt orange, cream, and gold.

* Going before City Council on Thursday night: Navio project, Finergy project, and Novare project - all requesting rezoning from CBD-1 to CBD-3.

* I'll post some updated construction photos for the Place, Crand Central, Ventana and Tower of C'side this coming weekend.
Can't wait to see the pictures. Thanks for taking time out of your way on doing so. I would love to, but I don't have the time, yes a teen with no time, and no camera (yet). I also believe the tower north of TTT is going to council aswell and the Central Park project the same day. So 5 projects all in one day. How awesome?

THe Tampa CIty Council is going on ... and on.... and on ... and on. As of 11:15pm, only 2 of the 3 Channelside proposals have been reviewed. I think both of them were approved. The first one is a high rise right across Kennedy in front of Grand Central. I believe they said it was 23 or so stories (sort of reminded me of the Martin). It's quite a massive looking building. It is to have hotels rooms as well as condos. They also stated that they intended to put a grocery store in it, which is strange, since Grand Central has the same intentions.

The second one presented is the Novare Group building. 30 stories tall, 380 ft tall (with spire), and 425 residential units. This property is as "centrally" located within the Channelside District as you can get. It is to be built just north of Seaboard Square (right by Victory Lofts). This development has a sizeable amount of green space planned with some townhomes on the other side of the green space. The green space is to be a park designed by input from the Channelside community.

During the presentation of the Novare project, they made note that almost all of the Channelside land has now been approved for development. To be honest, it was overwhelming seeing the renderings of the future Channelside area presented at City Council. If all of the projects actually get built (and are occupied), this will definitely be one of the coolest communities to live in. I mean ... really cool.

The third project presented at City Council was called “Navio” (102 Whiting St. Tower), just south of the Slade project, abutted against Meridian Ave. It is 21 stories, 185 ft (265 ft to the top of the mast) – mostly glass building, ‘block’ style. 160 residential units.

I saw it as well it was amazing. It did not even look like Tampa (Channelside) at all.

Wow! Did they bring in Hulk Hogan to slap the council silly, or what ? What a turnaround!

^^ Everything changed when The Place Phase II went though hell in front of the city council. It was THE project that hammered the city council for its arrogance the hardest. It was THE project that brought in more negative e-mail responses and threats of sweeping the council out of office then any other in recent history.

I remember that 1/2 of us here were furious and we suggested that they needed to get a clue. Well the council did get a clue with their wake-up call and finally voted to approve the project unanimously.

F. Sirdar kept his word and met with the residents of Channelside. He was the only developer who managed to change the collective mind of the channelside NIMBYS by offering "point towers" as an alternative to the large boxy short towers. He literally met with all of the concerned citizens and won them over by presenting the big picture and a future look at what a "great" district could be. Tall and thin; not short and boxy. Remember, they didn't want towers because towers would block their views.

Sirdar argued that if you want retail -- then you had better have a population to support it. In order to meet the residential requirements, you've got to build up. If you're gonna build up, then you need to build smart. Ground level must be exceptionally attractive and you need to be able to get around easily. The towers should climb, but not shade the entire district, nor block everyone's views. Point towers he said, point towers with fountains, brick roads and lush tropical landscaping and an emphasis on the arts.

And one of his strongest arguments was mass transportation. With the rail line being there in the district, he argued that channelside/Tampa must put it to constructive use. You had better secure mass transit to meet this growing city's needs! Transportation gridlock will enevitably keep Tampa from becoming a great city.

I believe it was Mr. Sirdar's vision and his ability to communicate that vision that has led to the approval of all the towers that have followed. He was the "professor" and the city council and residents of channelside were his "students."

ehm... I guess the incentives these developers are offering haven't hurt their cause either.

Urban Studio Architects will certainly have their 'fingerprints' all over Channelside if these projects go through as planned. Grand Central, the Martin, and last night's Navio and Finergy projects are all Urban Studios.

Good point, Quegiebo, about Sirdar's Place Phase II breaking the height barriers and reinforcing the concept of tradeoffs (fountain, park, art space for add'l height and density). I'm still not convinced, however, that Phase II of the Place will get built in the next year or two with the new glut of competition and softening of the market.

All this talk of grocery stores in Channelside is getting a little comical. Although Blu Channelside has dropped their plans for a grocer, there is still speculation that Grand Central and Seaport are planning grocers, and the Finergy folks announced the same plans last night.

Being a resident, I can't wait for a grocer to come into the area. However, more than one at this time would be excessive, I believe. Might be a different story in several years.

