I was in the Tampa area for the Eagles game this past weekend.

My friends and I went into Ybor City to booze on Saturday night. We heard it was the great bar area in Tampa. I've never been to New Orleans, but a lot of Eagles fans that were there said it was like a mini-Bourbon Street.


All of these pictures were taken on 7th Avenue.

http://img411.imageshack.us/img411/8719/dscf6077ywf6.jpg

http://img284.imageshack.us/img284/1906/dscf6078yga1.jpg

http://img284.imageshack.us/img284/9462/dscf6079yeu8.jpg

http://img284.imageshack.us/img284/9149/dscf6080yso3.jpg

http://img284.imageshack.us/img284/3649/dscf6087ypb7.jpg

http://img284.imageshack.us/img284/1333/dscf6088yof4.jpg

Sorry for your luck, but it is NOTHING like what it used to be... The city has effectively killed the nightlife, by trying to turn it into a Disneyfied "family neighborhood"... I don't even bother going there anymore, nor do I bother taking out of towners there... It's BORING.

If you really want to see what Ybor is all about, come back this weekend coming, when it will be closer to what it used to be...

One thing I gotta ask. Were you drunk when you were taking the pictures? :D

Nice Pictures. I have to agree. Knowing Ybor, it isn't how it use to be. Yes, you have the occasionally nights where it is all filled with drunk people all around, but with the couple past years and city and all that trying to make Ybor "family safe" it just isn't the same ol' Ybor. Many bars and shops are closing and not much is getting down bringing life back to it. There is no point really taking the trolley to Ybor during the day either. The only thing you have down there during day is Gameworks and Movieplex, that's it. But if Tampa wants to see a place for families, that is why you have Channelside for, leave Ybor alone .I'd rather see a bunch of drunks in Ybor than down the street in Channelside

Yea basically what people have been saying the stupid family friendly thing has ruined ybor at a time Ybor should have been improving from the intrest in downtown again.

I was drunk during the last 2 pictures, but they are blurry because my camera catches any small motion when I have the flash turned off.

I was drunk during the last 2 pictures, but they are blurry because my camera catches any small motion when I have the flash turned off.

So did you have a good time?

I have a great time everytime I go. On a different note, do you guys and any ladies think that the Smith and Associates project across from the Mascarade building get built? I really like the design of the project, but I do not think that there are any pictures of it online, but I will check to see so I can show you all.

Yeah, it will get built... There is pent up demand for office space all over the city (rents in Westshore are starting to hit $30sqft), and Ybor is increasingly attractive as an option to certain types of firms...

I am going to check on their site to see if there are any pictures.

Drove through Ybor today and noticed a few things -

* Heidt & Associates HQ building is making significant progress on 16th St and 5th Ave, across from the main parking garage.

* Box Factory Lofts has started exterior painting.

* I-4 Overpass looks pretty nice with the red brick walls and support columns. There was an article on this recently in one of the papers.

* Las Ybor Townhomes on 17th St and 4th Ave looks to be nearing completion.

So did you have a good time?

I had a great time. The next time the Eagles play in Tampa I'm going to come down again. Next time I want to visit the Channelside District, which I heard is also good and has a great nightlife. I also want to spend a day on the beaches in Pinellas County, which I didn't have a chance to do this time.

^^Channelside nightlife isn't great, but it is improving, maybe by the time the Eagle come down here again Channelside will have a nice vibe. Even though unless you guys come down here for the playoffs, ;) it could be a while before the Eagles come back to Tampa.

^^Channelside nightlife isn't great, but it is improving, maybe by the time the Eagle come down here again Channelside will have a nice vibe. Even though unless you guys come down here for the playoffs, ;) it could be a while before the Eagles come back to Tampa.

..especially after that 62-yd FG broke their hearts :lol:

I think by the time the eagles come back, things will change a whole lot by then. that's the beauty of tampa, it's constantly growing within months. by that time, i think DT will be hopping with all the Condo residents moved in.. i'm thinking Franklin Street.

However, i dont see why you all have so much animosity towards the changes of Ybor. if you want to a good time, you still have that opportunity. and with all the condos going up behind 7th avenue, it will bring more local residents to the area and make it more of a dynamic feel. I remember when Ybor used to be goth-central and no one in their right mind would feel safe roaming the streets at night. at least it's become more welcoming to a larger demographic. i kind of relate it to how Manhattan changed under the Giuliani regime.

^^Channelside nightlife isn't great, but it is improving, maybe by the time the Eagle come down here again Channelside will have a nice vibe. Even though unless you guys come down here for the playoffs, ;) it could be a while before the Eagles come back to Tampa.

Actually, the owners of Channelside are doing their best to get rid of the nightlife. I don't blame them - working there, I have seen first hand the destruction that has come along with the clubs. Places like Splitsville, Tina Tapas, and Howl at the Moon are fine (and, coincidentally, owned by the same people), but places like Slingshots, Banana Joes, and the now never-to-be-finished McGraw's (also owned buy one group) are really bringing the place down, in terms of who goes there. Ick.

I went to school in Ybor City and have always had a love for it. The arts scene used to be so much more interesting... now, not so much. It still makes for a nice walk during the afternoon, but it isn't what it used to be. Not at all. I wasn't old enough to go into clubs in the 90's, but I do recall spending quite a bit of time on the street there. I still like to visit, but it has changed. Still, Ybor is one of the more interesting barrios we have.

Actually, the owners of Channelside are doing their best to get rid of the nightlife. I don't blame them - working there, I have seen first hand the destruction that has come along with the clubs. Places like Splitsville, Tina Tapas, and Howl at the Moon are fine (and, coincidentally, owned by the same people), but places like Slingshots, Banana Joes, and the now never-to-be-finished McGraw's (also owned buy one group) are really bringing the place down, in terms of who goes there. Ick.

A while ago, there was a Trib article that stated the developers were soliciting retailers that would serve the anticpated residents in Channelside/Downtown/Harbour Island.

They mentioned Crate and Barrel and other stores that could serve larger retail stores (compared to the smaller retail in most of the current projects, with exception to Grand Central).

I for one would love to see a gourmet food retailer (similar to "A Southern Season" in Chapel Hill). If anyone else has ever been there, you'll know that they are an independent (but huge store) that puts Williams Sonoma and the like to shame. (Almost two entire aisles just for spices and herbs!)

Oh well, off my soapbox now :speech:

Actually, the owners of Channelside are doing their best to get rid of the nightlife. I don't blame them - working there, I have seen first hand the destruction that has come along with the clubs. Places like Splitsville, Tina Tapas, and Howl at the Moon are fine (and, coincidentally, owned by the same people), but places like Slingshots, Banana Joes, and the now never-to-be-finished McGraw's (also owned buy one group) are really bringing the place down, in terms of who goes there. Ick.

i don't see the big deal in those types of places that you mention. if you have a problem with black people, then just come out and say it. but, as it stands, the type of person "who goes there" just seems to be the single crowd of tampa, so i don't know what the big deal is.

i think channelside is a great venue to go out at night and enjoy. hell, if it werent for those "types" of establishments, it would be completely dead at night-- and many can argue that nightime is when they generate a good amount of revenue.

Those people? Blacks?

I'm actually rolling on the floor, praying that you are being sarcastic. If you want a specific race, I was talking about the loud, 37 year old white ladies. ;-) Seriously. The desperation is simply gross in my opinion.

Yes, those types of places bring customers who litter, spill beer, and generally destroy the plaza. The fact that the owners don't bother to keep up with them doesn't help. Take a closer look around Channelside on a Saturday morning and you'll see broken lamps, busted columns, cigarette butts permanently wedged between pavers, and a general odor of beer. I'm not a conservative, racist, Bible-hugging (not that these three go together, heh, but I thought I would check every stereotypical "purist"-type), but I don't like the fact that those places bring in patrons that, coupled with poor management, have driven Channelside downhill fast. That was my point - Channelside is neither equipped nor maintained to handle that type of clientele - and it shows.

Whether or not it is good for business (obviously not *that* good, as the owners are stopping the expansion of McGraws in spite of a lawsuit) isn't the point - as a destination, it has been tarnished and is turning quickly into an eyesore. Places like Howl at the Moon, Splitsville, and Tina Tapas, on the other hand, are more in line with the types of destinations more suited to Channelside, in my opinion. Tamer? Yes, but they lure a higher level consumer, versus the sweat shacks. ;-P

i don't see the big deal in those types of places that you mention. if you have a problem with black people, then just come out and say it. but, as it stands, the type of person "who goes there" just seems to be the single crowd of tampa, so i don't know what the big deal is.

HOLD UP RIGHT THERE!

This is NOT about race in any way, and we're not going to even go there. Not on my site. If you want to spew that racebaiting shit, go do it somewhere else please.



The owners of the Shops have repeatedly said over and over that they don't want the young, "drunken nightlife" kind of crowd... They want old, monied yuppies who will go eat at the Signature Room or Grill 29, buy some ice cream or chocolates, see a movie, yawn a few times and go home after happily dropping a few hundred bucks. If a few families show up, that's ok, just so long as the kids shut up.

The problem is, their development is in Tampa, not West Palm Beach.



ps... my question is, if they didn't want a younger, more raucuos crowd, then WHY did they build next to a hockey arena and kid friendly Aquarium, only a few minutes from Ybor? Why did they sign up tenants like Bennigan's, Stump's, Splitsville and Hooters??? If they have a problem with who is patronizing their development, then they need to look in the mirror and say "thank you"...

I think the problem is more or less with the "drunken youth", not the families. The working class target, the after hours, middle class adults, was to be attracted with items like Signature Room (RIP), Howl, Sally's Ally (now to be assimilated into more casual dining areas with Splitsville), Tina Tapas, and - for some variety - Thai Thani. Things didn't go as expected, so they broadened their horizons, hoping to attract middle class families interested in going to the Aquarium (there are several promotional ties between Channelside and the Aquarium, obviously) and then seeing a movie or having lunch at a more casual restaurant. That worked fine until the clubs came en masse, leaving a dirty, messy venue that drove away families almost completely. The Hooters I see as necessary, though I wonder about its placement - it is a great location for post-game celebrations. But otherwise..., an eyesore. I think the clubs might be a problem with the area, and the owners realize this. I mean, who wants to go out of their way to park and walk around a bunch of closed clubs in prime real estate? The view is nice, but not enough to attract a soul during the day (weekends included). It simply isn't feasible to have your development open at solely night, and is, in my opinion, stunting the growth of retail in the project.

you guys are being ridiculous. what do you want Channelside to be? another haven for blonde-haired, SUV-driving, Soccer mom yuppy types? we have hyde park for that kind of bullshit. I say it is fine the way it is. in fact, i think we need MORE restaurants and bars/clubs and eliminate those trashy tourist stores like the one on the outside of Channelside selling political-themed clothing (forgot the name).

During the day, it feeds the workers of downtown and at night, it feeds them food and serves them alcohol. it is FINE the way it is, and it's everything we've ever wanted. I'm sorry if i'm not ready to move in a Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints synagogue into the damn thing, but broken lamps and empty beer bottles the day after is small price to pay (and a small duty to clean up) compared to the amts of dollars that the place brings in on weekends.

It is what it is, and if they really wanted it any other way, they would have moved in such establishments.

Wow... :wtf:

I could have sworn this thread was related to Ybor City.

It is amazing how you can substitute "White" for "Black" in your previous post and it fits your latest comments.

if you have a problem with black people, then just come out and say it. QUOTE]

[QUOTE=cee;10247577]you guys are being ridiculous. what do you want Channelside to be? another haven for blonde-haired, SUV-driving, Soccer mom yuppy types? we have hyde park for that kind of bullshit.

I'm sorry cee, but the city will never let Channelside become another Ybor. That is what Ybor itself is for. Channelside is mostly about Family and tousists aimed, not for 40 year old drunkies that will swarm the streets at 11 am. Putting more clubs and bars would be a hell hole for Channelside and Harbour Island and Channelside residents will most likely block any kind of idea like that. I'm okay with the clubs that Channelside has now, but I for one will not allow Channelside become a disaster.

^Nice how you imply that Ybor is somehow a disaster, when the only disaster is what the puritan crusaders have done to it, trying to "improve" it.

^Nice how you imply that Ybor is somehow a disaster, when the only disaster is what the puritan crusaders have done to it, trying to "improve" it.
I never said and never was aiming on saying that Ybor was a disaster. I'm just saying that Channelside would be a disaster for the city, because that is where a lot of the money comes in for the city. I don't want a shithole surrounding The Aquarium, St. Pete Times Forum, The Terminals, and all the development that is happening and going to happen, do you? :)

^Then talk about it in the CHANNELSIDE THREAD and stop hijacking this one, because the way you're talking here, it sounds like you are directly bashing Ybor for having those very traits.

I respect you as a mod, but I'm getting tired of your constant flaming towards me.

1. I never made any note that I was referring to Ybor in my comments and was never willing to. I like Ybor in many aspects. It has historical values to Tampa and is a nice place to leave from the Main core of the city and just stroll around. And in my first post in this thread I was the same way.

2. I never brought this whole Channelside business in. I used it to compare Channelside to Ybor and how both should have their own identity. But cee is the one that brought the whole issue up. Funny thing is, I don't see you bickering at him.

3. This wouldn't be about me asking for a new mod for this forum, would it? I never said that you weren't a good mod. Everything was getting out of control and when I checked your post history it said April and thought you left. I didn't even realize that we had more than one mod modding this forum. If you think that I meant any way of saying you wee a bad mod or anything like that, although you shouldn't really care since it is just a forum, I'll take this time to say that I never meant.

I'll stop the Channelside talk, but don't be bias and pick only one person to blame, but everyone else that contributed to it. Or the person who started it.

http://media.tbo.com/photos/trib/2006/oct/1022whl1.jpg

By RICH SHOPES The Tampa Tribune

Published: Oct 23, 2006

An Eye For I-4: Pools, Pedestals Highlight Ybor-Area Makeover

Ponds, fountains and brick-lined columns don't usually come to mind when you think of highway projects.

But that's what the Florida Department of Transportation is building as part of an $11.5 million makeover along the last stretch of Interstate 4 to be widened in Hillsborough County, just east of Malfunction Junction.

The department was on the hook to beautify the area because the road crosses Ybor City, a national historical landmark district.

The feds required noise barriers and enhanced landscaping to make the interstate compatible with the neighborhood. But state transportation officials say they've surpassed those requirements.

The result from North 14th Street to North 40th Street includes a near-football-field-sized decorative pool with a half-dozen fountains that will sit between North 21st and North 22nd streets and between the interstate's east-west lanes.

I-4 commuters undoubtedly have noticed the pedestal-style brick columns along the newly rebuilt stretch of highway.

Those are not support columns for statues or signs. Many will remain as they are, but some will anchor Victorian-style street lamps with globed lights.

Overpasses in the area will be decorated with dental crown molding and medallions that celebrate Ybor City's heritage, such as cigar rolling.

Decorative metal fencing will border the ponds. Palm trees and irrigated shrubbery will mark the landscaping.

"These elements have obviously added more work but they give a better look and feel than what you see when an interstate typically goes through an urban area," FDOT John McShaffrey said.

The city will maintain the enhancements.

The $162 million I-4 reconstruction project runs from North 14th Street to U.S. 41. The project is supposed to be completed by spring 2008. With incentives, it could be finished by next summer, McShaffrey said.

Reverse Commuting, Anyone?
Buried in a national study released last week by the Transportation Research Board, which works for the federal government, were a couple of facts that seem relevant.

So-called reverse commuting, from city to suburb, accounted for 9 percent of commutes in America in 1990. That percentage jumped to 20 percent in 2000.

I could see that happening here, with more people moving into cities and becoming part of the continued growth of the university area, West Shore and Brandon.

Second, the study says more people are leaving home earlier to get to work.

In 1990, 2.4 percent of workers left home before 5 a.m. By 2000, the number of early birds jumped to 11 percent.

Researchers say increased congestion is causing folks to leave earlier to avoid rush hour.

Get A Free Ride
The American Cancer Society is offering more free rides for folks headed to medical appointments.

The society has offered Hillsborough County residents free rides for years through a volunteer driver effort. In addition to that program, the society now is offering vouchers for people to get to appointments in taxis or buses.

"The problem we have is when we don't have a driver available, which happens occasionally. That's when this new program helps," said Peter Ryner, coordinator of the Southeast Hillsborough Road to Recovery program.

Widows and widowers make up much of the program's participants.

To learn more, or to volunteer as a driver, call (813) 254-3630. Ask for Chris Hubbard.

Got a gripe about your commute? Contact reporter Rich Shopes at (813) 259-7633 or rshopes@tampatrib.com. Please include your full name, community and daytime phone number with e-mail. Look for commuter news on TBO.com, Keyword: Shopes.


http://www.tbo.com/news/metro/MGBB9A09MTE.html

I have seen this first hand, but from the highway side it looks wierd because there are just these things protruding upwards from the wall.

http://media.tbo.com/photos/trib/2006/oct/1022whl1.jpg

By RICH SHOPES The Tampa Tribune

Published: Oct 23, 2006

An Eye For I-4: Pools, Pedestals Highlight Ybor-Area Makeover


I actually read this article in the Tampa Tribune while waiting for my flight home. I remember seeing that construction Saturday night and noticing the sprucing up of the Interstate. It looked alright.

