CHANNELSIDE | Bell Channelside | 6 stories | 422 rental units | complete - Page 3

FloridaFuture · October 14th, 2007, 05:47 PM

FloridaFuture · December 16th, 2007, 12:19 AM

Apartment Complex In Final Stages

By JANIS D. FROELICH, The Tampa Tribune

Published: December 15, 2007

CHANNEL DISTRICT - It has been four years since Synergy Properties won the right to build an apartment complex on more than 7 acres owned by the city.

In a few months, the first residents will move into the one-, two- and three-bedroom units as a pivotal piece falls into place in this emerging urban neighborhood.

The year of construction for Seaport Channelside was miraculously trouble-free, said Michael DeMarcay, Synergy's vice president.

Little rain. No hurricanes. Cooperation from the city for permits and inspections. In other words, nothing to impede a large apartment complex from rising in a spot surrounded by condominium projects as the former warehouse district becomes a place people call home.

"It's the singular apartment complex in the Channel District," said Dave Parkinson, the city's development services director. "The developer has been very diligent and responsible.

"And it was a piece of land not without its complexities," Parkinson said, referring to the cleanup required by the federal Environmental Protection Agency.

DeMarcay hopes the move-in process also goes without a hitch.

He said he's comfortable with about 35 of the 422 units being filled a month. That will begin at the end of February, and everything should be set, including the courtyard swimming pool, by late 2008. Deposits of $250 are being taken at the leasing office, 1120 E. Twiggs St.

Rents are comparable to those on Harbour Island, said Trish Carney, Seaport's community director. They range from $1,275 for a one-bedroom unit to $3,400 for a two-story penthouse.

Every unit faces a courtyard and has a balcony, DeMarcay said.

Residents will have dry cleaning pickup service, a spa for massages and manicures, a fitness center and air-conditioned storage units. The lobby area will reflect a nautical theme with portholes, blue glass and teak. Six-foot-tall ships ordered from Boston will be on display.

Residents also will have access to a pool table, poker table and plasma TVs.

DeMarcay hopes a deli and other businesses lease the 3,000 to 4,000 square feet of retail space. He originally planned enough space for a grocery store, but the city decided to widen Twiggs to five lanes, taking up Seaport's customer parking.

The five-story parking garage will allow residents to drive to their floor.

"I don't see much elevator usage," DeMarcay said.

Seaport Channelside occupies 6.6 acres, with a 1.3-acre chunk earmarked for a building of about 300 efficiency apartments. The properties are bordered by Twiggs and 12th streets, and Meridian and Raymond avenues.

The complex's rust, blue and yellow buildings are a welcome sight to the city, which used the lot for storage.

"This had zero tax value," Parkinson said. "Now we will soon collect upwards of $1 million a year in revenue. So it's not just a great project for that corner of the Channel District, but it's also a huge economic turnaround."

For information about Seaport Channelside, call (813) 301-0000 or go to www.seaport channelside.com.

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

http://southtampa2.tbo.com/content/2...l-stages/?news

tampaguy75 · December 16th, 2007, 11:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FloridaFuture

He said he's comfortable with about 35 of the 422 units being filled a month. That will begin at the end of February, and everything should be set, including the courtyard swimming pool, by late 2008.

Here is a pic of Seaport that I snapped, today, where they have started painting the exterior. This project still has a long way to go... It's hard to believe that they are going to start move-ins in late February.

TampaMike · December 16th, 2007, 11:19 PM

Thanks for the pic tampaguy. Yeah, I agree with you, I would be surprise if they had move-ins start by February. They still need to finish painting and are they even done with the units? I say they should be done by Late March/Early April

jonknee · December 16th, 2007, 11:27 PM

That's still a couple months off. The units themselves should finish quickly since they are all the same. No customizations from pesky condo buyers.

TampaMike · December 16th, 2007, 11:39 PM

So the Garage is already finish, right?

tampaguy75 · December 17th, 2007, 02:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pres_of_2036

So the Garage is already finish, right?

I think the parking garage is "finished" in that it is topped out.. The apartments on the east side of the parking garage are "topped out" as well.. However, they are still constructing the floors on the west side of the parking garage.

Maxim98 · December 17th, 2007, 10:22 AM

Eww, they look cheap. Here's hoping the finishing touches make up for the dull/textureless facade with the frugal aluminum railings.

Jasonhouse · December 17th, 2007, 04:42 PM

^I would be glad to have spartan exterior detailing if it paid off in better sound mitigation, and something better than the cheapest possible detailing within the units. However, I seriously doubt that's the plan.

randommichael · December 17th, 2007, 08:01 PM

They aren't all that bad...you have to remember they are apartments. It brings welcome density to that area, and I wish we could get a rental tower downtown...not sure if that will ever happen in the near future. I wouldn't mind seeing more similar projects in the area, especially where we currently have empty lots.

