DT Tampa's Zack Street Promenade Of The Arts begins

jonknee · February 16th, 2012, 04:05 PM

This has been talked about for years, but the initial phase is funded and will begin construction shortly. They're going to narrow the street and expand the sidewalk. The full design is available here [PDF].

http://www.tampagov.net/appl_tampa_a...ReleaseID=8944

Tampa, FL February 13, 2012 - Construction of phase 1 of the Zack Street Promenade of the Arts will begin today, February 13, 2012.

"Zack Street is the critical link between Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park on the river and the Classic Federal Courthouse, soon to become a boutique hotel. The increased pedestrian activity alone will stimulate economic growth and transform Zack Street," said Mayor Bob Buckhorn.

The over $1.2 million investment consists of the construction of a pedestrian-friendly area with an emphasis on the integration of public art into the streetscape. The project was designed by Graham-Booth Landscape Architecture and the contractor will be Trimar Construction, Inc.

The construction is expected to be complete by August of 2012. During construction of the project traffic will be maintained at all times on Zack Street.

For more information on the Zack Street Promenade of the Arts, please visit tampagov.net.

For additional information, please contact David Vaughn, Director of Contract Administration Department, at (813) 274-8568 or by email at David.Vaugh@tampagov.net.

kmthurman · February 16th, 2012, 04:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jonknee

This has been talked about for years, but the initial phase is funded and will begin construction shortly. They're going to narrow the street and expand the sidewalk. The full design is available here [PDF].

http://www.tampagov.net/appl_tampa_a...ReleaseID=8944

There is a small hope this type of project could get extended down the street even further in future years. In the Proposal for the winner of the hotel they offered to pay to help pay and maintain any extension in the couple blocks to the new hotel. won't be in this project, but when developers ask for stuff like this it makes it much more likely to happen.

jonknee · February 16th, 2012, 04:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kmthurman

There is a small hope this type of project could get extended down the street even further in future years. In the Proposal for the winner of the hotel they offered to pay to help pay and maintain any extension in the couple blocks to the new hotel. won't be in this project, but when developers ask for stuff like this it makes it much more likely to happen.

The full plan has it going all the way to Nebraska. This portion runs from Ashley to Florida, which is definitely the most trafficked portion and a good starting place. Florida/Zack is also where the hotel would start, so we should at least be able to get to Marion (the next block). It would probably be worth emailing the mayor's office about since the development plans for the hotel are just getting started.

kmthurman · February 16th, 2012, 05:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jonknee

The full plan has it going all the way to Nebraska. This portion runs from Ashley to Florida, which is definitely the most trafficked portion and a good starting place. Florida/Zack is also where the hotel would start, so we should at least be able to get to Marion (the next block). It would probably be worth emailing the mayor's office about since the development plans for the hotel are just getting started.

Oh the mayor's office is aware of the offer, but this phase is set -- look at the end date (complete by convention). Its more a question of what happens with the next phase, what is in it and how it is extended into Zone B and if it extends north/south onto other blocks. That won't start until 2013 at minimum and would begin after the Downtown/Nebraska master plan so that will likely influence any expansion concepts as well.

Jasonhouse · February 16th, 2012, 10:34 PM

Does this plan do anything to encourage complimentary development along the corridor? Such as encouraging existing building owers to convert ground level space into retail stalls? Or waive/amend downtown's nonsensical parking reqs, so that a few of the numerous small surface lots along this corridor could be redeveloped into smaller infill scaled for the pedestrian? This project seems superficial to me.

kmthurman · February 17th, 2012, 12:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jasonhouse

Does this plan do anything to encourage complimentary development along the corridor? Such as encouraging existing building owers to convert ground level space into retail stalls? Or waive/amend downtown's nonsensical parking reqs, so that a few of the numerous small surface lots along this corridor could be redeveloped into smaller infill scaled for the pedestrian? This project seems superficial to me.