Continuing my picture surge, here's my Ybor Pics, about 2 weeks old

Italian Club
http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o236/JordanA_015/Buildings007.jpg

Building on 7th
http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o236/JordanA_015/Buildings006.jpg

7th Avenue
http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o236/JordanA_015/Buildings005.jpg

Centro Ybor
http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o236/JordanA_015/Buildings003.jpg

http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o236/JordanA_015/Buildings002.jpg

http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o236/JordanA_015/Buildings001.jpg

Great pics.

I haven't been on to the forums lately and just wanted to respond to the earlier posts from back in Oct. I understand why some people really dislike the Iorification of Ybor. I for one was one of those people. Living in Ybor has made me realize that the struggle that Ybor is undergoing is something like "growing pains".

The truth, as many of you have said, Ybor is not what it used to be. The nightlife has declined from its hayday in the mid-90s. But it was not because of the city's doing. Many factors had been contributing to the deterioration of the "scene". The money started to go other places (Channelside, International Plaza, South Howard) and what remained were nightclubs that target a younger, low-income, drunker crowds. That's when Ybor became notorious for crime. As one Tampa Trib article once said, Ybor went from an entertainment district to a drinking mall.

That is when the city came in. Ybor is a national historic landmark, and as one, Tampa's government wants to showcase it. They see the economic potential and recognize its cultural importance. Ybor cannot be supported by the bars alone. It needs to become a well-rounded living urban neighborhood. The goal of the city's policies (opening 7th for car traffic, noise and drinking ordinances, curfew, etc) are indeed geared to sanitize Ybor but not to the point that it will become Hyde Park. It needs to be clean enough so that it can attrack developers, retailers, firms looking for office space, and in general the people who want an urban lifestyle.

Believe me when I say this, the residents of Ybor city will raise up in arms if the city ever tries to make this like Hyde Park. We did NOT move here because we want family-friendly or squeaky-clean. Ybor has character and it has edge (and not at all "BORING"). City council and the Mayor understand this for the most part and we are constantly making sure they know it. In all I think Ybor is moving in the right direction...not quick enough, but it will get there.

well noted

Support this, anything to help out Centro Ybor.

Buyer Aims To Wake 'Sleeping Giant'
Skip directly to the full story.
By DAVE SIMANOFF and ELLEN GEDALIUS The Tampa Tribune

Published: Dec 23, 2006


TAMPA - A Chicago-based real estate investment group bought Centro Ybor on Friday, promising to inject new life - and, possibly, homes and offices - into the landmark Ybor City entertainment complex.

M&J Wilkow announced Friday that the company bought the 6-year-old retail, restaurant and entertainment center. The company says it's looking at the possibility of adding condos and office space.

The deal closed Friday afternoon. The purchase price and other terms weren't disclosed, nor did the company provide a timeline for renovation.

"We recognize the potential and value of this sleeping giant whose time has come to be a vibrant part of the community," David Harvey, a partner at M&J Wilkow, said in a statement.

Company officials didn't say how much office space or how many residential units they might consider for Centro Ybor.

The deal, which closed Friday afternoon, could launch a new chapter for the center, said Mark Huey, the city's economic development administrator.

"You'll now have an owner in place who will begin to invest in Centro Ybor in a way that it needs and hasn't seen before," Huey said. "We're excited to have new energy in Centro Ybor."

Huey said changes won't be immediate.

"We don't believe it's going to happen overnight," Huey said. "We know it's going to be a challenging turnaround. But we think we have the right owner with the right expertise."

When Centro Ybor opened in 2000, it had three owners: the two developers that partnered on the project - The Sembler Co., based in St. Petersburg, and Steiner + Associates of Ohio - and BVT, a German investment group.

Early this year, Sembler and Steiner sold their stakes in Centro Ybor to BVT. In the spring, BVT put the complex up for sale.

Officials Want To Transform Complex
Centro Ybor is a two-story, two-block, 211,957-square-foot entertainment center made up of two new buildings and the historic Centro Espanol on Seventh Avenue. Its tenant list includes Muvico Theaters, Tampa Bay Brewing Company, GameWorks and the Improv Comedy Theater & Restaurant.

City officials and developers hoped Centro Ybor would bring more people and activity to Ybor City. They also hoped it would fight Ybor City's reputation for parties and nightclubs by attracting a less raucous crowd to the area, including families.

As a tool to transform Ybor City, Centro Ybor hasn't been as successful as many predicted: most of its neighbors remain nightclubs and bars.

As a shopping and entertainment complex, Centro Ybor also has seen mixed success. Vince Pardo, Ybor City Development Corporation manager, can tick off a list of tenants that have left the complex.

Centro Ybor itself didn't prove enough of a draw for one of its main tenants, the Improv.

"We determined a long time ago, back as early as mid-2001, that we were going to have to market ourselves as a destination alone," said Bob Joyce, the comedy club's general manager.

"We realized we didn't have the foot traffic we had anticipated."

Project Operates In The Red
From a financial standpoint, Centro Ybor has been a dud. The city has had to make good on a $9 million loan guarantee because the original developer was unable to make payments.

The city says it pays $750,000 a year in debt service.

The project never has made money and operates at a $500,000 annual deficit. Although Centro Ybor cost about $49 million to develop, it may be worth only about $13.5 million.

The city hopes to benefit financially from the deal. It expects the property's value to grow to about $33 million if the buyer can turn it around. An increase in property value would generate more tax money for the city, which it could use to pay down the loan.

Cushman & Wakefield, a national real estate services firm, and Plaza Advisors, based in Tampa, represented BVT in the deal.

Kris Cooper, a senior vice president at Cushman & Wakefield, said interest among potential buyers was high. Like Huey, Cooper thinks Centro Ybor is in good hands with Wilkow.

"They're very good guys, they're very smart, and they know what they're doing," he said. "They have the retail creativity and the money behind them to do a wonderful job."

Wilkow is a newcomer to Florida, but it's an established player with a portfolio that stretches from Georgia to California. It owns 12 office properties and 24 retail centers, representing about 6 million square feet of space.

Tenants Respond
Vicki Doble, owner of Tampa Bay Brewing Company, moved her business from 15th Street to Eighth Avenue last month. She liked the ambiance of Centro Ybor and the nearby trolley stop.

In discussions with the new owner, she told him that the complex needs more entertainment, more marketing and a variety of unique shops.

"There are good places that attract people," Doble said. "We just need more of them."

Brian Cornacchia, owner of Big City Tavern, said he's already spoken with the new owners, "and they are a very forward-looking company."

Cornacchia said officials at Wilkow understand that any effort to improve Centro Ybor also includes a push to create a more inviting environment in the rest of Ybor City.

Reporter Ellen Gedalius can be reached at egedalius@tampatrib.comor (813) 259-7679. Reporter Dave Simanoff can be reached at dsimanoff@tampatrib

.com or (813) 259-7762.

CENTRO YBOR'S HISTORY
December 1996 - Developers Mel Sembler, of The Sembler Co., and Yaromir Steiner, of Steiner + Associates, announce a proposal to build a sprawling $40 million retail-dining-entertainment complex in Ybor City, called Centro Espanol Plaza.

October 1997 - Tampa City Council agrees to back a $10 million federal loan to help build the entertainment development, now called Centro Ybor.

August 1998 - Developers break ground on Centro Ybor.

September 2000 - Shortly before opening, Centro Ybor officials project that the effort will bring in about 2 million visitors a year.

October 2000 - The $45 million, 210,000-square-foot complex opens.

August 2001 - As three stores plan to open, two stores, Pacheco Art Gallery and bod.bodyknits, close.

January 2004 - A five-year financial agreement between the city and Centro Ybor expires and leaves taxpayers with a bill of more than

$16 million to pay off the loan that helped build the struggling retail complex.

January 2006 - The Sembler Co. and Steiner + Associates sell the center to BVT, a German-based investment company that also developed the center.

March 2006 - BVT puts Centro Ybor up for sale.

November 2006 - BVT proposes to sell Centro Ybor to Chicago-based M&J Wilkow for an undisclosed sum.

http://www.tbo.com/news/money/MGBSQT3D1WE.html

Sounds great. Hope this company can bring more life to the area. There has been a big slump in visitors in the pasts years,because many stores are closing and many people are heading to Channelside instead of there.

If they build condos that will be awesome aswell. I expect them to use the historic building for offices and maybe building the condos by scrap. I wouldn't mind a nice 11 story apartment/condo tower in the heart of Ybor

I do not care about the number of stories, I care about getting anyform of life and activity into that area. With all of the residents moving downtown and into Y-Bor, I want it to be a almost self sustaining community.

I wouldn't mind a nice 11 story apartment/condo tower in the heart of Ybor

I sure as shit would... And so would about 98% of Tampa's population.

I wouldn't mind a nice 11 story apartment/condo tower in the heart of Ybor
If they could make it look like it came straight out of the early 20th Century and somewhat blend into Ybor i wouldnt mind either. But if they put up a cookie cutter stucco condo in that area i would oppose it fully.

As long as they let the light to the street and make it blend into Ybor with brick facade, 11 stories sounds good. They should pack the units in to keep prices low. The more people they bring to live in the more customers for the retail, and that means higher density, hopefully cheaper units. :) If they do this right, it could be an important first step towards medium wealth development of residences for Ybor.

LEt me make a prediction - there will NOT be an 11-story condo (or any other kind) building in the middle of Ybor . . . maybe 5 or 6 (more likely 5) but not 11

I think they mean to make some of the movie theaters condos - I really have no preference because there are movies a short streetcar ride away.

LEt me make a prediction - there will NOT be an 11-story condo (or any other kind) building in the middle of Ybor . . . maybe 5 or 6 (more likely 5) but not 11

I think they mean to make some of the movie theaters condos - I really have no preference because there are movies a short streetcar ride away.

Oh I agree, it was just wishful thinking by me. From the article it sounds liek the developer didn't purchase any extra land so the developer will probaly just convert some of the current buildings into lofts and small offices. You're right about the movie theatre, I think it has 20 cinemas which is alot considering Channelside has 9 plus IMAX a short drive away.

I'm thinking they could definitley work with this building and it would be a good start......

http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o236/JordanA_015/Buildings001.jpg

I think that is the least likely to be reused - it has the best space for restaurant and things like the comedy club

I don't know much of construction, but couldn't they use the top half of the building as lofts? I *think* the top 2 lines of windows are just for decoration. Couldn't they turn it into a floor or two?

They are NOT going to put residential in Centro Ybor. Believe me. Office space, perhaps. The lot it is in is not mixed residential last time I checked.

Also, I think the centro movie theater is much nicer than the Channelside theater.

They are NOT going to put residential in Centro Ybor. Believe me. Office space, perhaps. The lot it is in is not mixed residential last time I checked.

Also, I think the centro movie theater is much nicer than the Channelside theater.


The developer said it's looking too so there's no reason to believe it will or won't at this point, it's early, it was just purchased and announced. I do agree that the Cento Ybor movie theatre is nicer and you can even by (fried) meals there, but you have to spread it around a little bit. When Centro Ybor isn't filling up and is a large theater with 20 cinemas, it's more economical to cut back to maybe 10-12 cinemas and turn the space you just freed up into office or residential. It's not really about Centro Ybor's theater vs. Channelside's. But more about improving Centro Ybor to improve Ybor City.:)

smiley: I don't do this much, but I'm going to have to disagree with you. I believe that with good thinking and planning, there is a high chance that Ybor could see something roughly around the 11 story range. As I-275westcoastfl and FloridaFuture said, if it fits in with Ybor and isn't no Dubail-style tower, it wil probably happen. You can easily turn most of Ybor historic buildings into towers. Converting most former cigar factories into lofts and building a nice 10 story tower next to it that matches the facade of the other building will look so awesome. It will cost cheap and really improve Ybor aswell as impressing all of Tampa. I hope the Chicago company see's this and do something with Ybor and bring the life back to the historic part of Tampa.

^I have two words to bring you back to reality...

Barrio Latino.


There will NOT be an 11 story building anywhere near "the heart of Ybor" any time soon, and probably not ever.

It will always be like the Gaslamp Quarter in San Diego. Low-rise historic buildings.

NPR Guy - Jasonhouse is 100% correct. The Barrio Latino Commission was set up to preserve the character of the National Historic Landmark District that Ybor is. If you have ever watched the Barrio Latino Commission meetings on cable, you can see how strict they are on things that would seem very minor to most of us (such as window sills, etc.). According to the City of Tampa website, “The Barrio Latino Commission has the responsibility of preserving the historic fabric of the District and maintaining its architectural integrity. The Ybor City Historic District has many character defining features: pedestrian scale, mixed-use main streets, as well as its unique structures such as the Social Clubs and Cigar Factory buildings. The Barrio Latino Commission balances the historic past with the growth of the present prosperity.”

NPR Guy - Jasonhouse is 100% correct. The Barrio Latino Commission was set up to preserve the character of the National Historic Landmark District that Ybor is. If you have ever watched the Barrio Latino Commission meetings on cable, you can see how strict they are on things that would seem very minor to most of us (such as window sills, etc.). According to the City of Tampa website, “The Barrio Latino Commission has the responsibility of preserving the historic fabric of the District and maintaining its architectural integrity. The Ybor City Historic District has many character defining features: pedestrian scale, mixed-use main streets, as well as its unique structures such as the Social Clubs and Cigar Factory buildings. The Barrio Latino Commission balances the historic past with the growth of the present prosperity.”
That is why I said that if they want to build something, then it must fit in with the rest of Ybor. You can certainly build a tower looking like anything else in Ybor. Now yes I know how strict the Barrio Latino Commission is, but maybe if something is brought to them at this level and they promise to preserve any of the buildings in Ybor, then I think they will have no problem with that. One thing that might make them more approve of such a project would be if one of the cigar factories were renovated into a museum, but kept at it's old glory.

^By all means, please show us the codes and/or legal precedents which will allow a developer to build an 11-story building in Ybor and actually have it pass muster with the various local regulatory agencies....

NewPortRicheyGuy: You, my friend, have no idea what historic preservation means.

That is why I said that if they want to build something, then it must fit in with the rest of Ybor. You can certainly build a tower looking like anything else in Ybor. Now yes I know how strict the Barrio Latino Commission is, but maybe if something is brought to them at this level and they promise to preserve any of the buildings in Ybor, then I think they will have no problem with that. One thing that might make them more approve of such a project would be if one of the cigar factories were renovated into a museum, but kept at it's old glory.

Building heights and scale are two of the most important factors to fitting in with a historic district's requirements. I too believe you'll never see anything near 10 stories in Ybor with the Barrio in place. 5 maybe, but even that will be pushing it.

Not to cramp anyones style, but as I was told you are not supposed to take pictures of the Centro buildings without expressed consent from the management. I do not know the reasons why, but I caught holy hell from some woman security officer. She wanted to search my bag and everything. As far as the height of the building discussion, I think that it is temporary insanity that brought NPR to concoct the notion of the 10 story building. I am usually the one who comes with the half thought out ideas and posts them without thoroughly thinking them through, but for the time being I am not in the hot seat...lol. I thought it crazy that the s.o. freaked out about me being in the area with my camera. She did not even know that the complex was bought out. She was like "That hasn't gotten to my level yet."

Not to cramp anyones style, but as I was told you are not supposed to take pictures of the Centro buildings without expressed consent from the management. I do not know the reasons why, but I caught holy hell from some woman security officer. She wanted to search my bag and everything. As far as the height of the building discussion, I think that it is temporary insanity that brought NPR to concoct the notion of the 10 story building. I am usually the one who comes with the half thought out ideas and posts them without thoroughly thinking them through, but for the time being I am not in the hot seat...lol. I thought it crazy that the s.o. freaked out about me being in the area with my camera. She did not even know that the complex was bought out. She was like "That hasn't gotten to my level yet."

I doubt that. If you are standing on a public sidewalk you can take pictures of whatever you like

First of all Centro Ybor is partially owned by the City of Tampa/Ybor CRA so in essence it is a public building. The city pays $750,000 a year on the second mortgage. My taxes are paying for that building so feel free to take all the pictures you want!!!! :)

Second, you won't see an 11 story anything in the historic dristrict. The max limit is 5 stories. The word on the street is that the new owner would like to use part of the movie theatre for housing and some offices. Basically the theatre would be cut down from 20 sceens to 12 screens (maybe 10). 12 is the magic number in the theatre world to get first run mainstream films. Having cut off 8 theatres will leave room for development. Centro Ybor owners are also geing to be looking at solutions to parking in or directly adjacent to centro Ybor. I don't know how they will do that! There are a couple buildings located to the left of Urban Outfitters that are for sale. Perhpas those could be utilized in the plan.