Parking was brought up more than once as an issue that isn't being adequately addressed.

I thought the Novare project looked great, and would make a great 'centerpiece' to the District. Of all the current proposals on the table, this is the one that I am most excited about as a resident.

Which Channelside projects will break ground in 2007? My guess:
1. Cobalt's The Slade
2. Sembler's Seaboard Square
3. Novare's project

Concerning the grocery stores, I think only one of them will actually go in at channelside. I would think that Grand Central would most likely get it, too, since it will be completed first. The only way I can imagine two grocery stores right across the street from each other is if one of them serves a niche market (i.e. organic or health food grocer). A Trader Joes or a Wild Oats comes to mind.

You know, I wonder how many e-mails they got, and how many of those e-mails origionated with people who post/kurk here, or at the blogs often cited here... I know that I sent two emails bitching, and probably 10 over the past two years...



Sorry, but I can't help but wonder if maybe this site is a bit useful for more than leisure activities from time to time...

Urban Studio Architects will certainly have their 'fingerprints' all over Channelside if these projects go through as planned. Grand Central, the Martin, and last night's Navio and Finergy projects are all Urban Studios.

Good point, Quegiebo, about Sirdar's Place Phase II breaking the height barriers and reinforcing the concept of tradeoffs (fountain, park, art space for add'l height and density). I'm still not convinced, however, that Phase II of the Place will get built in the next year or two with the new glut of competition and softening of the market.

All this talk of grocery stores in Channelside is getting a little comical. Although Blu Channelside has dropped their plans for a grocer, there is still speculation that Grand Central and Seaport are planning grocers, and the Finergy folks announced the same plans last night.

Being a resident, I can't wait for a grocer to come into the area. However, more than one at this time would be excessive, I believe. Might be a different story in several years.

Parking was brought up more than once as an issue that isn't being adequately addressed.

I thought the Novare project looked great, and would make a great 'centerpiece' to the District. Of all the current proposals on the table, this is the one that I am most excited about as a resident.

Which Channelside projects will break ground in 2007? My guess:
1. Cobalt's The Slade
2. Sembler's Seaboard Square
3. Novare's project

A grocery store is a key to the district as it will make it seem much more like a community, and make channelside an almost self-independent part of town. I think a grocer near Franklin Street but not on it may become necessary soon, either that or in Central Park if it happens.

I would also add Place Phase 2 and the Martin to that list,and maybe take off Seaboard square which I'm not really convinved it will sale, although due to its size and location it's one of the most important projects in Channelside. I think 5 projects breaking ground in Channelside next year would be a fine year for development.

I do have one question: Did the Noare project look like Skypoint clone designs? Or was it totally different?

During the presentation of the Novare project, they made note that almost all of the Channelside land has now been approved for development. To be honest, it was overwhelming seeing the renderings of the future Channelside area presented at City Council. If all of the projects actually get built (and are occupied), this will definitely be one of the coolest communities to live in. I mean ... really cool.

Where could one find this rendering? Or any renderings of the projects that were approved last night for that matter

You know, I wonder how many e-mails they got, and how many of those e-mails origionated with people who post/kurk here, or at the blogs often cited here... I know that I sent two emails bitching, and probably 10 over the past two years...

Sorry, but I can't help but wonder if maybe this site is a bit useful for more than leisure activities from time to time...

Jason, I'm not a betting man, but there is absolutely NO doubt in my mind that the many members here who expressed their outrage at the council's vote made a difference! I, too, wonder what our collective tally was...

On another thread, it has been suggested that members here form a sort of mini-pac. I say never underestimate the ability of a committed group of concerned citizens WHO VOTE (or will vote) and who are passionate enough to express themselves. The only potential problem that I see is that the "group" message has to be constructive and the politicians have to see a sum gain on their end. And trust me, after working in one capacity or another on political campaigns for almost 20 years, it is very difficult to come up with a message that everyone can support.

Some of us tend to shoot from the hip and not take the time to respond constructively (I'm guilty at times - oops).
But, by the looks of the family here, most members are truly concerned about the future of Tampa and care as to its future direction. I only wish I had a "Grant" for every good idea that's been expressed here. I could probably afford one of those nice condo units downtown by now. :)

As to the effectiveness of this site, believe-you-me, we definitely added quite a jolt of caffeine to that "wake up" call I mentioned earlier. They did "Get It" about The Place Phase II, and in some measure thanks to us! I believe that there is more potential power in this group than people realize, but I'm also aware that we all have very busy lives outside of our time here. That can also prove to be problematic when you're trying to make a difference.

my2C

In regards to whether the Channelside Novare Project looked similiar to Skypoint, I would say that their was a mild resemblence in so far that the building "recessed" in as it got taller. However, the building looked wider than skypoint and the broad side seemed to be the "face" of the building (as opposed to Skypoint, where the "front entrace" is on the skinny side of the tower). You know, I don't recall the base of the building being a different shape than the tower section.