This project is just what it reads as. It's good but not good enough. The long term good is the aiding of the sidewalks and public art. But none of the suggestions you name are part of it. But the sidewalks give us one less thing to do on one less street

jonknee · February 23rd, 2012, 05:08 PM

They have already put up fencing and started cutting into the street. Should prove interesting and after a couple of years the trees should be great.

Tampa to dress up downtown Zack Street with public art before RNC begins Aug. 27

DOWNTOWN — First the skyscrapers, then a giant waterfront park, new museums and lots of new restaurants. The renovation of downtown has been a slow but dramatic process since 2005 but one thing has been lacking:

Something eye-catching to tie it all together.

The city recently unveiled its first shot at that goal with the Zack Street Promenade of the Arts project, which will overhaul three downtown blocks that lead to Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park with public art, sculptures, signs, trees and shaded benches.

"Zack Street is the critical link between Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park on the river and the classic federal courthouse soon to become a boutique hotel," Mayor Bob Buckhorn said in a statement. "The increased pedestrian activity alone will stimulate economic growth and transform Zack Street."

The $1.2 million project began last week and is scheduled to be completed by Aug. 4 — in time to show off during the Republican National Convention the week of Aug. 27. It will include sidewalk art, a backlit vertical glass sculpture adorned by vines, pavers featuring medallions with snippets of Tampa history, artistic benches, ornate street lighting, wider portions of sidewalk and many new trees and plants.

"No matter where you're walking on Zack Street, you're always going to find something new and different that will always engage you," said Phil Graham, principal and landscape architect of Graham-Booth Landscape Architecture overseeing the project.

A yet-to-be disclosed local artist's work will be turned into a giant tile mosaic on a concrete column. Bioswale technology and design will allow rainwater to be collected, sifted and put back into the surrounding landscaping. Although the project's completion is months away, downtown workers and residents can expect to see art projects popping up on the street in May, Graham said.

The project stretches along Zack, from Franklin Street to Curtis Hixon Park at Ashley Drive. In future years, the city would like to extend the remodeling to all 10 blocks of Zack between Ashley and Nebraska Avenue.

Since at least 2005, the Zack Street project has been in city discussions, first dubbed an "Avenue of the Arts." The city chose Zack as its first downtown sidewalk remodeling project for several reasons. It's close to the Tampa Museum of Art, as well as the Tampa Firefighters and Glazer Children's museums. The Tampa Theatre, Union Station and the old federal courthouse are also nearby. And the street runs like an arrow straight to the entrance of Curtis Hixon Park.

"There was an obvious tie to Curtis Hixon Park," Graham said, "and the proximity of Zack Street to other cultural destinations."

The project incorporated input from businesses and property owners along Zack — some who have agreed to install art on their private properties to accentuate the street's redesign. Business owners said they expect the project to bring even more people downtown to retail stores, restaurants and Curtis Hixon.

"I think it'll be fantastic for the flow of people to have a scenic walk all the way to the park," said Mike Przybycin, general manager of Pizza Fusion, inside the SkyPoint highrise along Zack. "We love being across the street from the park, and obviously we love foot traffic."

Del Mayberry · February 23rd, 2012, 08:39 PM

Zack is a two way street, correct? What are some of the main street business there? I've been on Zack, but can't remember exactly what's there.

Jasonhouse · February 23rd, 2012, 10:10 PM

^There's next to nothing that actually fronts Zack and opens onto it that is of any interest to the public (or even accessible by the public). You've got the couple of places on the southern side of Skypoint, and a bodega and a sandwich shop on the north side of Zack near Fl Ave. And that's literally it, all the way from Curtis Hixon Park to Nebraska Ave. Everything else is vacant land, vacant building or is a private office.

tampasteve · February 23rd, 2012, 11:10 PM

Would have been nice to take it one more block to tie in with the Marion St. transit way.

Oh well, it is still a great improvement for the area.

Steve

smiley · February 23rd, 2012, 11:12 PM

Tampasphere covered it - look a few items down.
http://tampasphere.wordpress.com/201...dup-2-17-2012/

jonknee · February 23rd, 2012, 11:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tampasteve

Would have been nice to take it one more block to tie in with the Marion St. transit way.