Not to cramp anyones style, but as I was told you are not supposed to take pictures of the Centro buildings without expressed consent from the management. I do not know the reasons why, but I caught holy hell from some woman security officer.
Next time, feel free to ignore her and continue with whatever you're doing. If it isn't a cop and you're on the public right-of-way (as you would be if you're standing on most any sidewalk in Ybor), you don't have to do a damn thing they say... And mind you, this is coming from someone who supervised security gaurds for the past 3 years or so.

Note to the previous poster... yes, the City pays towards the debt on Centro Ybor... No, it doesn't not hold title to said property, and thus Centro Ybor is private property. On Centro Ybor property, the owner would indeed have the right to regulate some behavioral aspects of its patrons, so long as it was within the bounds of the law... Sounds lame, but thank your corrupt government officials for that one.

I think that the only reason that she did that is because she had to deal with a bunch of teenagers harassing everyone about signing up for some cigarette thing. I was very compliant, but I was a little annoyed because I was out last night at like 1130 and I was trying to get some night shots of Y-Bor with no people (which there was, suprisingly).

Not to cramp anyones style, but as I was told you are not supposed to take pictures of the Centro buildings without expressed consent from the management. I do not know the reasons why, but I caught holy hell from some woman security officer. She wanted to search my bag and everything. As far as the height of the building discussion, I think that it is temporary insanity that brought NPR to concoct the notion of the 10 story building. I am usually the one who comes with the half thought out ideas and posts them without thoroughly thinking them through, but for the time being I am not in the hot seat...lol. I thought it crazy that the s.o. freaked out about me being in the area with my camera. She did not even know that the complex was bought out. She was like "That hasn't gotten to my level yet."

Ah, yes the same old BS. We encountered this one morning when we had a photo shoot with a model in Ybor. We met up at the centro just as a central meeting point, and some security twit came out and caused a big stink about having cameras in the centro. We were not even shooting, as we had plans for other locations and the park... Ironically, there was a TPD officer hanging out getting some coffee he came over and shushed the renta-cop away and took us a round for a bit since he had nothing better to do, and enjoyed the added scenery. :lol:
http://www.downshiftonline.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10001/normal_PearlNalani5-1280x1024.jpg

It is ridiculous to not be able to take photographs of a publicly subsidized location. Reminds me of another time I was in Kiley Park and a security guard from the BOfA beercan came out and told me you could not photograph the building...um excuse me I am in a city park.

I'm surprised that the security guard in each instance didn't use the ol' "homeland security" argument.

Haha, I love these stories.

Nice spot to shoot, Rob.... I like that park. The garden gate you can make out in the distance is a great fountain area attached/owned by the museum. Really great.

Haha, I love these stories.

Nice spot to shoot, Rob.... I like that park. The garden gate you can make out in the distance is a great fountain area attached/owned by the museum. Really great.

It is a great area indeed. We have had quite a few shoots down and around Ybor and you cannot beat the afternoon lighting under the oaks there. The folks at the museum are also very helpful when it comes to shooting as they appreciate any publicity they can get. Same holds true for UT.

I'm surprised that the security guard in each instance didn't use the ol' "homeland security" argument.

I've never gotten that line, though I think I had a security guard at Baywalk try and utter something to that effect during the St Pete Grand Prix.

Reminds me of another time I was in Kiley Park and a security guard from the BOfA beercan came out and told me you could not photograph the building...um excuse me I am in a city park.
Wtf? lolol... I used to work as a sup for the company doing the security there. I actually covered for the sup at Rivergate a few times (posted pics form the roof last year)...

no, the gaurds there are not supposed to do that.... whoever did is a moron, as they are specifically told to stay out of the park, as they have no "jurisdiction" there. They are only to patrol the building, its immediate perimeter and the southern portion of the underground garage shared with the museum.

I wish that they had sec. guards at night so that they could keep the homeless out of the ampitheatre and out of the museum. I hate trying to take photos there and having to smell and be bothered by them. I know they have no where else to go, but come on I mean the Salvation Army is right down the street. Does anyone think that Tampa has the capacity to create a homeless housing project like they have done in other cities? The graffiti in the ampitheatre is obscene, and it needs to be taken care of. If they (the city) want, I will go and paint it myself and take all of the trash away so people can enjoy it.

I actually covered for the sup at Rivergate a few times (posted pics form the roof last year)...


Could you show me these pictures? thanks

there somewhere in a thread around here... run a search for rivergate. you'll find it as fast as I could.

anyone know if that Kimmins construction will be selling their ybor property to a hotel? I had read something like that awhile ago but haven't heard anything since.if so,when?

The Tampa Bay Business Journal reported a while back that Kimmins may develop its Adamo property into a hotel, condos, office space, or a combination of the above. No specifics or time lines were provided.

^yep, a mixed-use project would be expected, as it's the surest way to get the density increased when they rezone.

Speaking of new work in Ybor, I have pictures of the completed interiors of the box factory lofts. I haven't seen them since I put them on my thumb drive, but I remember liking what I saw. The pool-side units were great lofts. I'll upload a few later...

I do not like the color or the lack of on the building. That yellow has to go. Although, nice use of space and maximumizing profit in a tight area.

I uploaded a few to flickr, along with my other pictures. I'll just keep adding to the collection. Nothing special, just a (quick) peak into the Box Factory lofts (I was in and out quickly)...

http://www.flickr.com/photos/thatzaak/

Isn't the name of that place actually called Box Factory Lofts? I really like the old looking stained wood contrasting with the modern looking kitchen (stainless steel appliances and granite countertops)

Isn't the name of that place actually called Box Factory Lofts? I really like the old looking stained wood contrasting with the modern looking kitchen (stainless steel appliances and granite countertops)

lol, yea

I got the name wrong. :ohno:

Ybor Growing In Small Steps

By JANIS D. FROELICH The Tampa Tribune

Published: Jan 13, 2007

YBOR CITY - Development in downtown and the Channel District is a hot topic. But this historical city, known for its bars and nightclubs, also is seeing a spurt of construction.

"We are a little bit smaller in our projects," said Tom Keating, president of the Ybor City Chamber of Commerce. "But we have great variety."

With a 60-foot building height restriction in place, Ybor City isn't going to be the site of cranes erecting high-rises. But Keating predicts small residential complexes, small to medium office structures and distinct businesses will continue to rise.

Fitting into those categories are: Las Ybor City, at Fourth Avenue and 17th Street; Walton B. Chancey & Associates, at Seventh Avenue and 13th Street; and Heidt & Associates, at Fifth Avenue and 15th Street.

Matt Sireci was a University of Tampa student when he decided Ybor City would be a good fit for his development ideas. A 2002 UT graduate, Sireci recently completed the 13-unit Las Ybor City. He has sold nine of the condominiums, with a chiropractor set to occupy the ground floor.

"It's just amazing the way Ybor City has taken off in residential the last five years," said Sireci, who plans to expand his Ybor Village Lofts with additional units called 4th Avenue Lofts, near Philip Shore Elementary Magnet School of the Arts, 1908 E. Second Ave.

Sireci said the downturn in condominium demand, plus climbing land costs, have changed the market since he was a student with lofty plans. He's a little concerned about selling Las Ybor's remaining units, priced at $300,000-plus.

"But I think these are moderate-priced units and will continue to do well here," he said, standing outside the five-story complex.

Sireci said working with the Barrio Latino Commission, which regulates development in the historical district, turned out to be a bonus for Las Ybor. He originally had a Key West style in mind, reflecting his upbringing there.

"But because this building would be on the west side of Ybor City, the Barrio thought a cigar-warehouse look would work better," he said.

That's how he ended up with Curtis Gaines Hall Jones Architects of Tampa, which designed the project.

"Ybor is your amenity," Sireci said of residents walking to dinner and taking in movies just blocks from Las Ybor.

As for the Heidt & Associates building, which will bring 170 workers to Ybor City this month, Keating said landing the engineering and surveying company is a milestone: "It strikes me this is our first real big building from scratch, not a renovation, for decades."

With its large brick building across from a city parking garage, Heidt will boost lunch traffic and the happy hour crowd, Keating said.

"We are really looking at new kinds of uses for Ybor City space," he said. "We are pushing for creative industries and want top firms to continue coming in."

Vince Pardo, manager of the Ybor City Development Corp., said the community is gaining a fast-paced, creative environment. He counts about a dozen architectural and design businesses, in addition to public relations and advertising companies.

"These are all companies interested in locating their young professionals here," Pardo said. "It's our future."

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

http://southtampa.tbo.com/southtampa/MGBHDQ43VWE.html

What's with the odd URLs? Please put the original URLs. Thanks

And what that had to do with Ybor City is beyond me.

Folks, when you've got a topic that doesn't fit an existing thread,
you need to create a new thread...

Excuse me? Are you referring to my thread?

thanks q for the article .

thanks q for the article . i have some pix of the 4th Avenue Lofts if i can just figure out how to post them on here

Excuse me? Are you referring to my thread?

no, not at all.

There are two deleted posts between mine and yours... I take it that forumers cannot see the messages explaining this that should be in the place of the posts? (I see them)

^^ we cannot see them.

Give the proffesional some influence and they will come and make a more urban community as long as they keep the old buildings.

Generating New Life For Centro
Skip directly to the full story.
By JOSE PATINO GIRONA The Tampa Tribune

Published: Jan 20, 2007


YBOR CITY - Russell La Fuente was a member of Centro Asturiano de Tampa for decades, taking part in the social club's family activities and using its gymnasium.

But when the organization stopped offering anything he found interesting, La Fuente dropped his membership.

That was more than a dozen years ago. This week, La Fuente was back at Centro Asturiano, joining about 40 prospective members for a tour of the 1914 building and a lunch discussion of what the 105-year-old organization could offer.

He suggested forming a Centro Asturiano Gasparilla krewe to spur interest and publicity and boost revenue.

"They have to do something to bring people in," said La Fuente, 59, a retired Hillsborough County teacher. "They need to have activities for young people."

La Fuente said he is considering full membership in Centro Asturiano. He is a nonvoting member as a result of his membership in Los Caballeros, one of the club's auxiliary groups.

Centro Asturiano leaders are on a campaign to increase membership, especially among young professionals.

The organization has 400 members, but the average age is 72, said Al Frederick, who began this month as executive director.

"Older organizations have not renewed themselves for the younger generations," Frederick said.

Centro Asturiano de Tampa, named for the Asturias region in northern Spain, was founded in 1902 as a mutual aid society. It offered health and medical benefits, as well as social and recreational activities to its members.

During the Great Depression, it had the nation's only Spanish-language theater supported by the federal Works Progress Administration. Musicians including Andres Segovia and Ernesto Lecuona performed there. In the Centro's ballroom, Doris Day, Count Basie, Stan Kenton and Buddy Rich entertained audiences.

The organization also operated a hospital in Ybor City until 1990. It no longer offers medical benefits, a reason membership has fallen.

Today, members can use the club's cantina, and get discounts on programs and building rental for weddings and special events. They also have the right to be buried at Centro Asturiano Memorial Park, 5402 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.

Frederick, former president of the Tampa Bay Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, said he wants to double membership in a year. He is considering adding a movie screen to the 1,100-seat theater and rehabilitating the abandoned gym and racquetball court on the first floor of the building, 1913 N. Nebraska Ave.

He said he also wants to pursue suggestions from members.

"I think it would be a great thing to bring a club to its former glory," Frederick said.

Tuesday's luncheon produced suggestions such as: holding a Latin dance night; hosting networking socials; adding a recreation room; and offering programs to teach children about Spain and Latin America. Participants also discussed giving club members health care benefits, such as health screenings or medical discounts.

Michael Suarez, 42, joined the Centro in October because of his interest in preserving its history. He recalls his father, Mario, going there in the 1970s to play cards and dominoes. Two of his sisters had wedding receptions in the ballroom.

Suarez, who is heading the membership committee, wants to create a buzz in the hallways of the historical building.

"I want to help revitalize this place and make it relevant again," said Suarez, a risk management consultant for Wachovia Insurance Services.

He doesn't see Centro Asturiano ever shutting down.

"There are too many people that care about this building and this club," Suarez said.

http://southtampa.tbo.com/southtampa/MGBLREC55XE.html

Wow, I can't believe my photo thread is still going. The topic has turned to Ybor City developments and other general stuff, but I wouldn't have guessed I would be the one to get the ball rolling.

there were others threads before it.... ths one just happened to cling to the top, because I let it wander topically speaking.

does Ybor have free Wifi? I read that the city plans on having it there as an incentive for people to move and do business in Ybor but I was wondering if it has come into fruition yet.

does Ybor have free Wifi? I read that the city plans on having it there as an incentive for people to move and do business in Ybor but I was wondering if it has come into fruition yet.

Not that I am aware of. Only Downtown.

How about a few more Ybor Pictures?

http://scl.smugmug.com/photos/130125459-L.jpg

http://scl.smugmug.com/photos/130125573-L.jpg

http://scl.smugmug.com/photos/130125862-L.jpg

http://scl.smugmug.com/photos/130125785-L.jpg

http://scl.smugmug.com/photos/130125842-L.jpg

http://scl.smugmug.com/photos/130125546-L.jpg

http://scl.smugmug.com/photos/130125387-L.jpg

http://scl.smugmug.com/photos/130125652-L.jpg

Gdad, if you're not a professional photographer, you should be ... you always have such beautiful and thought-provoking pictures. Probably one of the best posters out there ...

Yeah, nice pictures man.

Nice work, Gdad. Thanks. :)

Personally, I think we're fortunate to have so many talented photographers here. And to be honest and somewhat selfish I'll admit, I just wish we didn't have to wait so long (sometimes) for the latest shots. You guys are really good! :cheers:

Samuari Blue looks amazing.. Has anyone eating there yet?
Ybor is really changing before our eyes.. I-4 is just amazing with the deco of old Ybor..

The Improv Comedy club has Adell Givens March 2nd to the 4th.

And Daniel Tosh is coming March 8th to the 11th.. This guy is so funny, he has been on Jay Leno several times, and does college campuses arond the country..


It's nice to see all of the big name comedians coming to the Tampa Improv..

Daniel Tosh is hilarious. Get tickets if you still can, people....

I have eaten there and it is cheap. I think that the atmosphere is great.

Samurai Blue has been around since Centro Ybor opened in 2000. It does have a nice atmosphere, incredibly high ceilings, and pretty decent sushi (from what I'm told - don't touch the stuff). Their non-sushi fare is pretty good as well.

You should check it out...Centro Ybor needs all the business it can get.

Samurai Blue is the best Sushi in Tampa in my opinion. Def. worth checking out. Be sure to try the fired cheescake there too...delicious! It's always packed on a Friday or Saturday night so get there early or late.

Dish next door closed and Big City might be next. Both establishments haven't paid rent in over a year and a half it seems. The new owners evicted Dish and Big City might be next. I was sad to see Dish close but now that I know the circumstances it seems they should have been gone a long time ago. And people wonder why Centro Ybor is loosing money. If your tenants aren't paying rent how can you even afford to operate, advertise, or make improvements.

Hopefully these new owners can do some good.

Hopefully they will be able to bring some really good restaurants and vendors to Centro and bring it back to life.

I think the current selection is pretty damn solid. It's not perfect, but the Ybor area has everything (I) need.

I think he was referring specifically to Centro Ybor, not the area as a whole. Centro certainly could use a boost; with the closing of Dish, and Metropolitan Deluxe last year, plus almost all the retail on 8th Street (FYI, American Eagle, Happy Feet, etc), the complex is a ghost of what it was in 2001.

Thank you for helping me out with umm...elaborating on what I was saying.

I think he was referring specifically to Centro Ybor, not the area as a whole. Centro certainly could use a boost; with the closing of Dish, and Metropolitan Deluxe last year, plus almost all the retail on 8th Street (FYI, American Eagle, Happy Feet, etc), the complex is a ghost of what it was in 2001.

I didn't realize Dish had closed, too.

I was there last week and thought it was doing well enough. It isn't exactly dead, that's all. Ideally, it would be filled to capacity.

I keep hearing interesting rumors about the fate of Muvico.... :ohno:

I went to the laughing cat tyhe other night. Now that was a nice meal.

How was that price wise?

Not sure if I will like this until I see it. I liked what the Brewing Company sign said, because it showed that character in it.


WilsonMiller lights up Ybor City horizon
Tampa Bay Business Journal - 12:43 PM EST Thursday, March 1, 2007

A new name is replacing a familiar one in the skyline of Tampa's Ybor City historic district.

WilsonMiller Inc. put its logo in lights on top of the four-story Seidenberg Cigar Factory at 2205 N. 20th St. The Naples-based engineering and planning firm converted the 112-year-old building to office space and moved in last year.

The new 5-foot-high, white-neon letters replace those of Ybor City Brewing Co., which occupied the factory until 2003. Owner Humberto Perez is seeking to sell the 36,000-square-foot building on 1.6 acres.