To be honest my perception of the building was that it seemed really big and massive in terms of the width. I'm not sure I liked it as much as their standard designs (and it definitely does not fit the "point tower" concept that The Place II follows). I'm starting to wonder if I mis-interpreted the rendering. It would be great if someone could post the rendering on here, as well as the rendering of the Channelside District with all of the proposed buildings in place.

^I personally liked it much better than the Skypoint clones...

It resembles another of their projects elsewhere... I can't do it now, but later today I'll dig up a pic/render of what it resembles...

^^Allright thanks guys, can't wait until i see a rendering.:)

Edit-I found the old rendering for reference.

http://www.novaregroup.com/channelside/images/home_pic.jpg

^from what I saw, the newer version is similar, but taller, and more slender looking, with a better looking set of setbacks.

^from what I saw, the newer version is similar, but taller, and more slender looking, with a better looking set of setbacks.

Also did the park look nice? And what street was it on? The park being centrally located in Channelside is a key to the entire project, and will help the district out greatley. Thanks.

Also here's a tidbit on the Finfergy project from Finergy's website, not sure if it has already been posted......

Mixed-use Channelside Project, Downtown Tampa, Florida

This project will be built on a 2 acre site located on Kennedy Boulevard on the North Section of the Channelside District in Downtown Tampa.

Conceptual plans are for a 24-story building, 212 residential condo units, 44,000 sf of commercial and retail space and a 120-room upscale hotel. Preliminary design proposes 2 public parks, large sidewalk and and attaianble housing program that will make the project part of the vibrant neighborhood.

Urban Studio Architect and Wilson Miller Engineering are part of the development team.

Project is currently under conceptual planning and City of Tampa review.

That rendering is their previous one. The new one, though similar, is more centrally located on the block, and there is a two-story restaurant planned for the corner of 12th and Washington.

^he said it's the old one...

I kinda don't like the park and tower arrangement so much, as both wind up being very long and narrow... I kinda think that it may have been better to have an L shaped (or curving for some flair) tower towards the NE or SE corner of Novare's property, thus allowing the park to be more of a square or L shaped space on the opposite corner of their property... I'm sure that there are things that I don't understand which led to the layout they came up with though... Probably stuff like ingress/egress for vehicles into the garage and stuff like that.

What they actually should do is get contributions from these projects (and require a bit of open space - more plaza than park) and take the contributions and buy some land and get a decent sized park instead of a few plots of grass here and there with no sunlight and nothing to do.

Conceptual plans are for a 24-story building...[/I]
Did they scale this back? My notes indicate that it originally was two towers: a 25 story tower and an 11 story tower with (I think) 244 condos, etc.

Did they scale this back? My notes indicate that it originally was two towers: a 25 story tower and an 11 story tower with (I think) 244 condos, etc.

I think the 120 room upscale hotel they mentioned is the 11 story hotel, they just didn't come out and say it was a seperate building in what I posted. ;) I don't think they scaled back. Usually when its only 1 story and 30 units difference between reports that just because one report is off a little. I've noticed conflicting numbers on projects, usually between the newspapers.:)

I thought I would provide an update pertaining to the Novare and Finergy projects in the channelside district.

Novare's project has not been approved as of yet as there are four outstanding issues left to resolve. The actual vote will be held on Thursday, November 15th, @10:00 a.m. after the city and Novare have ironed out the differences/concerns. Chances are that the project will be unanimously approved once these issues have been resolved.

Here are a few shots of the proposed project brought to you by our friend at www.villagerealestate.blogspot.com:

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

It truly is a beautiful project! It's ahelluva lot better looking than the original plan with community imput adding to the asthetics. Although, not quite a point-tower, it is not the obtrusive wall unit that the original design called for.

The park will actually take up 21% of the entire lot space (almost 3/4 of an acre) with the tower portion consisting of only 16% of the site plan. There are 8 townhomes that will face the park (and block a good portion of the western parking garage). There will be a walk-through from 11th st. to 12th st., so visitors will not have to walk all the way around the building.

http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/169/1636/320/navio3.jpg

The park has not been designed yet, as Novare/Intown have asked that the residents of channelside contribute to the design of the park. They want it to be the "neighborhood's" park - kind of following the same idea as the Riverwalk project. And best of all, the park will be maintained by the property owners and NOT at the expense of the city. The image (above) just gives you a conception of what it could look like.