I drove down Channelside today, and noticed the old white building next to the city parking garage has been torn down...any idea what is going on there?

Jasonhouse · December 17th, 2007, 08:30 PM

^White building next to which garage?

TPAMAN · December 17th, 2007, 09:57 PM

That's where Mercury is planning to build their 3rd tower.

TampaMike · December 17th, 2007, 10:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by randommichael

They aren't all that bad...you have to remember they are apartments. It brings welcome density to that area, and I wish we could get a rental tower downtown...not sure if that will ever happen in the near future. I wouldn't mind seeing more similar projects in the area, especially where we currently have empty lots.

I drove down Channelside today, and noticed the old white building next to the city parking garage has been torn down...any idea what is going on there?

As TPAMAN said, that's were Mercury Advisors is planning to build Del Villar.

jonknee · December 17th, 2007, 10:24 PM

^ Which may be their second tower. It depends on what The Martin does.

TampaMike · December 17th, 2007, 10:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jonknee

^ Which may be their second tower. It depends on what The Martin does.

Yeah, it was planned to be their 3rd, but some reason The Martin hasn't started yet, you know why? Although i do like Del Villar than the Martin!

randommichael · December 17th, 2007, 11:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jasonhouse

^White building next to which garage?

Well it looks like I was answered. There was a very small white building between the Place and the city owned garage at Channelside... The lot was very small, so it would have to be a small building or point tower.

Jasonhouse · December 18th, 2007, 07:34 AM

^yeah, the Del Villar, which from what was discussed in another thread has been bumped ahead of The Martin by the folks at Mercury... I thought that I read something about them having budgetary troubles with the automated garage they were hoping to utilize.

Maxim98 · December 18th, 2007, 08:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jasonhouse

^I would be glad to have spartan exterior detailing if it paid off in better sound mitigation, and something better than the cheapest possible detailing within the units.

I wouldn't - it's important that (at the very least!) sustainable and attractive materials be used. Creativity has never been Tampa's strong point though...

Yea, they might be apartments. But the target price range puts it in league with Harbor Island. The quality of the exterior aesthetic doesn't even come close to even the drab HI stuff.

I can name half a dozen recent midrise projects in Berkeley of all places that offer comparable rent with resilient, attractive aesthetics.

jonknee · December 18th, 2007, 06:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Maxim98

I wouldn't - it's important that (at the very least!) sustainable and attractive materials be used. Creativity has never been Tampa's strong point though...

Yea, they might be apartments. But the target price range puts it in league with Harbor Island. The quality of the exterior aesthetic doesn't even come close to even the drab HI stuff.

I can name half a dozen recent midrise projects in Berkeley of all places that offer comparable rent with resilient, attractive aesthetics.

You have seen one photo (taken with a Palm Treo) months before completion. It could look great when it's done.

koopalicious · December 18th, 2007, 07:01 PM

Unless they completely redesign the exterior in the next couple of months, nothing is going to change the fact that it looks like an Econo Lodge that was hit up by a Sherwin-Williams sampler.

December 16th, 2007, 11:19 PM	#44
TampaMike Moderator Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Tampa, Florida Posts: 6,140 Likes (Received): 5	Thanks for the pic tampaguy. Yeah, I agree with you, I would be surprise if they had move-ins start by February. They still need to finish painting and are they even done with the units? I say they should be done by Late March/Early April __________________ Corporations Are People Too - Mitt Romney For the People that dress up like Corporations.

December 16th, 2007, 11:27 PM	#45
jonknee Downtown resident Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Tampa Posts: 2,285 Likes (Received): 0	That's still a couple months off. The units themselves should finish quickly since they are all the same. No customizations from pesky condo buyers. __________________ What I've been up to in the kitchen

December 16th, 2007, 11:39 PM	#46
TampaMike Moderator Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Tampa, Florida Posts: 6,140 Likes (Received): 5	So the Garage is already finish, right? __________________ Corporations Are People Too - Mitt Romney For the People that dress up like Corporations.