WilsonMiller contracted with Signstar, a Tampa-based maker of identification and advertising displays, to put the WilsonMiller name over the building. The new name is visible from Interstate 4 and other points surrounding Ybor City.

http://tampabay.bizjournals.com/tampabay/stories/2007/02/26/daily48.html?surround=lfn

I saw it before ti was lit... meh...

Wait, the building is up for sale?

This sucks, actually. The old sign was pretty awesome. I'm a fan of the old signs - the Cuesta Ray (Rey?) sign from the opposite side of I-4 is pretty spiffy as well...

The interior of the building is awesome, as some of you probably know. I like what they did, anyway. Very nice update.

A very credible source tells me that the new owner of Centro Ybor has plans to get rid off all the Muvico theatres. Originally the new owner said they would develop 8 of the 20 theatres into condos/offices. Now it looks like that is just a Phase I project. Phase II would remove the remaining theatres and retail north of 8th Ave and replace with condos.

Wow, my thread is still alive!

Tampa610, if your source turns out to be not only credible but right, I will be disappointed. I go to movies at Centro Ybor a couple times a month. Nice to have the choice between them and Channelside.

With the closing of the Hyde Park Sunrise Cinemas, and the potential closing of Ybor's Muvico theatres, our movie-going options are decreasing rapidly. :ohno:

Closing the theaters to add residences will really get people excited about going to Centro Ybor. Ugh. I guess it's good news for Channelside though, that theater has never done real well but will now not have much competition. The next closest would be Westshore AMC.

A very credible source tells me that the new owner of Centro Ybor has plans to get rid off all the Muvico theatres. Originally the new owner said they would develop 8 of the 20 theatres into condos/offices. Now it looks like that is just a Phase I project. Phase II would remove the remaining theatres and retail north of 8th Ave and replace with condos.

Well, they can do all of that, just as soon as they refund every cent of taxpayer money... Taxpayers put up that money for an entertainment complex in Ybor, not to subsidize housing for trendy yuppies.

If there is enough there historic to save then fine, but if not then they should move on, especially if it hurts growth...


Some Fret Historical District Expansion

By KATHY STEELE The Tampa Tribune

Published: Mar 3, 2007


EAST TAMPA - Decisions are months away, but community leaders are worried about a proposal to look at extending Ybor City's historical district into East Tampa.

"They're already starting to make comments that maybe we need to keep our eye on it," said East Tampa redevelopment manager Ed Johnson.

The worry is that tighter architectural rules that apply to historical districts could scare away developers, said Sam Kinsey, chairman of the East Tampa Community Revitalization Partnership.

It could also be a hardship to residents who qualify for home-repair grants and loans but might struggle with costs associated with historical architectural guidelines, Kinsey said.

"I think that would be counterproductive to what we are trying to do," he said.

The city's Historic Preservation Commission has applied for a $50,000 state grant to study the proposed expansion and identify historical structures.

Word on the grant likely won't come until late 2007, preservation manager Dennis Fernandez said. The study likely wouldn't begin until 2008, with a decision on extending the district not expected until 2009.

Fernandez said studies show that historical districts, which typically offer incentives such as low-interest loans, grants and property tax exemptions, do not stifle redevelopment.

"It does the opposite; it stimulates it," he said.

The proposed expansion would move north of Columbus Drive up to 21st Avenue toward Belmont Heights Estates and east to 21st Street, with Nebraska Avenue the western boundary. The boundaries would not all be straight lines, Fernandez said.

The expansion push is prompted partly by a significant building spree and the widening of Interstate 4, which led to relocation of about 35 houses.

"We feel the area is ripe for redevelopment," Fernandez said.

He said that raises concerns about protecting Ybor's historical character.

Ybor is home to a local historic district, monitored by the Barrio Latino Commission, and a national historic district.

The national designation is mostly symbolic and does not include penalties for tearing down or altering structures. Local guidelines, written into city codes, require preservation commission approval for significant exterior alterations.

In 2002, parts of east Ybor were added to the national historic district but were outside the local district. The expansion would bring the boundaries of the districts closer, Fernandez said.

There are an estimated 700 structures in the proposed expansion area, but the last inventory was in 1990.

"We don't know what's been happening to them for the last 17 years," Fernandez said.

"We're going to take an opportunity to meet with the [East Tampa] partnership," he said. "We want to work with them."

Kinsey isn't sure residents will approve.

"They're depending on me to be a voice," he said. "This is going to be a fight."

Reporter Kathy Steele can be reached at (813) 835-2103 or ksteele@tampatrib.com.

http://centraltampa.tbo.com/centraltampa/MGBZO6E4TYE.html

Cripes, what an f-ing waste of time and money.

I mean seriously, is there even a single structure east of 22nd st that is even remotely historically or architecturally significant, let alone the entire neighborhood?.. And more importantly, where is the uniquely valuable architecture in need of preservation, that doesn't already have numerous local examples preserved via one of the several other historic districts in the area?

^^Yup pretty much, Jason. But they said a decision wouldn't come until 2009. By then this will probably either be forgotten or abandoned, even if it is by new goverment leaders. Especially since the article says local leaders are pessimistic towards the plan. However, the fact that more tax dollars are wasted on pointless studies like these must come to question eventually.

nice pics, everyone.

I was at the Mayor's Press Conference. The Ikea should be open by Spring 2009 if all goes well.

Much better than a Wal-Mart...

Much better than a Wal-Mart...

Understatement of the year! :lol:

Very interesting changes in store for Western Adamo Drive, I'd say. Will this be the start of more retail along the corridor?

IKEA to replace Tampa industrial park
Tampa Bay Business Journal - 2:30 PM EDT Monday, March 26, 2007by Carl Cronan

A nationally popular home furnishings chain plans to open its third Florida location in Tampa over the next two years at the site of an industrial park just east of downtown.

Swedish retailer IKEA announced Monday it plans to build a 353,000 square-foot center on the southeast corner of 22and Street and Adamo Drive. The 29-acre site is now known as Tampa International Center, a massive collection of warehouses and industrial-grade buildings slated for redevelopment over the last two years.


Construction is expected to start as early as next spring, pending city approvals and infrastructure improvements.

IKEA Tampa would open in summer 2009 and hire approximately 400 employees, company executives said.

The cost of the project was not disclosed during a Monday afternoon news conference at the Tampa Convention Center downtown.

The development of the IKEA store will benefit redevelopment plans along Adamo Drive as well as have a positive economic impact on the downtown and Ybor City districts, said Mayor Pam Iorio, during the news conference.

"This is going to be a signature project for the region," Iorio said. "We're going to accomplish so much with this one major establishment."

The huge store will offer 10,000 items showcased in three model homes and 50 room settings, plus a children's play area and a 300-seat Swedish-style restaurant. Parking will be available for up to 1,700 vehicles.

Tampa International Center, which was acquired by Panattoni Development Co. LLC of Sacramento, Calif., had been considered for redevelopment to other forms of retail including a Wal-Mart Supercenter. Panattoni purchased the 566,000-square-foot complex for $11.2 million in August 2005 from Miami-based America's Capital Partners.

IKEA had considered other local sites including one near Interstate 75 and State Road 60 in Brandon.

IKEA is already on schedule to open its first two Florida locations this fall in Sunrise and Orlando as part of its overall plan to open up to five stores annually nationwide. Currently, the nearest location to the Tampa Bay area is in Atlanta.

With sales totaling $22.2 billion worldwide last year, IKEA has more than 250 stores in 34 countries, including 29 in the United States. A fifth Southeast location, in Charlotte, N.C., is scheduled to open in spring 2009.

http://tampabay.bizjournals.com/tampabay/stories/2007/03/26/daily10.html?surround=lfn

I think it is a great thing IKEA made the commitiment to Ybor over its other choices of I-75 suburbia and Brandon. Bringing 400 employees to Ybor is HUGE for the area.

Of all the retail that could have come to Tampa (and, in particular, that site), this is the big one ... I'm surprised (in a VERY happy way).

For those of you that don't know IKEA, this is a "destination" store. When I lived in DC, people would plan their weekend around an IKEA visit. Even though their products are inexpensive, they high quality and VERY fashionable ... and they'll only attract more fashionable, high-end retailers.

Best news I've read in a while (debating whether the Fairmont Hotel or this IKEA is better news).

For those of you that aren't familiar with IKEA, here's a great article (VERY long, so didn't want to post ... sorry for the click-thru):

http://robinson.gsu.edu/news/bernhardt/2005/11_25_05.html

is the food at the Ikea restaurant any good? I went to the ATL Ikea website and there was a partial menu. breakfast was like $2, for eggs,bacon,hash browns,etc. since I'll be living a stone throw's away, I'll probably have breakfast there a couple times a week...
now if they'd only build a publix and a target over there, I'd be happy

edit

IKEA food is pretty decent for what you get. Smaller portions, but it's better than fast food (quality wise).

IKEA food is good, but you have to put it together yourself... :P

is the food at the Ikea restaurant any good? I went to the ATL Ikea website and there was a partial menu. breakfast was like $2, for eggs,bacon,hash browns,etc. since I'll be living a stone throw's away, I'll probably have breakfast there a couple times a week...
now if they'd only build a publix and a target over there, I'd be happy

I'd rather see an independant food company, something like Ybor Grocery Co.
I personally don't want publix to come in and build an awful building that is just within ybor code, but is cheap.

I bought two lamps from IKEA online they have great stuff and good prices

Office Space Showing Soon At Centro Ybor
Skip directly to the full story.
By DAVE SIMANOFF and MARY SHEDDEN The Tampa Tribune

Published: Mar 31, 2007

TAMPA - The new owner of Centro Ybor is betting that more productivity and less popcorn will turn around the troubled retail and entertainment center.

M&J Wilkow, the Chicago-based real estate investment group that purchased Centro Ybor in December, will convert part of the complex's movie theater into 40,000 square feet of office space. The construction will eliminate 10 of the theater's 20 screens.

The new office space should be ready for tenants in 12 to 14 months, said Jim Crews, vice president of Bishop & Associates Inc., the Tampa-based company that has been hired to handle leasing at Centro Ybor. Crews said lease rates have not been determined.

Prospective office tenants won't have to wait for a spot in Centro Ybor, though. Crews said the complex has 24,000 square feet of vacant space that can be configured to accommodate office or retail tenants.

Current retail tenants are not affected by the move, and attempts are being made to find tenants quickly to fill two former restaurants, Dish and M.J. Barleyhoppers.

The addition of office space to Centro Ybor comes as many professional companies such as architectural firms and advertising agencies are moving to Ybor City.

"If they're able to convert what was previously movie theater space into attractive offices - with windows and level floors - and provide user-friendly parking, then it would be an interesting option for office tenants," said Barry Oaks, a director for the commercial real estate firm Cushman & Wakefield.

Centro Ybor opened with much fanfare in October 2000, touted as the catalyst that would transform Ybor City from nightclub hot spot to a family-friendly destination.

M&J Wilkow paid $26.8 million for the 210,957-square-foot, three-building complex.


http://www.tbo.com/news/money/MGBS2MGCXZE.html

is the food at the Ikea restaurant any good? I went to the ATL Ikea website and there was a partial menu. breakfast was like $2, for eggs,bacon,hash browns,etc. since I'll be living a stone throw's away, I'll probably have breakfast there a couple times a week...
now if they'd only build a publix and a target over there, I'd be happy

The food at Ikea is good. I went to the Atlantic station locale 2 months ago and alot of local people go there in the morning to just to eat breakfast. They are completing a target in Atl. Station as we speak, it should be opening soon. As for publix, I didn't see one close by, sorry.

I wonder which screens will be eliminated at Centro Ybor? Will the lobby retain its massive scale? Will the Premier stay, cutting the number of traditional screens down to a handful?

Very interesting...

Interesting indeed.

I met the *** owners of Centro last week and at that point they said the conversion would be either a hotel or offices. I was hoping for a hotel. While the office workers will have lunch at the restaurants they certainly won't really shop in Ybor, eat dinner there, or watch a flick I am also wonering where these *** office workers are going to park. I assume some agreement has been worked out with a nearby lot.

I think we will eventually see the movie theatre go away all together. Hopefully the Premier side is saved. It' great to watch a movie without kids once in a while.

Well there's a huge parking garage that sits mostly empty during the day 1 block from Centro, so parking for office workers would not be a problem. I still think it's a stupid idea, but hey.

I think we will eventually see the movie theatre go away all together. Hopefully the Premier side is saved. It' great to watch a movie without kids once in a while.
You've got that right. Best movie theater in town imo.

If We Build It, They Will Come
Skip directly to the full story.
By MARY SHEDDEN The Tampa Tribune

Published: Apr 8, 2007

TAMPA - Mention Ikea to a room full of locals and you're likely to get extreme reactions. Bewilderment. Avid passion.

"ICK-kee-ya?" say those unfamiliar with the Swedish mega retailer known for its quirky, inexpensive furniture and house wares.

On the flip side are Ikea (Eye-KEE-ya) junkies - grown adults known to drive to the closest location in Atlanta for chairs, desks, lamps, linens and 50-cent kitchen utensils.

Smack dab in between the extremes is the reaction of downtown, Channelside and Ybor City developers hoping to capitalize on a sea of customers flocking to the 350,000-square-foot Ikea retail powerhouse.

Pending a rezoning request before Tampa's City Council, this project would do more than alter the look of ultra-industrial Adamo Drive when it opens in two years. Ikea would double downtown and Channelside's existing retail square footage with a unique range of products that don't directly compete with existing retailers.

But more importantly, its arrival could offer struggling storefronts used to competing against each other a fresh batch of potential customers from beyond the Tampa Bay area. That is, if smart Ybor and Channelside merchants can coax the high-volume traffic from Ikea's parking lot to their stores.

"It's a real stamp of credibility for the whole city," said David Harvey, a partner with M&J Wilkow, the Chicago-based real estate investment group that owns the nearby Centro Ybor retail and entertainment complex. "I'm very happy to be their neighbor."

Though Ikea's 29-acre proposed site is nearly large enough to be its own neighborhood, it will border two well-known downtown Tampa districts: Channelside and historic Ybor City. Both include large retail entertainment complexes and storefronts featuring a mix of mom-and-pop establishments, well-known chains and "for rent" signs.

Adding an internationally known brand could help improve the estimated 1.5 million square feet of existing retail space within a mile of the proposed Ikea site, said Michael Chen, Tampa's urban development director.

"A lot of this retail is underperforming," he said.

Experts say Ikea's large regional draw should bring enough shoppers and diners into town that all parts of greater downtown can benefit.

"It validates our place as a major market. Ikea does not locate in smaller markets," said Patrick Berman, senior director at commercial real estate firm Cushman & Wakefield. "To me it's great news, like when Neiman Marcus came to International Plaza."

Though Ikea is well known for its low-priced furniture and housewares, it carries an upscale European image that better reflects its 2006 worldwide sales of $22.1 billion. The 29 U.S. stores, part of the 237 worldwide, reported sales of $2.5 billion in 2006.

Ikea plans to eventually have about 50 North American stores.

Ikea's strategy is more about creating a daylong experience than a quick trip to the store. Customers spend hours strolling the massive two-story facility stocked with 50 fully decorated rooms, and rows and rows and rows of affordable housewares.

Natilie Messick has trekked several times from Tampa to Atlanta to spend nearly a day inside Ikea. Afterward, she might head to a movie or dinner.

Being so close to an Ikea could change Messick's shopping approach. The college student already visits Centro Ybor and nearby vintage clothing stores. With Ikea, she may hit it and other shops in shorter, more frequent spurts.

"The reason I like Ybor is the same reason why I like Ikea - it's eclectic, and there's something for everyone," she said.

Ikea Views Tampa As A Hotbed
Ikea spent about five years picking its three Florida locations. Sites under construction in Davie and Orlando are expected to open this year, and Tampa's is expected to break ground about a year from now at the current Tampa International Center.

Ikea's detailed demographic and economic research places its stores within 60 to 80 miles of potential customers. Officials said the Tampa Bay area includes 100,000 active Ikea shoppers - people who travel to other locations or shop online.

Channelside developer Ken Stoltenberg said the frugal company wouldn't spend millions to build in Tampa unless it was going to be a money maker.

"They're not going to invest without those numbers," said Stoltenberg, developer of the Grand Central at Kennedy condominium tower. "They look at where they want to be in the next 20 to 30 years. They think long-term."

Looking at the location, it's clear that Ikea is following a game plan used at its other locations. The massive silver, blue and yellow facility will be located just off the busy Lee Roy Selmon Expressway and just blocks from another key artery: Interstate 4.

The potential that Ikea will add to the already busy roads in the area appears to be the only concern during early discussions. Mayor Pam Iorio made a point to say during the company's announcement that the developer's $1.4 million impact fee will go directly toward improving the roads near the site.