The tower was intentionally moved further south on the plan so as not to obstruct the views of The Place, Phase II. Mr. Fida Sirdar was very pleased with this decision that came with no prompting from neither he, nor anyone from his team. And YES The Place, Phase II will be built! Just ask Mr. Sirdar himself. :cheers:

The pool/green space area will be located on the 9th floor of the project. The project includes 625 parking spaces -- 425 for the residents with an additional 200 within the structure, but it will also include 14 additional spaces surrounding the project. (639 total)

Novare's retail area will run along 12th st. with The Place, Phase I's retail being just across the street. They wanted to create a visitor/resident friendly corridor along 12th st. that they envision will eventually run all the way up to Kennedy Blvd.

This plan was well thought out. They gave the residents of channelside serious consideration and imput which shows within many of the aspects of this project.

They are tentatively looking to break ground by March, 2007, with completion sometime in late 2008.

b.t.w. Fida Sirdar's project includes burying the telephone lines underground so that residents do not have to look at those ugly poles. :)

As far as the Finergy project, it was approved unanimously. It will include a 25-story tower which will be located on the northeast portion of the siteplan. It resembles Grand Central and The Martin projects, somewhat, which makes sense since it will be right across the street (to the south).

http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/169/1636/320/finergy4a.jpg

http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/169/1636/320/slade3.jpg

The mini-park area will face Kennedy Blvd. along with a upscale restaurant. The proposed grocery store will be located along 12th street and there will be plenty of parking provided for the residents and visitors.

Here's a good view that includes many of the projects planned for the channelside area with Ventana and Grand Central located at the bottom portion of the picture (left and right, respectively). The two towers at the top center portion of the shot are the twin channelside towers with the Place Phase II being located (just above center left). Novare's unnamed project will be located in the center of the district (just to the west of the Place).

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

As a note of interest, this will be the fourth grocery store proposed for the channelside area. I think they're just trying to get everybody fat! :jk:

According to Linda Saul-Sena, at tonights City Council meeting, she stated that there were 7 towers over 300ft. proposed and approved during last Thurdsay's meeting. I'm sure she's included Novare's project and has jumped the gun on that one, but does anyone know what all of the towers are? I know of the Finergy and Novare project. What am I missing? :dunno:

Sometimes they work
http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/169/1636/1600/slade5.jpg

What is they Smiley?

I like both of the towers. I just wish both could be taller!!!!!!

According to Linda Saul-Sena, at tonights City Council meeting, she stated that there were 7 towers over 300ft. proposed and approved during last Thurdsay's meeting. I'm sure she's included Novare's project and has jumped the gun on that one, but does anyone know what all of the towers are? I know of the Finergy and Novare project. What am I missing? :dunno:

I'm thinking she meant total for Channelside, not just the projects approved that night, but I'm not sure.

Overall the new projects look nice. Even though they seem boxy. 12th street and that portion of Kennedy will be just amazing if this stuff gets built. Channelside as a whole will be a very urban and more of a pleasent place compared to what it is now.

Hey everyone check out all the renderings of current projects on my myspace website.

http://www.myspace.com/channelsidetitle

Thanks! Josh :banana: :cheers:

^dude, you realize that page is all but impossible to read, right?

nope how so? :ohno:

the background wallpaper bleeds through everything to the point that you can hardly see any text or images... (it's like the text and images are almost transparent)

It appears that the 29-story Novare project that I updated a few threads ago is NOT going to be called Navio. That project is, as of yet, nameless.

The good news is that Novare's project, "Navio" is a separate 21-story tower that they've offered up. :)

According to Janice Froelich, a reporter for the Tampa Tribune, "plans call for about 25 percent of the units in the 21-story Navio to be priced under affordable-housing guidelines, said Jason Koshy, president of Skye Development."

This project went before the Tampa City Council on October, 26th, along with the aforementioned tower. Does anyone know if this project was approved? I totally missed it! If anyone runs across a rendering, please be sure to post it here for all to see. :)

Everything that went before the council, to the best of my knowledge, passed.

Nice renderings. Novare Channelside doesn't seem too different?

^^No the design stayed about the same. I like the brown parking garage on the old rendering so I'm hoping the new one will also have the same kind of brown, bricklike garage, compared to plain white garage of Skypoint.

Ok..the site should be fixed, check it out now :cheers:

www.myspace.com/channelsidetitle

:)

You know what's wierd?