December 17th, 2007, 10:24 PM	#54
jonknee Downtown resident Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Tampa Posts: 2,285 Likes (Received): 0	^ Which may be their second tower. It depends on what The Martin does. __________________ What I've been up to in the kitchen

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October 14th, 2007, 05:47 PM	#41
FloridaFuture Former Mod Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Tampa/Gainesville Posts: 5,234 Likes (Received): 0

December 16th, 2007, 12:19 AM	#42
FloridaFuture Former Mod Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Tampa/Gainesville Posts: 5,234 Likes (Received): 0	Apartment Complex In Final Stages By JANIS D. FROELICH, The Tampa Tribune Published: December 15, 2007 CHANNEL DISTRICT - It has been four years since Synergy Properties won the right to build an apartment complex on more than 7 acres owned by the city. In a few months, the first residents will move into the one-, two- and three-bedroom units as a pivotal piece falls into place in this emerging urban neighborhood. The year of construction for Seaport Channelside was miraculously trouble-free, said Michael DeMarcay, Synergy's vice president. Little rain. No hurricanes. Cooperation from the city for permits and inspections. In other words, nothing to impede a large apartment complex from rising in a spot surrounded by condominium projects as the former warehouse district becomes a place people call home. "It's the singular apartment complex in the Channel District," said Dave Parkinson, the city's development services director. "The developer has been very diligent and responsible. "And it was a piece of land not without its complexities," Parkinson said, referring to the cleanup required by the federal Environmental Protection Agency. DeMarcay hopes the move-in process also goes without a hitch. He said he's comfortable with about 35 of the 422 units being filled a month. That will begin at the end of February, and everything should be set, including the courtyard swimming pool, by late 2008. Deposits of $250 are being taken at the leasing office, 1120 E. Twiggs St. Rents are comparable to those on Harbour Island, said Trish Carney, Seaport's community director. They range from $1,275 for a one-bedroom unit to $3,400 for a two-story penthouse. Every unit faces a courtyard and has a balcony, DeMarcay said. Residents will have dry cleaning pickup service, a spa for massages and manicures, a fitness center and air-conditioned storage units. The lobby area will reflect a nautical theme with portholes, blue glass and teak. Six-foot-tall ships ordered from Boston will be on display. Residents also will have access to a pool table, poker table and plasma TVs. DeMarcay hopes a deli and other businesses lease the 3,000 to 4,000 square feet of retail space. He originally planned enough space for a grocery store, but the city decided to widen Twiggs to five lanes, taking up Seaport's customer parking. The five-story parking garage will allow residents to drive to their floor. "I don't see much elevator usage," DeMarcay said. Seaport Channelside occupies 6.6 acres, with a 1.3-acre chunk earmarked for a building of about 300 efficiency apartments. The properties are bordered by Twiggs and 12th streets, and Meridian and Raymond avenues. The complex's rust, blue and yellow buildings are a welcome sight to the city, which used the lot for storage. "This had zero tax value," Parkinson said. "Now we will soon collect upwards of $1 million a year in revenue. So it's not just a great project for that corner of the Channel District, but it's also a huge economic turnaround." For information about Seaport Channelside, call (813) 301-0000 or go to www.seaport channelside.com. Reporter Janis D. Froelich can be reached at (813) 835-2104 or jfroelich@tampatrib.com. http://southtampa2.tbo.com/content/2...l-stages/?news

December 17th, 2007, 10:22 AM	#48
Maxim98 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: San Francisco, CA / London, UK Posts: 1,244 Likes (Received): 0	Eww, they look cheap. Here's hoping the finishing touches make up for the dull/textureless facade with the frugal aluminum railings.

December 17th, 2007, 04:42 PM	#49
Jasonhouse Registered User Join Date: Jul 2002 Posts: 12,268 Likes (Received): 7	^I would be glad to have spartan exterior detailing if it paid off in better sound mitigation, and something better than the cheapest possible detailing within the units. However, I seriously doubt that's the plan.

December 17th, 2007, 08:01 PM	#50
randommichael Registered User Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 1,414 Likes (Received): 0	They aren't all that bad...you have to remember they are apartments. It brings welcome density to that area, and I wish we could get a rental tower downtown...not sure if that will ever happen in the near future. I wouldn't mind seeing more similar projects in the area, especially where we currently have empty lots. I drove down Channelside today, and noticed the old white building next to the city parking garage has been torn down...any idea what is going on there?

December 17th, 2007, 08:30 PM	#51
Jasonhouse Registered User Join Date: Jul 2002 Posts: 12,268 Likes (Received): 7	^White building next to which garage?

December 17th, 2007, 09:57 PM	#52
TPAMAN Registered User Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 429 Likes (Received): 3	That's where Mercury is planning to build their 3rd tower.

December 18th, 2007, 07:34 AM	#57
Jasonhouse Registered User Join Date: Jul 2002 Posts: 12,268 Likes (Received): 7	^yeah, the Del Villar, which from what was discussed in another thread has been bumped ahead of The Martin by the folks at Mercury... I thought that I read something about them having budgetary troubles with the automated garage they were hoping to utilize.

December 18th, 2007, 07:01 PM	#60
koopalicious Registered User Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Tampa Posts: 409 Likes (Received): 4	Unless they completely redesign the exterior in the next couple of months, nothing is going to change the fact that it looks like an Econo Lodge that was hit up by a Sherwin-Williams sampler.