Ybor restaurateur Carmine Iavarone isn't worried about cars driving along 21st and 22nd streets. If anything, that means people visiting Ikea for the day may stop at his 26-year-old Italian eatery on Seventh Avenue.

"Traffic is a good problem to have," said Iavarone, who owns Carmine's.

Ybor Chamber of Commerce President Tom Keating agrees. It's the 500 industrial trucks zooming in and out of the Port of Tampa each day that pose a more serious problem. A planned connector between I-4 and the expressway should alleviate that problem within a few years.

"Ikea's bringing in people with discretionary income. That's our goal, too," Keating said. "If I can get them 100 feet from the district, my job can be a lot easier."

But Berman warns that Channelside and Ybor merchants can't just assume new customers will come. Ybor in particular needs to have a plan to attract Ikea shoppers past a slew of industrial warehouses and over to its hub - Centro Ybor.

"Nobody's going to say, "Hey, Let's walk seven blocks through an industrial park to get to Ybor," he said.

Businesses Will Crop Up, Too
The announcement also will likely attract new retailers and more competition. Berman said he wouldn't be surprised to see other home decor stores, such as Home Depot and Lowe's, locate in the Adamo corridor.

Direct competition for Ikea doesn't exist anywhere near downtown, Channelside or Ybor. The 609,000 square feet of retail in Ybor City, and downtown and Channelside's 305,000 square feet, don't include a single European furniture store that offers Swedish meatballs.

In fact, there's no retailer in the Tampa Bay area that will get gobbled up by Ikea's eclectic range of 10,000 products, said Will Ander, a retail industry consultant in Chicago.

Instead, companies such as Pottery Barn, Rooms To Go and Wal-Mart will see small portions of their revenue depart. For example, those who predicted growth by 6 percent should reduce estimates to 2 or 3 percent, Ander said.

Stoltenberg, who is trying to attract national retailers to his Grand Central condominium and retail project, said once the project is approved he expects Tampa to get more attention. He's optimistic his vacant space and others will have a better chance now.

"I would think a lot more national retailers are going to now take a second look at the area," he said.

BY THE NUMBERS
353,400 Square footage of proposed Ikea store in Tampa

305,000 Square footage of retail space in Channelside and downtown Tampa

609,000 Square footage of Ybor City retail space

100,000 Ikea's current customers in the Tampa Bay area, based on online sales or trips to closest stores

29 Number of Ikea stores in the United States

1,618 Number of planned parking spaces for Ikea's Tampa store

Sources: City of Tampa, Ybor City Chamber of Commerce, Cushman & Wakefield analysis, Ikea
BY THE NUMBERS
Sources: City of Tampa, Ybor City Chamber of Commerce, Cushman & Wakefield analysis, Ikea
Reporter Mary Shedden can be reached at (813) 259-7365 or mshedden@tampatrib.com.


http://www.tbo.com/news/money/MGBS7N2J80F.html

There is a rendering of the IKEA store on page 8 of the Business section of the Tribune. It's nothing special at all: a blue and yellow warehouse infront of a Dale Mabry Highway style parking lot.

The architecture of Ikea's building isn't nearly as important as the fact it will be bringing in a few hundred thousand people annually. They are either going to be driving through Ybor or Downtown. And unlike a mall that usually keeps all of its traffic, there will be a lot of spillover into surrounding businesses.

Right... I think this may be the only instance where a big box retail store wouldn't be a bad thing for this area. Walmart, Target, etc... hell no - IKEA? sure...

edit: although I wouldn't mind seeing a parking garage built instead of a parking lot...

^haha, so true mox.

I might have to move back here, if only for IKEA. Seriously, Tampa is on the right track... Channelside is blossoming and Ybor should be helped, too. I'm anticipating that the Adamo area will slowly but surely transform as well, linking Channelside and Ybor. Wooo.

The Atlanta Ikea has multiple level parking, but it's underground. Something you can't do here. But it's worth noting that Ikea stores don't always have huge surface lots.

Hey, anyone want to go to the city council meeting and demand that part of the approval of this project (and the other retail going in across the street) be connected to the trolley line, and be sited to do so in an effective manner.

This store is going to generate an assload of traffic, and while a furniture store obviously isn't the easiest thing to shop at without vehicular means of delivery, I'm certain that it would be a major boon to the trolley line to be connected to the massive retail cluster sprouting at Adamo and 22nd/21st... We know that car traffic is unavoidable with a destination stores like Ikea and Super Target, but it sure would be nice to at least offer DT area residents a way of avoiding the traffic.

Hey, anyone want to go to the city council meeting and demand that part of the approval of this project (and the other retail going in across the street) be connected to the trolley line, and be sited to do so in an effective manner.

This store is going to generate an assload of traffic, and while a furniture store obviously isn't the easiest thing to shop at without vehicular means of delivery, I'm certain that it would be a major boon to the trolley line to be connected to the massive retail cluster sprouting at Adamo and 22nd/21st... We know that car traffic is unavoidable with a destination stores like Ikea and Super Target, but it sure would be nice to at least offer DT area residents a way of avoiding the traffic.

With the Trolly use decreasing, they probably won't approve it. I'm sorry to say.
But its worth a try. When is a council meeting, if I can go I will, although I don't know if they would listen to me, as I don't live in Tampa City Limits so I can't vote for anyone in the council so who's to say they would listen to me?
But if it is of any help then lemme know the specifics!

Trolley use isn't really decreasing much at all. Convention traffic is what decreased... However, I sincerely hope that they don't further burden the trolley line by boosting fares again any time soon.

I would hope soon that they would revamp the trolley system in genreal as more riders are residents and not neccearily visitors. By revamp I mean increase the speed/effiency, extend the trolley line, possibly make the seats more comfortable, (by filling in the speces between the horizantal bars, atleast I find those uncomfortable) and add stops where it will be apropriatley due as new growth/attractions fill in. Being IKEA such a destination store, it could be one of those attractions.

Trolley use isn't really decreasing much at all. Convention traffic is what decreased... However, I sincerely hope that they don't further burden the trolley line by boosting fares again any time soon.

Well I'm moving into my dorm at U.T in August and I plan on making use of that trolly as much as possible. So Yah!

^What are you majoring in at UT? I've got friends going, too.

Jason, when can we get a general "lounge" thread for Tampa forumers? It's a shame that threads get clogged with garbage posts from me, haha.

Pretty soon... Got a lot of stuff going on... I just now gave us a mod today (Florida Future)

^What are you majoring in at UT? I've got friends going, too.

Jason, when can we get a general "lounge" thread for Tampa forumers? It's a shame that threads get clogged with garbage posts from me, haha.
I'm only going there for a year to get my hardest classes out of the way (ENGLISH 101)
Then I'm going to USF to major in architecture

I'm only going there for a year to get my hardest classes out of the way (ENGLISH 101)
Then I'm going to USF to major in architecture

Hopefully you're on scholarship - UT is pricey. You can't exempt out at USF using SAT or ACT scores? That's too bad. Well, make a great impression at UT and aim for the stars... USF's Architecture program isn't so hot and with good grades you can transfer into pretty much any program in the state...

But if your heart is set of USF, do enjoy. I think you'll have fun at UT.


And congrats to Florida Future. :cheers:

Hopefully you're on scholarship - UT is pricey. You can't exempt out at USF using SAT or ACT scores? That's too bad. Well, make a great impression at UT and aim for the stars... USF's Architecture program isn't so hot and with good grades you can transfer into pretty much any program in the state...

But if your heart is set of USF, do enjoy. I think you'll have fun at UT.


And congrats to Florida Future. :cheers:

Heh, I made a 970 on the SAT.
I suck at tests. I have a 4.01 GPA though
My heart is set on U.T but they don't have an architecture program, so its either USF or UF. and I'd rather stay in Tampa because I know the Professor of Architecture at USF. Plus UF hates me.

Heh, I made a 970 on the SAT.
I suck at tests. I have a 4.01 GPA though
My heart is set on U.T but they don't have an architecture program, so its either USF or UF. and I'd rather stay in Tampa because I know the Professor of Architecture at USF. Plus UF hates me.

Why would UF hate you, lol? They rejected you? I got my first college rejection letter today... from The Cooper Union in NYC. :nuts: They accept about 30 students, so I'm not offended or crushed... I've already put down a deposit elsewhere...

Which USF professor? I have a history with a few of them... I've gotten in minor fights with one at a few AIA events. :lol:

See Jason, this is my way to compel you to make a lounge thread. :nuts:

c'mon guys.... wtf.

c'mon guys.... wtf.

Fine. I think you got the hint. :) I'll keep it on topic...

... although the fight with the architecture professor happened in Ybor City. Doesn't that make it psuedo-topical? /sarcasm.

Thinking Inside The Box

By JANIS D. FROELICH The Tampa Tribune

Published: Apr 26, 2007

YBOR CITY - As quiet as the residences are, it's difficult to imagine that the white block structure was once a beehive of workers manufacturing cigar boxes of every shape and size.

The former Tampa Box Co., 2001 E. Second Ave., recently reopened as the Box Factory Lofts. The exterior restoration is so precise, Tampa Preservation Inc. has nominated the 53-unit building as one of 10 finalists for its annual Preservation Banner Awards to be announced in mid-May.

Nootchie Smith, who started the banner program in 1981, said Box Factory Lofts is among the best reuse of property she has seen in Florida.

"It's quite an asset for the community," she said.

The lofts have high ceilings of original hard pine. Concrete floors and exposed ductwork along with granite countertops and stainless steel kitchen appliances add an urban touch.

Dallas Coffield of Smith & Associates real estate agents said nine units remain available, one- and two-bedroom lofts priced from $214,900 to $335,000.

He said the courtyard of the 68,000-square-foot building, which was constructed in 1915 to replace a wooden one built in 1894, wasn't only for workers to enjoy lunch outdoors.

"There was no electricity in this building," Coffield said. "So the company needed the courtyard for much-needed light plus for cross ventilation."

Now the courtyard is a landscaped pool area where residents have small back porches.

Jason Perry, a vice president at Atlanta-based Miles Development, said his company wasn't looking for a historical building to restore. Instead, Miles wanted to add to its Tampa holdings after building downtown's Art Center Lofts.

"The building just had such neat characteristics," he said of the Box Factory, which was used as a warehouse after the factory closed in the 1960s and had been vacant since the mid-1980s. It was in such poor shape, Miles stripped the warehouse to its shell.

Perry said the Barrio Latino Commission, which oversees construction in Ybor City, understood the challenges.

"If we weren't able to work out the right economics," he said, "the empty building would still be sitting there today."

The building is near the heavily traveled truck routes of 21st and 22nd streets, but Coffield said truck traffic will diminish when an Interstate 4 connector ramp is built in 2009.

"That will be a godsend for this entire area," he said, adding that the industrial stretch of Adamo Drive, where Swedish retailer Ikea recently announced plans for a 350,000-square-foot furniture store, is changing its image.

Box Factory Lofts' next-door neighbor agrees.

The Sponsler, Bennett, Jacobs & Cristal law firm restored the Gulf Millwork & Fixture Co., 1925 E. Second Ave., into offices and plans to add residences.

"We're glad the construction at the Box Factory is over," office manager Barbara Millsaps said, standing inside the firm's building of brick walls and high ceilings. "And hopefully when all the residents move in, we can have a get-together."

As for Adamo area traffic, Millsaps said, "Getting rid of the trucks would be really helpful. This area will continue as an ideal place for lofts and offices, without a doubt."

HISTORY IN A BOX
The Box Factory Lofts site, 2001 E. Second Ave., opened as a branch of the cigar box manufacturer William Wicke Co. in 1894. The wooden building was purchased and renamed the Tampa Box Co. in 1902. In 1915, it was razed and replaced by the block structure that recently was converted to lofts.

In its heyday, the Tampa Box Co.'s more than 200 workers manufactured boxes of all shapes and sizes, specializing in cedar. Cigar boxes accounted for most of the production, but the company also manufactured hardwood boxes for coffee, tea and spices, among other items. Until the 1960s, it was one of the world's largest cigar box manufacturers.

Source: Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library System; Tribune archives

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


http://southtampa.tbo.com/southtampa/MGBKAF05Y0F.html

Here is the rendering for IKEA. The building is very similar to all of the other IKEAs. I just don't like the surface parking one bit.

http://i.a.cnn.net/money/galleries/2007/biz2/0704/gallery.jobs_markets.biz2/images/tampa.jpg

From-
http://money.cnn.com/galleries/2007/biz2/0704/gallery.jobs_markets.biz2/7.html

I have to say that this is arguably my best picture thread ever, even though no one is discussing my pictures. Who would've thought that this would be the thread that everyone would use to discuss Ybor City?

:)

IKEA looks like IKEA. No surprises. Less surface parking, more street interaction. The orientation of that rendering isn't known, though. I'm assuming there will still be garage... the site is rather small. Hopefully one face of the building will interact with a pedestrian-friendly intersection (as busy as the area can be... blech).

The box lofts are quite nice on the inside. I think I've posted pictures. Great, affordable (sort of...) redevelopment.

The IKEA design that has been presented is totally suburban in nature. The store does not front Adamo Drive and there are no plans for any type of pedestrian friendly transportation improvements around the area. NO garage either. Many of the organizations in the area are hoping IKEA will listen and bring the building closer to the street. This IKEA is going to set the tone for future development on Adamo Dr. and it needs to be urban like and pedestrian friendly in my opinion.

If IKEA does not change the plan, I will be certain to be at that City Council meeting and get my 2 cents in.

The IKEA design that has been presented is totally suburban in nature. The store does not front Adamo Drive and there are no plans for any type of pedestrian friendly transportation improvements around the area. NO garage either. Many of the organizations in the area are hoping IKEA will listen and bring the building closer to the street. This IKEA is going to set the tone for future development on Adamo Dr. and it needs to be urban like and pedestrian friendly in my opinion.

I agree!!

I thought Ikea usually builds parking garages for each of their stores. Anyone know of any other Ikea's in the US w/ only a parking lot and no garage?
I agree this building should front the street and they should build a garage.

Jason please keep us updated on any hearings regarding this development.

Don't like the render one bit. The whole building looks like a car dealership and car garage in one. The design is way awful and agree that if such a IKEA comes to the area, it needs to be closer to the street.

Hopefully Jason can give all of our 2 cents in at the City Council meeting

If IKEA does not change the plan, I will be certain to be at that City Council meeting and get my 2 cents in.

Aren't there architectural building restrictions in Ybor. Wtf is this?

Since the site is outside the historic district there are no resrictions. The design doesn't need to pass by the Barrio Latino Commission. Most IKEA's in the US only have surface parking. ATL is one of those exceptions because of the uniqueness and small size of the site. A parking garage is cost prohibitive for most developments. I'd love to see a parking garage which would leave space for other retail outlets on the site but I won't be picky. ONly thing I'd like to see is the building moved closer to the street. WE WANT IKEA!!!

Yep, it's outside the district, which is across the street. I think that if they can extend it east into irrelevant crap, then they can extend it south and east to capture this parcel. And then they can make Ikea cough up with a garage, and some outparcels that can be developed into complimentary establishments. And then the city can cough up some incentives to make it happen, and then my taxes can actually go to something useful for a change. Problem solved. :-)

Yep, it's outside the district, which is across the street. I think that if they can extend it east into irrelevant crap, then they can extend it south and east to capture this parcel. And then they can make Ikea cough up with a garage, and some outparcels that can be developed into complimentary establishments. And then the city can cough up some incentives to make it happen, and then my taxes can actually go to something useful for a change. Problem solved. :-)

AND We can get rid of this enviroment killing suburban piece of crap...
Hmm, a Brick Ikea... with a parking garage.... SOUNDS EXCELLENT to me!!!!

I was down at Ybor last weekend. I noticed they are now allowing parking on 7th at night on the weekend. It's a 2 hour limit. I seem to remember that you could not park on 7th Thur-Sun nights.

^right, and before that, you couldn't even drive on it for over a decade because Ybor was so successful... Well, the city took care of that... I took a date (someone new to town) to Ybor a couple of weeks ago and was embarrassed it was so dead. We ate dinner and hauled ass.

Too many demands on the Ybor IKEA and the developer will move out to Brandon or Riverview. The neighborhood has some suggestions on what can be done differently but in no way will they demand a brick IKEA or a parking garage. I hope no one here would make those demands. IKEA is good for Ybor and Tampa...lets not kill it.

Parking garages are not uncommon in Tampa/Ybor like they are outside the city. They are beneficial to shoppers (shorter walk, cooler car, protection from rain, etc) and allow more creative use of land. Even smaller projects are getting garages, like Target on Dale Mabry/275 and the proposed Westshore shopping center.

There are two decently sized parking garages in Ybor and another in Channelside. Even more just down the street. It would be great if Ikea could help spur more development and put a garage on the south side of Ybor.

The way land prices are going in that area it just makes sense to build up not out. Out parcels and what not would be a lot more valuable than parking spaces that sit empty much of the time.