When I look at it in Mozilla's Firefox, it's all but unreadable (even now)... But in IE, it's fine... Thus, it's not the site, I think it's Firefox.

Ok..the site should be fixed, check it out now :cheers:

www.myspace.com/channelsidetitle

:)

Best of luck to you, Joshua! :)

I went throughout Channelside yesterday and noticed a few things....

-The Place appears to be topped out completely, with Phase 2's site cleared out of almost everything other then a few trucks.
-Seaport is digging like crazy and now have a nice big hole in the ground, I expect vertical construction to begin shortly.
-I did a quick floor count for T@C and came up with 27 floors for the East tower and 23 floors for the West towers.
-Grand central's 14 story building is nearly as tall as the topped out 12 story building now.
-Ventana is topped out, looks more massive then I expected it to be for some reason.
-Embassy is nealy done and it lights up at night now.
-Plaza at Harbor Island is very visible from Channelside and looks to be about 14 floors up so 6 more to go.

Actually, I think the Plaza is like 16 floors now... I counted 15 floors last monday.

14 floors was just my guess as I didn't go on Harbor Island but passed by it while I went by on Channelside Drive. But either way it should be a nice complex especially when/if the second tower gets built.:) Another thing I saw that I forgot to mention was that Davis Island has another building U/C right next to the hospital. I'm guessing its the USF expansion but I could be (and probaly am) wrong. The north tip is really densifying on Davis Island.

When I was in Channelside this weekend, I noticed that the 14 story Grand Central building is actually taller than the 12 story building because I think the 14 story building just topped out.

http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l313/mbrechwald/DSCN2810.jpg; Grand Central West; http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l313/mbrechwald/DSCN2809.jpg; Grand Central East; http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l313/mbrechwald/DSCN2797.jpg; Grand Central East; http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l313/mbrechwald/DSCN2798.jpg; Ventana; http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l313/mbrechwald/DSCN2800.jpg; 1000 Channelside; http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l313/mbrechwald/DSCN2801.jpg; the Place Phase I;http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l313/mbrechwald/DSCN2803.jpg; The Towers; http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l313/mbrechwald/DSCN2805.jpg; The Towers (East - 27 floors)

These were shot on Sunday morning, Nov. 5th.

Nice pics man...


And holy crap, Grand Central really will have those "day-glo" colors some of us were fretting over.

Awesome, FLHawk! Thanks so much for posting.

Hey, if you have a few minutes to spare, maybe you could send your pics to Janet Zink. ;)

I think she works at the St. Pete Times.

The Grand Central does have some bright colors but in real life it looks really great. It is mostly white and the blue windows really contrast nicely I think most would be surprised.

Wonderful pics. Yea Grand Centrals colors aren't great, but I think they will grow on us. The curved glass corners is something new for Tampa too. (in a positive way)

When I was in Channelside this weekend, I noticed that the 14 story Grand Central building is actually taller than the 12 story building because I think the 14 story building just topped out.

In most cases, 14-story building should be taller than a 12-story building. Perhaps you meant the other way around?

No, i actually meant it exactly the way I said it (which is "duh" obviously true that a 14 story building will be taller than a 12 story building). My point was that the 14 story building had been topped out, and it was evidenced by the fact that it is obviously taller than the 12 story building. (An earlier post stated that the 14 story building, not yet topped out, was only about as tall as the 12 story building.) I was saying, no, it's now taller than the 12 story building because it IS topped out.

No, i actually meant it exactly the way I said it (which is "duh" obviously true that a 14 story building will be taller than a 12 story building). My point was that the 14 story building had been topped out, and it was evidenced by the fact that it is obviously taller than the 12 story building. (An earlier post stated that the 14 story building, not yet topped out, was only about as tall as the 12 story building.) I was saying, no, it's now taller than the 12 story building because it IS topped out.

Gotcha, so you were merely discussing the progress of each buildings. Thanks for the clarification. Although you can get a headache reading that over and over.

On another note, great pix, FLHawk!

LOL, I realize I worded my response in a confusing, "headache-worthy" way. I couldn't think of a better way to explain it.

Best of luck to you, Joshua! :)

Thank you! I look forward to the coming years at being able to watch the Channelside district grow into what will become a true urban neighborhood! :banana:

Curious about the Channelside lifestyle? I am hosting another Open House Happy Hour at The Slade at Channelside (202 n 11 street, Tampa 33602) sales gallery, December 6, 5-8 PM. We are having a sushi chef, wine, dessert, three-piece band, art display, complimentary valet parking & awesome door prizes, including Lightning tickets. All are invited for a good time. More info is posted at www.channelside.us . We are expexting a big turnout, so arrive early. The Slade is planning to commence construction in 2007.
For disclosure purposes, I am a FL RE Broker & CCIM; I changed my company name to Channelside Realty Group.