Oh well, it is still a great improvement for the area.

Steve

This is phase 1 of 3 (IIRC). The full plan has it going all the way to Nebraska. That would be a nice tie in with the train station.

koopalicious · February 24th, 2012, 12:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jasonhouse

^There's next to nothing that actually fronts Zack and opens onto it that is of any interest to the public (or even accessible by the public). You've got the couple of places on the southern side of Skypoint, and a bodega and a sandwich shop on the north side of Zack near Fl Ave. And that's literally it, all the way from Curtis Hixon Park to Nebraska Ave. Everything else is vacant land, vacant building or is a private office.

http://www.bizjournals.com/tampabay/...ail-space.html

Jasonhouse · February 24th, 2012, 01:29 AM

^Whoops my bad.

Nevermind about the retail along Zack near Florida... They were all evicted by the landlord in December, and the parcel will now be turned into... wait for it... a PARKING GARAGE.

Welcome to Tampa!

HARTride 2012 · February 24th, 2012, 02:05 AM

Rather it be a garage than a barren lot.

***I-275westcoastfl*** · February 24th, 2012, 02:23 AM

Because we don't have enough parking lots and structures..

Jasonhouse · February 24th, 2012, 02:38 AM

Bro, people will need a place to park, so that they can enjoy this über-awesome Promenade Of The Arts™!

TampaMike · February 24th, 2012, 04:17 AM

The parking garage isn't approved or really even proposed, Rojo was just chosen to design a parking garage for the site. Which wouldn't be a bad thing since you have the former courthouse hotel across the street. I don't get the fear of having a garage taller than the courthouse though when you have buildings on 3 of the 4 opposite sides taller than the courthouse.

Let's see if the city actually does the Promenade of the Arts in this area right of course. One, don't have a barren wall along Zack for the garage. You're going to have this corridor and then a hotel across the street, the area will definitely need retail over many other areas we complain about. Second, don't even dare to put the entrance and exit on Zack. Just. Common. Sense.

Jasonhouse · February 24th, 2012, 04:49 AM

Plus, the county courthouse parking garage is taller than the courthouse itself, so this new project would be in keeping with DT Tampa's existing vernacular.

tampasteve · February 24th, 2012, 02:32 PM

I know it is a wish...but who is to say that they do not provision for retail in the base of the garage? Could happen....but this is Tampa.

Steve

February 16th, 2012, 04:05 PM	#1
jonknee Downtown resident Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Tampa Posts: 2,285 Likes (Received): 0	DT Tampa's Zack Street Promenade Of The Arts begins This has been talked about for years, but the initial phase is funded and will begin construction shortly. They're going to narrow the street and expand the sidewalk. The full design is available here [PDF]. http://www.tampagov.net/appl_tampa_a...ReleaseID=8944 Tampa, FL February 13, 2012 - Construction of phase 1 of the Zack Street Promenade of the Arts will begin today, February 13, 2012. "Zack Street is the critical link between Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park on the river and the Classic Federal Courthouse, soon to become a boutique hotel. The increased pedestrian activity alone will stimulate economic growth and transform Zack Street," said Mayor Bob Buckhorn. The over $1.2 million investment consists of the construction of a pedestrian-friendly area with an emphasis on the integration of public art into the streetscape. The project was designed by Graham-Booth Landscape Architecture and the contractor will be Trimar Construction, Inc. The construction is expected to be complete by August of 2012. During construction of the project traffic will be maintained at all times on Zack Street. For more information on the Zack Street Promenade of the Arts, please visit tampagov.net. For additional information, please contact David Vaughn, Director of Contract Administration Department, at (813) 274-8568 or by email at David.Vaugh@tampagov.net. __________________ What I've been up to in the kitchen

February 16th, 2012, 10:34 PM	#5
Jasonhouse Registered User Join Date: Jul 2002 Posts: 12,272 Likes (Received): 8	Does this plan do anything to encourage complimentary development along the corridor? Such as encouraging existing building owers to convert ground level space into retail stalls? Or waive/amend downtown's nonsensical parking reqs, so that a few of the numerous small surface lots along this corridor could be redeveloped into smaller infill scaled for the pedestrian? This project seems superficial to me. Last edited by Jasonhouse; February 16th, 2012 at 11:22 PM.