You bet I think there should be a garage. As I've said before, I don't care if the city has to pony up something to make it work... That land is too valuable imo to be paved over for surface parking. Hell, build a garage and use the other 5-10 acres left over to make a park for crying out loud. Or save it for future development or whatever.

I would be OK with the city putting up some cash as well. It could be used for special events too as the existing garages fill up really quickly as it stands. It would be really nice if the street car could go by because that would hook up the garage with Channelside and downtown, but that's a bit too optimistic.

I think brick is a silly standing point. There just aren't brick Ikea stores (not to mention brick just isn't Ikea's style). But there are ones with a garage and that makes a lot more sense.

I'm big on brick, but IKEA is far away enough from the historical district for non-brick to be just fine. That said, if IKEA doesn't like the fact that they have to be urban when coming in to an urban community, then frankly I don't want them here. As long as the don't go in the 'burbs it's all good.

Eventually, that land would be eaten up anyway once a development boom creeps North from Channelside to Adamo.

I'm big on brick, but IKEA is far away enough from the historical district for non-brick to be just fine. That said, if IKEA doesn't like the fact that they have to be urban when coming in to an urban community, then frankly I don't want them here. As long as the don't go in the 'burbs it's all good.

Eventually, that land would be eaten up anyway once a development boom creeps North from Channelside to Adamo.

I agree because that is an URBAN area and to put up a suburban piece of trash design is a joke/slap in the face to Tampa.

^I wouldn't go that far... I just think that at least having a garage allows for a better use of the remaining land, and is a reasonable expectation for such a location.

^right, and before that, you couldn't even drive on it for over a decade because Ybor was so successful... Well, the city took care of that... I took a date (someone new to town) to Ybor a couple of weeks ago and was embarrassed it was so dead. We ate dinner and hauled ass.

Again, the city alone is not responsible for the decline of nightlife in Ybor. Other factors like the opening of Channelside and International Plaza and the spike in violent crimes had a huge influence.

You couldnt drive down 7th ave because it was closed to vehicles. And the opening of 7th ave, although it has hurt business it has also resulted in dramatic lowering of crime.

If you were looking for the same carnival atmosphere that Ybor had when 7th was open, then maybe in comparison it is dead. But on a regular Fri-Sat night the sidewalks a pretty busy.

Again, the city alone is not responsible for the decline of nightlife in Ybor. Other factors like the opening of Channelside and International Plaza and the spike in violent crimes had a huge influence.
I seriously doubt that it is a coincidence that the demand for entertainment choices in town spiked at the same time that the city was killing Ybor.

Ybor soaked up the growing demand in the area for entertainment venues for years, and then when the city started killing Ybor's nightlife, the demand had nowhere to go, so developers stumbled all over themselves to build places to capture that demand elsewhere in town.

Sure, the city has helped to get rid of the some of the crime in Ybor... But they dumbly thought that they could somehow scare off the low end and keep the high end... The problem is, Ybor isn't high end.

I seriously doubt that it is a coincidence that the demand for entertainment choices in town spiked at the same time that the city was killing Ybor.

Ybor soaked up the growing demand in the area for entertainment venues for years, and then when the city started killing Ybor's nightlife, the demand had nowhere to go, so developers stumbled all over themselves to build places to capture that demand elsewhere in town.

Sure, the city has helped to get rid of the some of the crime in Ybor... But they dumbly thought that they could somehow scare off the low end and keep the high end... The problem is, Ybor isn't high end.

Well the main point is most entertainment districts are not safe places to be.
You can't have your cake and eat it too I suppose.

While 7th Ave. isn't as busy as it was a few years back you still won't see any sidewalk or road as busy as 7th Ave. anywhere in the Tampa Bay area on a Friay or Saturday night. Ybor, despite the decline in business, is still quite busy and has a very lively atmosphere.

Ybor is going through a transition right now...from young drunken party goers to an older crowd which will spend more money. The city is doing a lot to market to an older crowd and will soon start a program to give more retail buinsess an incentive to move to Ybor (depending on budget cuts of course).

While 7th Ave. isn't as busy as it was a few years back you still won't see any sidewalk or road as busy as 7th Ave. anywhere in the Tampa Bay area on a Friay or Saturday night. Ybor, despite the decline in business, is still quite busy and has a very lively atmosphere.

Ybor is going through a transition right now...from young drunken party goers to an older crowd which will spend more money. The city is doing a lot to market to an older crowd and will soon start a program to give more retail buinsess an incentive to move to Ybor (depending on budget cuts of course).

I think that transition is a mistake... Channelside, as it stands right now, markets to an older crowd it seems.

I think they should have left Ybor alone. It had a great niche, that I enjoyed being a part of. I will be 40 in Sept, I miss the Old Ybor. I find it quite boring there now.:goodnight
I think the city is at least partly responsible for Ybor's demise. By the way, the young punk asses are still there, only in greater numbers. they just don't show up till about 11 P.M.

Why does every God Damn area in Tampa have to be "family Oriented". Are people without children not welcome in Tampa. Even people with children like to get out once in a while and get a little crazy.:cheers:

Agreed. LEt it do what it does. LEt it grow as it will grow. The city screws with everything - that is my biggest complaint against Iorio

Glad to see that others enjoy Ybor for what it was. I think 7th is starting to rebound a little now that Centro isn't doing so well. I have seen a few more thrift/clothing retailers open on 7th in the past year (reminiscent of the pre-centro days). Now if someone would only reopen the masquerade venue...

The Masquerade's old management opened up a venue in Ybor called Crowbar and it's my new fav. It's better than the Masq in a lot of ways because it's smaller. There are a lot of really good acts that just don't fill a space like the Masq and it ruins the vibe to be in a half empty venue.

^^ Ooops forgot they opened Crowbar. I've been there a few times, great venue. My only complaint is I wish they had a better beer selection. I agree that there are not enough acts to fill up the Masq. I just meant that I hate seeing the venue empty. Lots of other things could go on there.

Oh definitely. It's right in the middle of things and is lame to have empty. But for music I think Crowbar is more useful.

While I'm at it, what's up with the Ybor being dead talk? 7th may not be flooded with drunk 18 year olds like it was before, but it's still a really busy area. Even outside of Friday and Saturday. Crowbar had a really good showing when I was there on Monday. The Castle is usually packed on Thursdays. Bernini was busy for lunch on Wednesday. Etc etc.

^Ybor's status as a desireable place for entertainment is a mere shadow of what it used to be... These days, the entire district is lucky to get 30k visitors over the weekend... At its pre-destruction peak, 30k visitors would have been a below average single weekend night.

This area is not full of rich people, and frankly, it isn't exactly full of families either. It is a city of retirees, middle-class workers and younger folks trying to get by... Ybor city grew up by serving this market entertainment needs so well that its reputation as an entertainment hotspot was quickly growing to regional and even somewhat national proportions... And now? The city has all but killed Ybor's nightlife for the average 20-35yr old, middle-class resident, because they decided that Ybor should dedicate itself to serving a market which isn't big enough here to sustain all of the development built to cater to it ('upscale' types)... Those in the government responsible for this need to be held accountable.

The market is big enough - but why would a family go to Ybor?

You need a party district - every cool city has one. THey should let it be

Ybor's Ups And Downs
By JANIS D. FROELICH FRAN COSTANTINO, The Tampa Tribune

Published: May 23, 2007

YBOR CITY - Arturo Fuente Jr. has seen many changes since his family purchased the building housing its Tampa Sweethearts Cigar Co. in the early 1970s. Some have been good. Some not so good.

The area stretching from Fourth Avenue to Adamo Drive isn't as tidy as the rest of Ybor City. But its mix of residential, parking and industrial doesn't bother Fuente, whose family's three-story brick factory at 1310 N. 22nd St. now houses sales offices, not cigar rollers.

What concerns Fuente are the dilapidated buildings and houses on the east side of Ybor, including two near his office.

In September, a tractor-trailer slammed into the pink building at 2102 Fourth Ave. that housed Latin Pollo restaurant and Lares Auto Repair, crumbling the back end.

Today, the building looks much as it did after the crash, except for a wire fence around the deserted businesses and wooden pilings on the side.

Then there's the green two-story house at 1513 22{+n}{+d} St. Last year, a fire damaged the building, which remains charred, its windows open and filthy curtains blowing in the breeze.

'It's a shame,' Fuente said. 'You just don't equate such negligence with our historic district.'

He said he's sympathetic to accidents happening: A portion of his brick wall was destroyed recently by a vehicle veering off truck-clogged 22{+n}{+d} Street.

With its offices newly remodeled, Tampa Sweethearts plans to turn attention to the exterior of its 1895-built factory, with fresh paint and an improved brick wall. Fuente wants others in the area, where people used to stroll from Seventh Avenue to dine in restaurants and visit shops, to help fix up the corridor.

Bill Doherty, the city's deputy code enforcement director, said many properties damaged by fire or traffic in the truck route extending from the Port of Tampa to 21{+s}{+t} and 22{+n}{+d} streets need extra time to conform to Barrio Latino Commission requirements.

The commission oversees construction and renovation projects in Ybor City.

'We have hardship cases here,' Doherty said, citing the 2102 Fourth Ave. building. He said its owners, Richard and Hilda Guzman of Land O' Lakes, have asked for code-violation extensions on renovating the 1992-built structure as insurance litigation continues.

Doherty said the Guzmans complied with department requests to shore up the building.

'I know it doesn't look that well,' he said. 'But we've been reassured that the collapsed roof will be addressed as soon as the cash flow problem is settled.'

Fran Costantino, president of the East Ybor City Historic & Civic Association and a real estate agent who began listing property east of 22{+n}{+d} Street in 1999, said the fire-damaged house is part of a package of properties she's trying to sell.

It's one of three houses along 22{+n}{+d} between Fourth and Fifth avenues owned by Danny Tomlinson and William Atkins of Valrico, according to property records.

'Ybor City used to stop at the Columbia Restaurant,' Costantino said. 'That was the Mason-Dixon line. Now the historic district has been extended, and a lot of work is being done. It's all coming along. It just takes time.'

Fuente suggests the owners of the two damaged structures adopt the approach taken with a Seventh Avenue building devastated by a November fire.

A green screen hides the faade and the second floor, which has been mostly gutted until renovations begin.

'This may be more to keep falling debris off the sidewalk,' he said, 'but it also works to make it nice and appealing for now.'

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

http://southtampa2.tbo.com/content/2007/may/23/ybors-ups-and-downs/?news

Anyone know what the city council had to say about Ikea? That was supposed to go up for approval today. The local media has nothing up on it.

From Dingfelder's tone, I assume it will pass or have a few tweaks then pass

I did tune in for that part. 99% of it was positive from both residents speaking and the councilmembers. The only fairly major issue was with signage, as the city considers flags as "signs", and anyone that's been to an IKEA knows that there are lots of flags at every entrance. The staffperson (who really gets on my nerves and seems to reject everything) said that IKEA was asking for a "400% overage" on signage, but it was later clarified that these were just flags. Even the landscaping staffperson who also gave some negative news later admitted it was just minor, and was nodding her head in approval through the rest of the presentation.

This one looks like its going to sail through, which I'm really happy about. All of the community came out in strong support, which was nice to see as well. IKEA played this one very well ...

This was never an issue. THey just have to show that the bureaucrats will not roll over for anyone - then they will move on

Rolling over is exactly what they are doing...

I guess beggars can't be choosers. :)

So is it going to be the typical IKEA design? I hope not, I WANT BRICK!!

I think it would be great to maintain the brick buildings but insisting that everyone else do the same is, in my opinion, why Ybor is such a wasteland. That Tampa International Center is a worthless building and anything would be better in its place. Hell, even WalMart would be better. At least I'd have somewhere to get groceries or pharmaceuticals. Ybor City NEEDS a grocery store and a CVS/Walgreens but I feel that they are not bothering because of the Bario Latino. In the meantime there are buildings falling apart vacant all over Ybor.

Let Ikea build what they want because the last thing we need is more businesses moving to North Tampa.

I think it would be great to maintain the brick buildings but insisting that everyone else do the same is, in my opinion, why Ybor is such a wasteland. That Tampa International Center is a worthless building and anything would be better in its place. Hell, even WalMart would be better. At least I'd have somewhere to get groceries or pharmaceuticals. Ybor City NEEDS a grocery store and a CVS/Walgreens but I feel that they are not bothering because of the Bario Latino. In the meantime there are buildings falling apart vacant all over Ybor.

Let Ikea build what they want because the last thing we need is more businesses moving to North Tampa.

I say... Ikea should have to abide by the zoning rules there, and I'm pretty sure that its a Urban zone so they shouldn't build a suburban building there.

So is it going to be the typical IKEA design? I hope not, I WANT BRICK!!

Brick? No thanks. How boring would that be.

I think it would be great to maintain the brick buildings but insisting that everyone else do the same is, in my opinion, why Ybor is such a wasteland. That Tampa International Center is a worthless building and anything would be better in its place. Hell, even WalMart would be better. At least I'd have somewhere to get groceries or pharmaceuticals. Ybor City NEEDS a grocery store and a CVS/Walgreens but I feel that they are not bothering because of the Bario Latino. In the meantime there are buildings falling apart vacant all over Ybor.

Let Ikea build what they want because the last thing we need is more businesses moving to North Tampa.

So true, TIC and most of Adamo is very ugly and anything is an improvement. One thing to note about IKea is that they will draw people from far away and are not dependent on the immediate residents, they just needed a large piece of land. A grocery or drug store will depend almost completely on local Ybor residents. As soon as the population can support it the grocery stores, etc will build in Ybor. You should have something closer by in Channelside soon.

Where do you go now? I couldn't think of anything close. Is the Kash and Karry still open near I275 off of Nebraska?

I say... Ikea should have to abide by the zoning rules there, and I'm pretty sure that its a Urban zone so they shouldn't build a suburban building there.

Considering the current neighbors on Adamo currently include (almost exclusively) industry and nude bars, I'm guessing the zoning restrictions aren't too tough. This isn't in the historic section of Ybor or anything.

Where do you go now? I couldn't think of anything close. Is the Kash and Karry still open near I275 off of Nebraska?

I think it's still open however, that part of town is not exactly my cup of tea if you know what I mean...

Considering the current neighbors on Adamo currently include (almost exclusively) industry and nude bars, I'm guessing the zoning restrictions aren't too tough. This isn't in the historic section of Ybor or anything.

But it is zoned as URBAN, and I looked at the buildings in that area and most of them are urban.

Kash n' Karry, now sweetbay, is still open on Nebraska. The central park redeveloplment will include a grocery store on-site, not sure which one yet but I will keep you posted.

Here are my pics of Ybor City from today:

Buildings on 7th
http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o236/JordanA_015/Buildings210.jpg

http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o236/JordanA_015/Buildings207.jpg

http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o236/JordanA_015/Buildings211.jpg

http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o236/JordanA_015/Buildings212.jpg

http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o236/JordanA_015/Buildings214.jpg

The Italian Club
http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o236/JordanA_015/Buildings213.jpg

http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o236/JordanA_015/Buildings215.jpg

Ybor Square, I had lunch at the Spaghetti Warehouse which is always a good meal
http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o236/JordanA_015/Buildings201.jpg

http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o236/JordanA_015/Buildings200.jpg

http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o236/JordanA_015/Buildings202.jpg

Jose Marti Park
http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o236/JordanA_015/Buildings203.jpg

Statue of Roland Manteiga, founder of La Gaceta
http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o236/JordanA_015/Buildings204.jpg

Townhomes, Lofts and Condos
http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o236/JordanA_015/Buildings205.jpg

Centro Ybor form 7th
http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o236/JordanA_015/Buildings206.jpg

Some new offices
http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o236/JordanA_015/Buildings208.jpg

South Beach or Ybor?
http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o236/JordanA_015/Buildings209.jpg

This is a location of the weekly market
http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o236/JordanA_015/Buildings216.jpg

http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o236/JordanA_015/Buildings218.jpg

8th Street Sidewalk
http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o236/JordanA_015/Buildings217.jpg

Am I the only one disgusted by the popularity of The Spaghetti Warehouse? Cheap, mediocre food at an inflated cost. Blech.

Very nice pics... now if we could get some PEOPLE there during the daytime that would be great!

And agreed on the Spaghetti Warehouse. It's been making its bucks with its name, but really it's pretty mediocre food... For the price just go to Bella's... much, much better

I wish Tampa gov't. paid for a facelift for Ybor. Ybor is way too rundown and needs basically a upgrade of the buildings, streetscape, and landscaping, aswell as a push for more restaurants/ bars for the area.

They could start by making 7th brick again instead of ugly asphault!

They could start by making 7th brick again instead of ugly asphault!
And that is why I included streetscpae, for that simple reason. :okay:

Ybor business owners were already up in arms with the drainage related street closers this year, they definitely would throw a fit if the city tried to close 7th while they paved it in bricks. I think the city just needs to lay off and not threaten all the businesses already there.

yeah, lay off of ybor. let it do its own thing....

i like the (remaining) charm of ybor.

yeah, laugh off of ybor. let it do its own thing....

i like the (remaining) charm of ybor.