Well, I guess the Martin is selling ok or he is just a whacky euro . . .

Builder Proposes 3rd Condo Tower
Skip directly to the full story.
By ELLEN GEDALIUS The Tampa Tribune

Published: Nov 14, 2006

ADVERTISEMENT

More from this channel:

Search for more information:



Site Search Archives Keyword

TBO.com Site Search | Tribune archive from 1990

TAMPA - Undeterred by the cooling housing market, a Tampa developer wants to build his third condo project in the growing Channel District.

Ken Stoltenberg of Mercury Advisors has proposed a 120-unit condo tower at 858 Channelside Drive, in the heart of the Channel District.

The two-bedroom, 1,170-square-foot units could cost between $400,000 and $700,000.

The 33-story project would include about 1,500 square feet of retail space, and about 6,100 square feet of office space, according to papers filed at city hall.

The project would feature an automated parking garage.

Called Del Villar, the condo complex would join two other Stoltenberg projects in the area.

Grand Central at Kennedy, a 392-unit condo building, is almost complete.

Groundbreaking on the Martin at Meridian, a 328-unit tower, is expected next year, and the model home center will open in a few weeks.

Stoltenberg said he is optimistic that people will continue to move into the Channel District.

"You have to look out into the future," Stoltenberg said. "We still believe people are going to move out to Florida, and the Channel District will be a popular place to live. You can't look at what's happening over the past three months and extrapolate what's going to happen for years."

The project is scheduled for Tampa City Council consideration March 8.

Reporter Ellen Gedalius can be reached at egedalius@tampatrib.com or (813) 259-7679.
http://www.tbo.com/news/money/MGBTG98QHUE.html

Wow there's a lot of confidence in the Channel District coming from developers even now. Its good to hear the Slade is still on track. Looks like Seaport was the last project to break ground in Channelside for 2006. We should continue the momentum in early 2007 with Slade and Martin.

Curious about the Channelside lifestyle? I am hosting another Open House Happy Hour at The Slade at Channelside (202 n 11 street, Tampa 33602) sales gallery, December 6, 5-8 PM. We are having a sushi chef, wine, dessert, three-piece band, art display, complimentary valet parking & awesome door prizes, including Lightning tickets. All are invited for a good time. More info is posted at www.channelside.us . We are expexting a big turnout, so arrive early. The Slade is planning to commence construction in 2007.
For disclosure purposes, I am a FL RE Broker & CCIM; I changed my company name to Channelside Realty Group.
That sounds awesome! Too bad I'll be gone for my sis's birthday.

Welcome back on the boards. Haven't seen you for a loong time

OK, I admit my college Spanish is somewhat rusty, but what the hell does 'Del Villar' mean? Can't find a meaning in any Spanish dictionary either.

If even a portion of current plans come to fruition, the Southern end of the Channelside area will be 'tower central' -

* 2 Towers of C'side
* 4 towers in Seaboard
* 2 towers in Blu Channelside
* 1 tower in Navio
* 1 Del Villar tower

All taller than 20 stories, I believe. :banana:

"You have to look out into the future," Stoltenberg said. "We still believe people are going to move out to Florida, and the Channel District will be a popular place to live. You can't look at what's happening over the past three months and extrapolate what's going to happen for years."

In the context of conversation earlier about development plans and market timing (maybe it was the Tampa Development thread?), what Stoltenberg says here is so true - the development we see coming to fruition now is the result of plans made 3 - 5 years ago and the development we will see in 3 - 5 years will be the result of plans made now. The market is a moving target and developers have to plan proposals based on predictions of market conditions well into the future. I'm surprised any of them makes money!

I still think Tampa has a very bright future. With all the retirees moving here, more jobs will be created which will bring even more people. I think Tampa could be the next Atlanta. Hopefully our leaders will recognize this potential and plan for it now.

I took an extensive tour of the Grand Central project last week and thought I'd share some photo's with you all. The project is looking great all around. The inside of the units is excellent quality and the amenities decks in each building are turning out fabulous as well. There are going to many pleasantly surprised owners as they have added features to make things even better and the quality is super.