February 23rd, 2012, 05:08 PM	#7
jonknee Downtown resident Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Tampa Posts: 2,285 Likes (Received): 0	They have already put up fencing and started cutting into the street. Should prove interesting and after a couple of years the trees should be great. Tampa to dress up downtown Zack Street with public art before RNC begins Aug. 27 DOWNTOWN — First the skyscrapers, then a giant waterfront park, new museums and lots of new restaurants. The renovation of downtown has been a slow but dramatic process since 2005 but one thing has been lacking: Something eye-catching to tie it all together. The city recently unveiled its first shot at that goal with the Zack Street Promenade of the Arts project, which will overhaul three downtown blocks that lead to Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park with public art, sculptures, signs, trees and shaded benches. "Zack Street is the critical link between Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park on the river and the classic federal courthouse soon to become a boutique hotel," Mayor Bob Buckhorn said in a statement. "The increased pedestrian activity alone will stimulate economic growth and transform Zack Street." The $1.2 million project began last week and is scheduled to be completed by Aug. 4 — in time to show off during the Republican National Convention the week of Aug. 27. It will include sidewalk art, a backlit vertical glass sculpture adorned by vines, pavers featuring medallions with snippets of Tampa history, artistic benches, ornate street lighting, wider portions of sidewalk and many new trees and plants. "No matter where you're walking on Zack Street, you're always going to find something new and different that will always engage you," said Phil Graham, principal and landscape architect of Graham-Booth Landscape Architecture overseeing the project. A yet-to-be disclosed local artist's work will be turned into a giant tile mosaic on a concrete column. Bioswale technology and design will allow rainwater to be collected, sifted and put back into the surrounding landscaping. Although the project's completion is months away, downtown workers and residents can expect to see art projects popping up on the street in May, Graham said. The project stretches along Zack, from Franklin Street to Curtis Hixon Park at Ashley Drive. In future years, the city would like to extend the remodeling to all 10 blocks of Zack between Ashley and Nebraska Avenue. Since at least 2005, the Zack Street project has been in city discussions, first dubbed an "Avenue of the Arts." The city chose Zack as its first downtown sidewalk remodeling project for several reasons. It's close to the Tampa Museum of Art, as well as the Tampa Firefighters and Glazer Children's museums. The Tampa Theatre, Union Station and the old federal courthouse are also nearby. And the street runs like an arrow straight to the entrance of Curtis Hixon Park. "There was an obvious tie to Curtis Hixon Park," Graham said, "and the proximity of Zack Street to other cultural destinations." The project incorporated input from businesses and property owners along Zack — some who have agreed to install art on their private properties to accentuate the street's redesign. Business owners said they expect the project to bring even more people downtown to retail stores, restaurants and Curtis Hixon. "I think it'll be fantastic for the flow of people to have a scenic walk all the way to the park," said Mike Przybycin, general manager of Pizza Fusion, inside the SkyPoint highrise along Zack. "We love being across the street from the park, and obviously we love foot traffic." __________________ What I've been up to in the kitchen

February 23rd, 2012, 11:10 PM	#10
tampasteve Registered User Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Tampa Posts: 2,365 Likes (Received): 2	Would have been nice to take it one more block to tie in with the Marion St. transit way. Oh well, it is still a great improvement for the area. Steve __________________ Homer: Face it, Marge, Catholics rule! We got Boston, South America, the good part of Ireland, and we're makin' serious inroads in Mozambique, baby! "My badger's gonna unleash hell on your ass. Badgertastic!"