Last time we let Ybor do what it wanted they had to raze so much.
7th ave is disgusting and definatly should be fixed, whether it should be brick? I think so, but I would only put it on from after 13th to 22nd that's 2/3rds of a mile.
If you think that leaving Ybor alone would do anything, I ask that you consult the book Ybor City: Making of a Landmark Town
There is a picture of Ybor before and after Urban Renewal, and it is very scarey.
Let's just say... It looks empty.

wow! The things ya learn I tell ya. . . :dunno:

We tried to go to Ybor this past weekend and didn't even make it out of the parking garage. To many scary people. They should really clean the area up.

^That is part of the problem. The city is trying ot turn Ybor into a family friendly place when in reality, it is right next to some of the roughest parts of town. So, you end up with a place that families don't want to go to, but also a place where people hitting up clubs that may not mind slightly rougher crowds are moved away due to attempted "familytizing."

Ybor is in no way a desirable location, but atleast in the past it had a niche it could be used for.

Nice pictures of Ybor City. It looks just as nice in the daytime, although it doesn't have as much of a "New Orleans" feel to it when the sun is out (at least to me).

Umm, it was the well-meaning over planners of urban renewal who tried to master plan the area that ruined Ybor, not organic growth. Before Iorio started screwing with it, Ybor was going along at a decent pace . . leave it alone. You need a place to party. Someone may not take their kids there, but so what, not every place needs to be for kids. . .

Umm, it was the well-meaning over planners of urban renewal who tried to master plan the area that ruined Ybor, not organic growth. Before Iorio started screwing with it, Ybor was going along at a decent pace . . leave it alone. You need a place to party. Someone may not take their kids there, but so what, not every place needs to be for kids. . .

Thanks. The (dying) charm of Ybor lies in the fact that it isn't a place for kids. It's a gritty, authentic, vibrant area.

Well the reason we left shortly after getting out of our cars is the fact there was a "gang" of kids that pulled knives on each other right in the parking garage and were attempting to fight. I don't know too many party types who would even put up with that.

Umm, it was the well-meaning over planners of urban renewal who tried to master plan the area that ruined Ybor, not organic growth. Before Iorio started screwing with it, Ybor was going along at a decent pace . . leave it alone. You need a place to party. Someone may not take their kids there, but so what, not every place needs to be for kids. . .

UH? Were you alive when Ybor was left alone?
My parents have lived here since the 60's and they told me Ybor was AWFUL before the Urban Renewers did anything. You have NO idea what Ybor was like. It was a HUGE slum until they did something about it. 7th Ave, was as bad as everything else back then. You can't leave it alone. You have to regulate it a little bit, and you also have to clean up whats around it.
I am totally against leaving it alone because if we do... we will have to demolish what is left because we let it get too run down.
I'm not saying over regulate it and turn it into a family place, but you can't let it turn into a ghetto again.

Well the reason we left shortly after getting out of our cars is the fact there was a "gang" of kids that pulled knives on each other right in the parking garage and were attempting to fight. I don't know too many party types who would even put up with that.

Welcome to the neighborhood... THIS is why Ybor will NEVER be a Disneyfied hang out for exurban soccer moms and their kids from Iowa, no matter how many unqualified fools in government think differently.

Ybor is totally ringed by low income areas, and unless the city plans on moving about 15,000 people somewhere else, this is the way it's going to be for a long, long time to come.


This is again one of those complete planning no-brainers, that some idiot in government somehow decided he knew better than reality... Somebody pushed this plan, and somebody put this plan into action... Whoever it was, they need to be fired asap, before they screw up something else.

UH? Were you alive when Ybor was left alone?
My parents have lived here since the 60's and they told me Ybor was AWFUL before the Urban Renewers did anything. You have NO idea what Ybor was like. It was a HUGE slum until they did something about it. 7th Ave, was as bad as everything else back then. You can't leave it alone. You have to regulate it a little bit, and you also have to clean up whats around it.
I am totally against leaving it alone because if we do... we will have to demolish what is left because we let it get too run down.
I'm not saying over regulate it and turn it into a family place, but you can't let it turn into a ghetto again.

I have lived here for a long time . . .

And I know many people born in Ybor . . .

I do not need to be lectured about Tampa history . . . and if you don't believe me, ask the other folks on the board . . .

I stand by what I said and defy you to prove me wrong.

Making a point is one thing - challenging someone's knowledge, that is something else. . . I don't think you want to go there.

^lolol...

I'd certainly appreciate a little Ybor city history lesson and some meat on the facts, not just opinions fallin' from the bones.

Maybe you can offer up some facts for thought, Smiley. ;)

I'd certainly appreciate a little Ybor city history lesson and some meat on the facts, not just opinions fallin' from the bones.

Maybe you can offer up some facts for thought, Smiley. ;)

If you want some Ybor history I've mentioned it before but read the book Ybor City: Making of a Land Mark Town They have some really interesting pictures of Ybor, like Ybor before and after Urban Renewal, I-4, OLD paintings and pictures, cultural areas of Ybor, and much more.

Here's an article about an exhibition the ybor city state museum had last year:

http://tampa.creativeloafing.com/gyrobase/Content?oid=oid%3A30183
It has a bit of fact in it. I found another good article on the history of Tampa politics and planning during the height of and leading up to urban renewal. I will link you to it once I can find it again.

JBrisco, I don't know how much more regulation you could possibly want, but the historic district is already under so much regulation and I thought I saw somewhere that the Barrio Latina commission is considering expanding the boundaries of the historic district further out to the east.

Found the article I was thinking of:

http://kong.lib.usf.edu:1801/metsviewer//archobj?TOCCHOICE=10

It is from the Tampa Bay History journal that the USF Dept. of History use to put out. Luckily I hear they might be starting it up again. This article and some of the other journal articles in the USF digital libraries are really interesting.

I mean regulations in making sure the buildings are being kept up well and making sure the owners repair all thats needed to be repaired. That's it.

Clubs fuel tempest in a shot glass

http://hillsborough.tampabay.com/2007/06/01/images/TCTybor450.jpg

By ALEXANDRA ZAYAS

Published June 1, 2007

With little more than a day's notice, 35 residents and business owners in the Historic Ybor Neighborhood Civic Association mustered an emergency meeting last week.

The newspaper headlines called for action:

A man was fatally shot over the weekend, minutes after being kicked out of Empire Nightclub for fighting with the alleged gunman.

Neighbors had griped about crime surrounding Empire and its nightclub neighbor Fuel for about a year. They'd even met with Mayor Pam Iorio last fall to discuss their worries.

"Enough is enough. We're fed up with what's going on," association president Tony LaColla said when he found out about the shooting.

"It's hurting business. It's going against our plan to bring more people to Ybor."

The neighbors needed to act fast, they decided. The city needed to get more involved. Police needed to do more.

Empire Nightclub and Club Fuel share the 1900 block of E Seventh Avenue. Drink specials and nonstop hip-hop draw huge crowds on weekend nights.

Neighbors say they also draw trouble.

In 2002, two of Empire's bouncers were shot after telling a man to take off his knit cap. One died. The gunman got two life sentences.

Last fall, a Temple Terrace man was stabbed to death in a parking lot outside Empire, also after an argument.

In 2003, a man was stabbed on Club Fuel's dance floor and survived. Two years later, a man was shot outside the club.

That same year, 2,000 teenagers left an "All Ages High School Party" at Club Fuel and flooded the streets. It took 30 police officers and a helicopter to keep them under control.

After the most recent shooting at Empire, Tampa police Lt. Diane Hobley-Burney said she couldn't comment on the club because the shooting happened between individuals, outside.

But she did say that violent crime in Ybor City, including murders and robberies, is down 15 percent.

Residents don't question that the police presence in Ybor City is high.

"The perpetrators have been busted, so it shows police are on top of things," LaColla said.

But they have several concerns. One is that off-duty police officers are hired and paid privately by clubs to act as security guards. LaColla wonders if uneven wages among clubs might cause the guards to favor some establishments over others.

Also, security guards typically escort people who fight at the clubs off the property, LaColla said. He wonders if more could be done.

"Maybe they need to be brought to detox," LaColla said. "Maybe they need to be brought to jail."

After being bombarded with e-mails by Ybor residents, City Council chairwoman Gwendolyn Miller asked police last week to create a report on how the megaclubs factor into crime in Ybor. The report is due to the council Thursday.

"We need to kind of control what's going on, because we are trying to get Ybor City back to where it should be," Miller said. "And now people are going to be afraid to go to Ybor City."

Through Tampa police spokeswoman Laura McElroy, District 3 Cmdr. Maj. Robert Guidara declined to comment for this story.

"He's uncomfortable talking about the problem until he has put together this report to City Council," McElroy said.

Representatives of Empire and Fuel could not be reached for comment.

But after the Sunday shooting, Empire owner Ken Grossman told the Times that people are patted down for weapons when they walk into his club. There's nothing he can do, he said, to stop problems that spill into the streets.

Last week, Grossman met with the neighborhood association president for the first time. LaColla left feeling optimistic.

"They were willing to work with us and they said, 'Hey, give us your solutions, give us your ideas and we'll see what we can do.' At least Empire is," LaColla said. "Club Fuel - I don't believe they're interested in dealing with the neighborhood right now."

The same day police give their report, Club Fuel chief financial officer Richard MacKizer will stand trial for the club's allegedly violating the city's noise code, a criminal offense punishable by up to 60 days in jail, a $500 fine or six months' probation.

Club Fuel has been cited eight times, including at least three warnings, for pumping its bass too loud, said prosecutor David Shobe. That's the highest number of noise violations at a club in Ybor City.

Two other Fuel associates face similar charges for noise violations: Jai Lalwani and Joseph Azzi, who is no longer with the club. Their charges were filed after MacKizer's.

If any of them are found guilty, the City Council would have the chance to review the club's wet zoning, which is required for alcohol sales, and possibly suspend or revoke its permits.

Miller says she is tracking the court cases and won't hesitate to call a hearing.

"I'd be willing to revoke their license," Miller said. "I'm for the neighbors. I know how it is when you're in a neighborhood like that."

Miller isn't stopping with the police, she said.

"I think really it's a wet-zoning issue. That's drawing them to the clubs, and I think we need to look into whether they're doing it correctly. If they're abusing their wet-zoning licenses, we need to do something about it."

Residents sent a letter Monday to the mayor, City Council members, the city attorney's office and all of the city's neighborhood association presidents pitching their own amendments to the city wet-zoning code.

The residents want a "conditional use permit" that would apply to all bars within 500 feet of a residence that have a maximum occupancy of 250 or more.

They want clubs to require bouncers to attend a training program, to post rules of conduct prominently outside, and to create plans of action to deal with fights, drugs, intoxicated patrons, underage drinking and loitering. If any of these conditions are violated, a club should lose its wet zoning, the residents say.

Independently of Ybor residents, the City Council is reviewing and changing the wet zoning permitting process. The city attorney's office is studying the neighborhood's ideas to see if they can apply to the city's revisions.

Any changes wouldn't affect Empire or Fuel - they're already grandfathered into current guidelines. But revisions would apply to any new club that opens.

LaColla welcomes the broader approach.

"We have to do more than just look at one specific nightclub," he said. "There's underlying issues that need to be addressed."

Residents continue their struggle to diversify the types of entertainment in Ybor City.

"That's really one of our biggest concerns," LaColla said. Residents want "more restaurants, retail, more activities for everyone."
Miller agreed: "You don't need all those clubs."

Alexandra Zayas can be reached at 226-3354 or azayas@sptimes.com.

IF YOU GO:

Talking about it

The Tampa City Council will discuss Ybor nightlife and crime at 9 a.m. Thursday in council chambers, at 315 E Kennedy Blvd. downtown.

[Last modified June 1, 2007, 00:59:02]
___________________________

Here's a chance for everyone to express themselves - especially those of you who believe that the politicos just can't seem to get it right. ;)

I've read countless comments in this forum as to why Ybor is failing - the strongest critique blames the politicians (mainly Iorio of course) and the residents' attempts to roll back Ybor's niche as a party center in an unwise goal to make it more "family friendly."

Well, here's a chance to explain to your representatives and the community why it is unwise to destroy Ybor's Marti Gras potential and how penalizing these money-making clubs will kill Ybor.

Tell them why they need more clubs, not less; tell them why children belong in other parts of Tampa not Ybor, especially during the evening/nights. Offer ideas that would make Ybor more attractive to locals and visitors alike...

Just point out the failure of Centro Ybor - you know, that other worthless mayor's failed attempt at the "family friendly" thing and its ultimate cost to the taxpayer.

Tell them why the "family friendly" residential development thingie is destroying the area because of all the additional rules and regulations that shadow the new development.

Gather your friends and collectively express yourself! but do your homework first. After all, you'll be on television for all to see. ;)

b.t.w. I don't believe the previous mayor was worthless, nor is the current mayor - just a touch of sarcasm of course, but that's just my personal opinion which I realize ain't worth shit to anyone here.

I'm cool wit dat. :cheers:

I wonder what time they'll actually discuss it... I might be able to get down there on my lunch...

Clubs fuel tempest in a shot glass

I've read countless comments in this forum as to why Ybor is failing - the strongest critique blames the politicians (mainly Iorio of course) and the residents' attempts to roll back Ybor's niche as a party center in an unwise goal to make it more "family friendly."



You guys have this all wrong. As a Ybor resident, we don't want all the clubs to close, we dont want Ybor to be "family friendly". Heck, the reason why we love Ybor is EXACTLY because it is, to quote another poster "a gritty, authentic, vibrant" place. We just want the one or two that are bringing a bad crowd to Ybor. I know its hard to understand but you dont live here 24/7 and see drug deals happening a block away from your place.
The conditional use permit amendment is a great way to control irresponsible club owners that dont care about the neighborhood they are in, they just care about making money. If you have ever seen Fuel in the day light, it is evident by the look of it. The building looks like crap and in a deteriorating condition.
It sucks that the bohemian clubs closed (Masquerade, etc), it sucks that a lot of the great venues are disappearing and that Ybor is not what it used to be in the 90s. I totally agree with you guys. But what you have to realize is that Ybor city is NOT an entertainment district. It is a national historic landmark district first, that happens to have a lot of clubs in it. Is the French Quarter known as the "French Quarter Entertainment District"? It is a lot more than just that! What the residents want is for Ybor to become a more well-rounded neighborhood with more residential development, with more retail and restaurants, AND great bars. Please realize that Ybor is the only place in Tampa that comes even near close to being a real urban, pedestrian friendly, big-city type neighborhood and it shouldnt be just a strip of nightclubs.

In closing I would like to say, Ybor will NEVER die. As long as the historic buildings remain and great urban-minded people move to Ybor, the place will never lose its charm.

Oh yeah, and I will be there on Thursday.

^It doesn't matter what you want as a resident, all that matters is what the agenda driven leaders think.


In closing I would like to say, Ybor will NEVER die. As long as the historic buildings remain and great urban-minded people move to Ybor, the place will never lose its charm.
As best I can tell, these are precisely the people the city is scaring off, whether they're trying to or not..

While I don't agree with chasing the clubs out of Ybor. These two clubs are by far the biggest trouble makers. Getting rid of these two may actually help.

Hopefully they will leave the property wet zoned so that a more responsible owner can open a club in their place

Ybor Residents Seek End To Crime

By ELLEN GEDALIUS The Tampa Tribune

Published: Jun 7, 2007

TAMPA - May was a rough month in Ybor City.

A fatal shooting. A holdup at gunpoint. Other armed robberies, as well as aggravated assaults.

The turmoil has prompted Ybor City residents to e-mail Tampa City Hall, asking the city council to do something - anything - to help.

The city council is scheduled to listen today. Some residents said they will try to be there to talk about how crime is bringing down their neighborhood. Tampa police Maj. Bob Guidara will attend and talk about crime rates in the entertainment district. Council members likely will discuss whether they can control nightclubs by yanking alcohol permits.

"They need to decide what they want Ybor City to be," resident Jill Scott said. "We thought it was to be an up-and-coming area for young professionals, where people would not be stabbed. But it's bedlam."

Last month, in an Ybor City parking lot, a man squared off with another man at gunpoint. A suspect was charged with armed robbery and aggravated assault. Another suspect was charged with armed robbery.

A few days later, six teens were charged with armed robbery and kidnapping, accused of holding up five people at gunpoint and invading a woman's apartment.

In a separate incident, a man was fatally shot near the Empire nightclub.

Tampa Mayor Pam Iorio has tried to infuse a more family-friendly atmosphere into Ybor City. Architectural firms have opened offices there. The city reopened Seventh Avenue to traffic on weekend nights. A marketing campaign aims to sell people on Ybor's food and culture.

Crime is down, the Tampa Police Department says. Though robbery is up about 3 percent from 2005 to 2006, aggravated assault is down about 11 percent and larcenies are down 43 percent.