View from the 3rd Floor "Bronze Unit" in the East Building
http://i7.tinypic.com/2usirm9.jpg

Interior Shot of "Bronze" Unit
http://i10.tinypic.com/30awdp0.jpg

14th Floor SouthEast View to South from West Building
http://i7.tinypic.com/29fs3yx.jpg

Grand Central East Pool/Amenities Deck
http://i15.tinypic.com/2e2i7ti.jpg

East Buidling
http://i15.tinypic.com/4i3gpzr.jpg

Another Angle of East Building
http://i10.tinypic.com/4idj1jk.jpg

SouthWest View from West Building
http://i9.tinypic.com/48paf7o.jpg

View from the "Chartruese Unit" on 4th Floor of West Bldg
http://i15.tinypic.com/4gikd2b.jpg

View from 12th Floor "Ivory" in East Bldg
http://i15.tinypic.com/2qs9tae.jpg

View from "Vermillion" on 13th Floor of West Building
http://i9.tinypic.com/2my57vq.jpg

Another 13th Floor View
http://i10.tinypic.com/4i3x63b.jpg

14th Floor of West Bldg
http://i15.tinypic.com/2en0w7m.jpg

View from 12th Floor "Sienna" in East Bldg
http://i7.tinypic.com/3zlg3s2.jpg

Hope you all enjoy:)

Alden Frostad
RE/MAX Premier Services
813-333-1683 ph.
866-871-4538 fax

Wow great pics of Channelside. Thanks and welcome. From your 3rd to last picture i can tell Seaport will really help out that area of Channelside. Martin will help out a lot too.

From what the little bird is telling me, the East Building is scheduled to be completed by the end of Feb 07 and all the units will be delivered to the owners at the same time rather than as originally planned, which was to deliver floors 3-6 in Jan and 7-12 in Mar. Now the whole building will be complete and delivered in Mar.

The West building should follow the same way in September.

Regards,
Alden Frostad
[advertising is not permitted]

PS. The Martin at Meridian & the Del Villar project that was recently announced are named from the Maiden Names of the co-developers wifes. How Sweet:lovethem:

awesome pics! Like them a lot. Is the Pool very small or is it just me?

I didn't know how much the Harbour Island Tower was going to change the skyline until know, awesome!:banana:

Alden Frostad - I would LOVE to know where you got your information from in regards to the delivery of all the units in the East Building at the same time. I have a unit on the third floor, and I was told just yesterday by the staff at Grand Central that I would be able to do a walk-through within two weeks and would be able to close on the condo by early January.

From what the little bird is telling me, the East Building is scheduled to be completed by the end of Feb 07 and all the units will be delivered to the owners at the same time rather than as originally planned, which was to deliver floors 3-6 in Jan and 7-12 in Mar. Now the whole building will be complete and delivered in Mar.

The West building should follow the same way in September.

Regards,
Alden Frostad
[advertising is not permitted]

PS. The Martin at Meridian & the Del Villar project that was recently announced are named from the Maiden Names of the co-developers wifes. How Sweet:lovethem:


Alden,

Great photo updates! I love the view from the 12th Floor east building. :cheers:

awesome pics! Like them a lot. Is the Pool very small or is it just me?

The pool is actually quite large. Pics are very deceptive, the pool very, very long and the views are soo much better in person than the pics show.

Alden

Alden Frostad - I would LOVE to know where you got your information from in regards to the delivery of all the units in the East Building at the same time. I have a unit on the third floor, and I was told just yesterday by the staff at Grand Central that I would be able to do a walk-through within two weeks and would be able to close on the condo by early January.
Sorry, but I can't disclose my source and my info in not yet official, but the original plan to close the 3rd through 6th floors in Jan and the upper floors in March seems to have gone out the window due to some "issues" between the developer and construction company.

Even without this change there is WAY too much work to be done on the units to be able to close them in Jan. The good news is I think you and the rest of us will be VERY happy with the end result.

Alden

Well, the people at Grand Central are obviously attending different meetings or they are coming to different conclusions at those meetings. I was very specific with the contact person on GC that I needed to know a really good estiamte of the closing data of the condo for purposes of firming up a loan. I even made a statement saying something along the lines of "if it is possibly not going to be available until February or later, I need to know that, so I can plan accordingly".

The verbal response to me was that there had been a meeting that day, and they were going to start the "punch sheets" (quality checklists, I presume) on the completed condos right after Thanksgiving break, and about two weeks later they would begin the walk throughs.

The close date (which had been scheduled for December 18th as of two weeks ago) would be shifted to the first week of January.

Again, all of this is to be confirmed in a letter, but I don't understand why I would be given that type of information if it were so false.