February 23rd, 2012, 11:12 PM	#11
smiley Registered User Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Tampa Posts: 4,097 Likes (Received): 0	Tampasphere covered it - look a few items down. http://tampasphere.wordpress.com/201...dup-2-17-2012/ __________________ Do I contradict myself? Well then, I contradict myself. I am large. I contain multitudes. I don't pretend 'cause I don't care.

February 23rd, 2012, 08:39 PM	#8
Del Mayberry Registered User Join Date: Feb 2011 Posts: 495 Likes (Received): 0	Zack is a two way street, correct? What are some of the main street business there? I've been on Zack, but can't remember exactly what's there.

February 23rd, 2012, 10:10 PM	#9
Jasonhouse Registered User Join Date: Jul 2002 Posts: 12,272 Likes (Received): 8	^There's next to nothing that actually fronts Zack and opens onto it that is of any interest to the public (or even accessible by the public). You've got the couple of places on the southern side of Skypoint, and a bodega and a sandwich shop on the north side of Zack near Fl Ave. And that's literally it, all the way from Curtis Hixon Park to Nebraska Ave. Everything else is vacant land, vacant building or is a private office.

February 24th, 2012, 01:29 AM	#14
Jasonhouse Registered User Join Date: Jul 2002 Posts: 12,272 Likes (Received): 8	^Whoops my bad. Nevermind about the retail along Zack near Florida... They were all evicted by the landlord in December, and the parcel will now be turned into... wait for it... a PARKING GARAGE. Welcome to Tampa!

February 24th, 2012, 02:05 AM	#15
HARTride 2012 Let's go... Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Tampa, FL Posts: 10,104 Likes (Received): 24	Rather it be a garage than a barren lot. __________________ Public Transit As Told By HARTride 2012 - Public Transit told from a unique perspective! - Tampa Bay, New York City, Hampton Roads, Europe \| Follow me on Twitter \| "Like" my page on Facebook

February 24th, 2012, 02:23 AM	#16
*I-275westcoastfl* Jestem Hardkorem Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Clearwater, Florida Posts: 5,541 Likes (Received): 29	Because we don't have enough parking lots and structures..

February 24th, 2012, 02:38 AM	#17
Jasonhouse Registered User Join Date: Jul 2002 Posts: 12,272 Likes (Received): 8	Bro, people will need a place to park, so that they can enjoy this über-awesome Promenade Of The Arts™!

February 24th, 2012, 04:17 AM	#18
TampaMike Moderator Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Tampa, Florida Posts: 6,142 Likes (Received): 5	The parking garage isn't approved or really even proposed, Rojo was just chosen to design a parking garage for the site. Which wouldn't be a bad thing since you have the former courthouse hotel across the street. I don't get the fear of having a garage taller than the courthouse though when you have buildings on 3 of the 4 opposite sides taller than the courthouse. Let's see if the city actually does the Promenade of the Arts in this area right of course. One, don't have a barren wall along Zack for the garage. You're going to have this corridor and then a hotel across the street, the area will definitely need retail over many other areas we complain about. Second, don't even dare to put the entrance and exit on Zack. Just. Common. Sense. __________________ Corporations Are People Too - Mitt Romney For the People that dress up like Corporations.

February 24th, 2012, 04:49 AM	#19
Jasonhouse Registered User Join Date: Jul 2002 Posts: 12,272 Likes (Received): 8	Plus, the county courthouse parking garage is taller than the courthouse itself, so this new project would be in keeping with DT Tampa's existing vernacular.

February 24th, 2012, 02:32 PM	#20
tampasteve Registered User Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Tampa Posts: 2,365 Likes (Received): 2	I know it is a wish...but who is to say that they do not provision for retail in the base of the garage? Could happen....but this is Tampa. Steve __________________ Homer: Face it, Marge, Catholics rule! We got Boston, South America, the good part of Ireland, and we're makin' serious inroads in Mozambique, baby! "My badger's gonna unleash hell on your ass. Badgertastic!"

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