For the first five months of this year, minor criminal offenses are down about 7 percent compared with the same period last year.

But as Guidara acknowledges, problems persist.

"Any time you have an entertainment district, you have problems associated with that district," the police major said. "Ybor takes on a different image after midnight. Ybor becomes a hard-core entertainment district as it becomes later in the morning.

"Is Ybor safe?" Guidara continued. "It's as safe as we can make it."

'We're Scared'
Residents want the city to do more.

Sherry Matone said a bouncer once climbed on the roof of her home. And someone once smashed a rock through a window.

She wants the council to better enforce the noise ordinance, and she wants more police protection.

"We're scared," Matone said.

Scott wants to see the Empire and Club Fuel shut down.

"They're in an inappropriate spot," she said.

Owners and managers of the clubs could not be reached for comment Wednesday.

During an eight-month period starting in October, Club Fuel was the scene of 51 arrests; Empire was the scene of 19 arrests. An additional 49 arrests were made in the parking lot behind the clubs, according to police statistics.

"To blame the clubs for all the problems is I don't think fair," Guidara said. But they do contribute, he said.

Alcohol, Dirt Lots Problematic
Tony LaColla, president of the Historic Ybor Neighborhood Civic Association, said he and his neighbors had a brainstorming session a few weeks ago in an attempt to come up with ideas to improve Ybor.

They want to see the city issue conditional wet-zoning permits for large clubs in Ybor City.

If people loiter, violate the noise ordinance or cause other problems at a club, its ability to serve alcohol should be pulled, LaColla said.

They also want to see the city get rid of the dirt parking lots in the entertainment district. They bring crime, trash and noise, he said.

"We want the city council to understand there are problems in Ybor City that can't only be addressed with police presence," LaColla said. "We have to get to some of the root causes of crime."

Reporter Ellen Gedalius can be reached at (813) 259-7679 or egedalius@tampatrib.com.


http://www.tbo.com/news/metro/MGBF74WLM2F.html

TBO Forum- Would you take your family to Ybor? (http://www.tboforums.com/index.php/forums/viewthread/1424/)

Wankers.

That Tony guy sent out an email to the Ybor Association and he totally comes off as a racist. Part of the problem with that crowd is that half of them don't even live in Ybor City. They don't patronize the legitimate establishments every day like those who live here but want to legislate all the businesses into the ground. All this talk of clamping down on liquor licenses and loitering in my opinion puts more strain on the businesses that have a place in Ybor and have minor affects on clubs like Empire (lets be honest, people have been getting killed at Empire for like 20 years).

Ybor city needs more UNIFORMED patrol officers. Undercover cops do nothing to deter crime. We need emergency call boxes on dark street corners (like at college campuses) and maybe some surveillance cameras. Hell, post a damn SWAT mobile across from Fuel and Empire.

Ybor Residents Seek End To Crime
MOVE OUT!!!


Tampa Mayor Pam Iorio has tried to infuse a more family-friendly atmosphere into Ybor City
lololol... I guess our 'leaders' still don't understand that yuppy families and the ghetto just don't mix.

This is what happens when a city's citizens allow their government to be run by people who don't know what in the hell they are doing. Peoples' lives are adversely affected... Stop voting people into office who don't know what they are doing, or who are only there to serve their own careers and their moneyed base, and many of these ills would be diminished.

It shouldn't have taken a genius to realize years ago that encouraging upscale development in the middle of a large ghetto that isn't changing for the better was a recipe for disaster.

Council Weighs Ideas To Make Ybor Safer

By ELLEN GEDALIUS The Tampa Tribune

Published: Jun 8, 2007

TAMPA - Get rid of the surface parking lots in Ybor City.

Charge business owners a special assessment to pay for increased police presence.

Force bars to close earlier.

Those were some of the ideas city council members offered Thursday as ways to combat crime and other problems in the Ybor City entertainment district.

The council took no official action but spent plenty of time hearing from police and neighborhood representatives about problems in the area. The discussion was spurred by several crimes in Ybor City this past month, including shootings, robberies and aggravated assaults.

Tampa Police Maj. Bob Guidara told council members that Ybor City is safer today than it has been in the past.

He acknowledged continued problems, though, particularly after midnight. Noise complaints, underage drinking and drug use are among the problems. Many of the problems tend to be around two clubs, Fuel and Empire.

The Tampa Police Department deploys about 50 officers to the area on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings, draining resources from other parts of the city, Guidara said.

That irked Councilman Joseph Caetano.

"The city should not be putting 50 police officers down there and denying other neighborhoods police officers," he said.

He suggested the city consider creating a special assessment in the district to pay for increased police protection. If created, business owners, rather than residents, would foot the bill.

Guidara said Mayor Pam Iorio and Police Chief Stephen Hogue are discussing funding options to provide more police officers.

Councilman John Dingfelder suggested the city's legal staff look into whether the city could require club owners - either all of them or the most troublesome ones - to close early. Under existing rules, businesses cannot serve alcohol after 3 a.m.

"I am always told nothing good happens after midnight," Dingfelder said.

Tony LaColla, president of the Historic Ybor Neighborhood Civic Association, encouraged the council to issue conditional wet-zoning permits to businesses in Ybor City.

"We can't tolerate this club-related violence," LaColla said. "We believe if a club is a nuisance, you have to shut it down."

LaColla also has complained about surface parking lots, arguing that they invite loitering, drug use, fights and other problems. Tom Keating, head of the Ybor City Chamber of Commerce, agreed that something needs to be done.

Councilwoman Linda Saul-Sena said she wants the city's legal department to see whether the city can get rid of the surface parking lots.

As it is, she said, many of the parking lots don't comply with city codes that require the lots to be landscaped, paved and have adequate drainage.

Reporter Ellen Gedalius can be reached at (813)259-7679 or egedalius@tampatrib.com.


http://www.tbo.com/news/metro/MGB7MOSZN2F.html

That Tony guy sent out an email to the Ybor Association and he totally comes off as a racist.

That "Tony guy" is far from racist. He went to a black high school, and grew up in a mixed household with black siblings and foster brothers and sisters. There is a difference between "Black" people and gangbangers and thugs. He did use the term "gangbangers and thugs" but those terms can mean anyone, not just black people.

Thug culture is dangerous to our society. Look it up!!! Thug culture promotes violence, lack of respect for human life and feelings, promiscuity, and going to jail as a badge of honor. Are these the people you want walking your streets??????? This is really a fight against "Thug Culture" in Ybor City.

Shutting down a majority black club is NOT a racist move. It's trying to rid Ybor of an element that is killing business for everyone else. If all the other clubs in Ybor can follow the rules, keep their building up, and bring in a law abiding crowd...why can't Fuel? The residents of Ybor want to see Fuel gone, the businesses want to see Fuel gone, and the Police want to see Fuel gone. When you have so many entities that desire to see a club go away there must really be a problem.

Tony is doing what the neighborhood association members have asked him to do as their elected representative. He would prefer not to be changing city polciy but the vast majority of the association have not only asked but demanded change.

He lives one block from Fuel and hears it every weekend. He sees drug deals going down, people fighting, and has been nearly beaten down by thugs.

Every member of the civic association is either a resident of the area or a land owner. ALL of the board members live in Ybor City and many have been in the area for years fighting the same fight. This is nothing new.

"I am always told nothing good happens after midnight," Dingfelder said.

Just in case you thought it was possible that Dingfelder was in touch, he made it so easy to let you know that he shouldn't be anywhere near decisions about entertainment districts.

Also, Tony LaColla needs to shut up. He bought his condo in Ybor less than a year ago. He's the new neighbor, the clubs were there wellllll before him. They are definitely no worse than last year, Ybor is tamer these days. Maybe he's just upset that he paid $280,000 for an 1100 sq foot condo right next to the ghetto.

Close Fuel and most of the problem will be solved until the thugs find another club to ruin.

I wish they'd make Ybor City more of a Glenwood South area like they have in Raleigh...now that is a nice, clean entertainment type district. There are actually a few pictures of it over on the Raleigh development thread now.

Some of you have probably seen this before, but Fuel's owners have big business goals. They are wannabe real estate developers. Their big idea for St Pete was rejected by the neighborhood (too tall they said). Anyway, it's worth a few chuckles:

http://www.fuelgroupinternational.com

(on a side note, Tony LaColla bought his condo through one of "Fuel Group International's affiliate real estate broker companies"... Whatever that means. It would be hilarious if that mean LaColla actually gave Fuel money, but I really doubt that's the case. They seem more like an all talk "company" than anything else.)

Also, Tony LaColla needs to shut up. He bought his condo in Ybor less than a year ago. He's the new neighbor, the clubs were there wellllll before him. They are definitely no worse than last year, Ybor is tamer these days. Maybe he's just upset that he paid $280,000 for an 1100 sq foot condo right next to the ghetto.

Jasonhouse & Jonknee: the argument you guys are using is totally mute. Gentrification of a neighborhood is something that happens everywhere in the United States. It is always a few people who move to an up-and-coming neighborhood who complain about the problems and gather up support from neighbors and businesses who actually improve the neighborhood. This is what happened in Hyde Park during the 80s. It was a very bad part of town that improved over time when people started moving to the area and fixing up the old houses. Just giving up on a place is not the answer and asking the residents of a neighborhood to stop complaining about the problems or "move out" is going to go on deaf ears.
Ybor is a great neighborhood to live in. It is really beautiful and keeps drawing tourists everyday. I may have moved next to the "ghetto" but I am proud of that. I am an urban pioneer, I see potential in the area and refuse to give up to the crime problems and move to the bland suburbs of Tampa (or even South Tampa). Besides, with Channelside next to it and with Central Park revitalization project coming up, the whole area will be less ghetto-fied.
Just because the clubs were there before the new wave of residents moved in doesnt mean they have the right to run the place and do whatever they want. Ybor is a national historic landmark district FIRST not an entertainment district. There are condos and lofts going up for upwards of 400K. Forbes Magazine named it one of the top 10 neighborhoods in the US to buy in because of appreciation. Now if you call that the ghetto then who doesnt want to live there?

Jasonhouse & Jonknee: the argument you guys are using is totally mute. Gentrification of a neighborhood is something that happens everywhere in the United States. It is always a few people who move to an up-and-coming neighborhood who complain about the problems and gather up support from neighbors and businesses who actually improve the neighborhood. This is what happened in Hyde Park during the 80s. It was a very bad part of town that improved over time when people started moving to the area and fixing up the old houses. Just giving up on a place is not the answer and asking the residents of a neighborhood to stop complaining about the problems or "move out" is going to go on deaf ears.
Ybor is a great neighborhood to live in. It is really beautiful and keeps drawing tourists everyday. I may have moved next to the "ghetto" but I am proud of that. I am an urban pioneer, I see potential in the area and refuse to give up to the crime problems and move to the bland suburbs of Tampa (or even South Tampa). Besides, with Channelside next to it and with Central Park revitalization project coming up, the whole area will be less ghetto-fied.
Just because the clubs were there before the new wave of residents moved in doesnt mean they have the right to run the place and do whatever they want. Ybor is a national historic landmark district FIRST not an entertainment district. There are condos and lofts going up for upwards of 400K. Forbes Magazine named it one of the top 10 neighborhoods in the US to buy in because of appreciation. Now if you call that the ghetto then who doesnt want to live there?

I totally agree with everything you just said.

Let me also remind everyone that Ybor City has been a residential area for well over 100 years!!!! The clubs came into the neighborhood. The residents who were already here have been complaining for years and years. Do you expect someone who has owned a home for 15, 20, or 50 years to move so that clubs can run the area anyway they like?

Go to any major city and you won't find clubs spewing music into the air like Fuel does.

Ybor City is a great place to live and will be even better in 5-10 years once the raminaing out of control clubs are gone and retail/restaurants are thriving because their clientele isn't being run off.

Oh...and by the way. The local bars and restaurants in Ybor City are looking at ways to control Club Fuel now too. Mr. Emoore625 will also need to call the owner of The Castle, Gaspars Grotto, Wranglers, Dirty Shame, Metropolitain Cigars, the Acropolis, and many more racists as well.

Omoore625 needs to realize that Tony LaColla is acting as a spokesperson for the Ybor Civic Association, not himself. Don't critisize him for being willing to stand up for what his association is asking him to do. He should be applauded for volunteering to take on the job. I am a neighborhood president and sometimes asked to do things I really don't care to do. Don;t shoot the messenger.

I have seen the interviews and watched council meeting. Mr. LaColla could be out demanding the club be closed down but instead he and his association are looking at ways of making sure future clubs don't cause problems in the historic district.

You all will see Ybor become a better place becasue of LaColla and the association. Like I tell people in my neighborhood who don't like what the association is doing "Join the association, become active in the association, come to the meetings and be part of the discussion!"

First off, I don't even like Empire and Fuel. However to say they cater to gangsters and thugs is a bit off. They play hip hop and cater to those who like hip hop. After all, historically speaking, I believe the Columbia and the Italian Club also have a history of catering to gangsters and thugs.

I am in HYNCA. All they are is a bunch of NIMBYs who would reject any business in our neighborhood for the sake of preservation or some nonsense. All they do is drive businesses out of Ybor. Then surprise surprise, the building mysteriously burns down to make way for yet another dirt parking lot.

They send out an email for all those in the Quarter to complain to the cops if Fuel keeps them up at night. I've been outside, on Palm avenue and STILL haven't heard Fuel at all... let alone enough that would keep me up at night. I am much more concerned with my neighbors upstairs who are always screaming at each other every night.

The problem is there is a clash of cultures right now between the low income people who surround Ybor City and the upper middle class people moving in. Same thing happened in Seminole Heights.

I ask the question again... Where are the police? Where are the police? Where are the police?

I believe the Columbia and the Italian Club also have a history of catering to gangsters and thugs

HISTORY is the word, and the city DID do something back then to quell the supposed gangsters. We don't have a shooting or a stabbing at the Columbia or the Italian club every other month now do we. The previous poster was right, Ybor has been residential for over a hundred years and the clubs did not come in and establish 7th ave as their main drag until the late 60's. It is time for a change. 99% of the people who visit these clubs come from at least a 15 minute car ride away. They leave the area when they are done harassing the residents. Who is going to invest in Tampa when its main attractions are Busch Gardens and Ybor. People on this forum complain about the condo market in Ybor or Channelside, or why the Olympics did not come yada yada. Who wants to live in Ybor with even the remote chance of having harm done to you or your family. And don't come back with "I live in Ybor" without telling me what's the occupancy rate of your building 60? 50? 40? 30%??? Then compare that to condos elsewhere S Tampa Northdale etc.... Crime does not belong anywhere. If cause "A" is Causing "X" amount of the crime in a community, common sense states that if you remove it crime will drop. People want things done to Tampa, people on this forum want parks, museums, roads transportation....the long term tax revenue of a community with mixed residence and stores produce more city revenue than bar after bar after bar posing as a restaurant. People ask, "where are the police?" Imagine if we had full scale enforcement like St Petersburg tried in the 1990's....some would call it racist or there would be 2 nights of rioting. We always have to tipy toe around the problems. I'll stop rambling it's too late.....that my half complete thought opinion. .......

MOVE OUT!!!



lololol... I guess our 'leaders' still don't understand that yuppy families and the ghetto just don't mix.

This is what happens when a city's citizens allow their government to be run by people who don't know what in the hell they are doing. Peoples' lives are adversely affected... Stop voting people into office who don't know what they are doing, or who are only there to serve their own careers and their moneyed base, and many of these ills would be diminished.

It shouldn't have taken a genius to realize years ago that encouraging upscale development in the middle of a large ghetto that isn't changing for the better was a recipe for disaster.

:ohno:

Jasonhouse & Jonknee: the argument you guys are using is totally mute. Gentrification of a neighborhood is something that happens everywhere in the United States. It is always a few people who move to an up-and-coming neighborhood who complain about the problems and gather up support from neighbors and businesses who actually improve the neighborhood. This is what happened in Hyde Park during the 80s. It was a very bad part of town that improved over time when people started moving to the area and fixing up the old houses. Just giving up on a place is not the answer and asking the residents of a neighborhood to stop complaining about the problems or "move out" is going to go on deaf ears.
Ybor is a great neighborhood to live in. It is really beautiful and keeps drawing tourists everyday. I may have moved next to the "ghetto" but I am proud of that. I am an urban pioneer, I see potential in the area and refuse to give up to the crime problems and move to the bland suburbs of Tampa (or even South Tampa). Besides, with Channelside next to it and with Central Park revitalization project coming up, the whole area will be less ghetto-fied.
Just because the clubs were there before the new wave of residents moved in doesnt mean they have the right to run the place and do whatever they want. Ybor is a national historic landmark district FIRST not an entertainment district. There are condos and lofts going up for upwards of 400K. Forbes Magazine named it one of the top 10 neighborhoods in the US to buy in because of appreciation. Now if you call that the ghetto then who doesnt want to live there?

Thank you!