Also, what kind of "added features" have been included in this project? Are these "features" additions to the common areas or to the condos, themselves? I'm surprised that a developer would dig deeper in their pockets to augment the building above and beyond what was initially advertised.

First, let me say I don't think anyone intended to mislead you. In fact, when I was there I saw the "letter" you mentioned and they are now waiting for confirmation on this new change before sending it out, because they feel strongly it will change from what they told you. Things do change from day to day, which is why I say my info is not yet "official". Early last week my info was just as yours, it was not until Friday last week did I learn of the change.

Second, one specific thing I noticed is the added "Sconce Lighting" in the living area of the units. This was not on the origial spec, but the developers apparently haven't said anything to the construction company. I speculate they maybe were suppose to be for another project in the area and were mis-installed, but seems now that they have started installing them they will be carried throughout the project. Also those on the 8th floor will now have 11' ceilings rather than 9' 4" as originally spec'ed.

Regards,
Alden Frostad
[advertising is not permitted]

Alden,

I sent you a private message...I'm not sure if you have Checked this message as you are new to Skyscrapercity. Please get back with me as soon as possible. Happy Turkey DAY! :banana: to the Skyscrapercity.com Tampa FORUM! :lol:

Well, thanks, Alden, for your information. I will anxiously be waiting for that letter in a couple of weeks to see the verdict in regards to closing dates.

That's great news about sconces in the living area. The contract only stated that J-boxes would be installed in the living and bedroom areas. And those lucky 8th floor buyers are going to be pleasantly surprised -- 11 ft ceilings will definitley make their condos more valuable.

Well, thanks, Alden, for your information. I will anxiously be waiting for that letter in a couple of weeks to see the verdict in regards to closing dates.

That's great news about sconces in the living area. The contract only stated that J-boxes would be installed in the living and bedroom areas. And those lucky 8th floor buyers are going to be pleasantly surprised -- 11 ft ceilings will definitley make their condos more valuable.

Yes indeed...those owners of units on the eight floor will be pleasantly surprised. There is one unit actually available as a resale already on this floor.

http://condos.tampa4u.com/listings_tampa.html

Hey look, its an advertising thread.

Why don't you just write - well appointed 2/2 ready for immediate occupancy. Must sell. Granite cntr . . . blah blah . . .

Hey look, its an advertising thread.

Why don't you just write - well appointed 2/2 ready for immediate occupancy. Must sell. Granite cntr . . . blah blah . . .

I'm not trying to advertise this unit. Simply stating a fact. :bash: I would not benefit in anyway shape or form in the sale of this unit. :ohno: Honestly, just stating that units are already available for sale. Jeez!

Ya Smiley... simmerdown-na. ;)

I've noticed other members add a "www.whatever.com" to their displayed profiles, not to mention business phone #'s and fax #'s and all. Others have blogs that contain advertisments and business solicitations and all... Ain't nobody forcin' nobody to be clickin' or callin' 'em, na... :)

Ain't America great?!?! :lovethem:

^ Just chill, Smiley.

Hey Josh! :hi:

Channelside supporters & future residents, you are invited to my party (Channelside Realty Group) @ The Slade, December 6th, from 5-8 PM. For more info., go to www.channelside.us

From what the little bird is telling me, the East Building is scheduled to be completed by the end of Feb 07 and all the units will be delivered to the owners at the same time rather than as originally planned, which was to deliver floors 3-6 in Jan and 7-12 in Mar. Now the whole building will be complete and delivered in Mar.

The West building should follow the same way in September.

Regards,
Alden Frostad
[advertising is not permitted]

PS. The Martin at Meridian & the Del Villar project that was recently announced are named from the Maiden Names of the co-developers wifes. How Sweet:lovethem:


In October, I was told by GC that the preliminary finished date of 12/18/06 would not be met. After speaking with GC yesterday, delays into January are expected. A lettter will go out to those with contracts on units ( such as myself ) shortly.

Alden...thanks for the pictures! To my complete and utter amazement, you photographed the unit I will be soon calling home, the 3rd floor bronze unit.
Since my visit in October, painting appears completed, carpeting and flooring are in place, and the kitchen is all but done.

Regards,

Mick

I'll be seeing you there soon, Mick ... 6th Floor Orchid with a pool cabana as well (maybe I'll host a Skyscrapercity party!).

So I'm assuming that its now going to be March before we can move?

kentski - what are the specs of the pool cabana you purchased there?

Not sure of the actual square footage ... would guess 100-125 sq feet. Small kitchen with Viking appliances and a toilet/sink area. I'll check the contract tonight to make sure that's correct.