Tampa Riverwalk - Page 15

leodehaedo · December 29th, 2011, 02:50 AM

The Waterside Cafe at the Marriott is also open for breakfast. Il Terrazzo is open for dinner only but is facing the Riverwalk as well, you can request a table outside, actually both restaurants are at the same distance from the Riverwalk. There is also a patio area overlooking the marina between both restaurants, it is open from 1pm but you have to go to the lobby bar to order.
IMO the Riverwalk in San Antonio draws a lot of people because San Antonio, like San Diego, is a much bigger player in the convention business than Tampa. The Embarcadero in San Diego is always packed and they have a 21st century design convention center which was already expanded 10 years ago. I think we need a bigger convention center, but I don't see room for an expansion, one side you have the river and on the other side you have the crosstown.

GarfieldPark · December 29th, 2011, 05:08 PM

Go East. Build a new central lobby area that would serve as a connection between the existing center and a new expansion. It could go in a new building north of the Embassy Suites. This new building would also have a third floor level that serves as a connecting walkway between the old center and the new center. It would likely need to have some type of escalator system to bring people up to a new pedestrian entry hallway to the part of the expansion built above the existing parking garage (east of the Embassy Suites). On the existing parking lot (along Old Water Street) you could have a level of underground parking and then a large, two level convention space. Additional convention space and a huge, beautiful new ball room could be built above the parking garage. This would also link directly to the St. Pete Times Forum. Now you've got a 500,000 + square foot convention center directly connected to a 20,000 seat arena. That would be a very nice complex. The ballroom built on top of the parking garage would have outer hallways with beautiful views looking toward the downtown skyline and - to the south, looking across Davis and Harbour Islands toward beautiful Tampa Bay. The expansion could also help fill in some of those parking lots to the north of the Forum - as a new hotel or two (or three) might go in there and then also some new commercial as well.

leodehaedo · December 30th, 2011, 01:46 AM

Wow!! I'm impressed at your post. I used to assume that after the building of the Embassy Suites there was no possible eastward expansion, but you envision building on top of the garage by the Forum. That would be really nice assuming we build a contemporary looking complex instead of our current 1971 design. Just one thing, if you have a 500.000 square feet convention center you can hold two conventions at the same time instead of just one at the time and for that you need to triple, not double, the current loading dock footage.
I just wonder if the city is still paying the bond that financed our Convention center, but I think they are focused on getting finance to bring the Rays to downtown.

TampaMike · December 30th, 2011, 05:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by leodehaedo

Wow!! I'm impressed at your post. I used to assume that after the building of the Embassy Suites there was no possible eastward expansion, but you envision building on top of the garage by the Forum. That would be really nice assuming we build a contemporary looking complex instead of our current 1971 design. Just one thing, if you have a 500.000 square feet convention center you can hold two conventions at the same time instead of just one at the time and for that you need to triple, not double, the current loading dock footage.
I just wonder if the city is still paying the bond that financed our Convention center, but I think they are focused on getting finance to bring the Rays to downtown.

Bond ends in 2015 for the convention center.

GarfieldPark · December 30th, 2011, 03:44 PM

Yes -- figuring out how to set up the loading docks appropriately would add some complexity to the plan but I have no doubt it could be done. Milwaukee has built ramps for trucks up to the second level of its downtown convention center. They take up a good chunk of space -- but I think it would be doable. It could probably be built to be a large ramp that runs alongside (to the south of) the existing parking garage. It would cost plenty - but any type of major expansion is not going to be cheap. I think it would be a very good thing for Tampa. Tampa is a beautiful location that people love to visit (especially October to April) and they need to have a larger convention center to allow more large conventions and more people to come visit. Obviously by adding a few hundred thousand additional conventioneers and their families each year - Channelside will do better, the museums and aquariums will do better, and there will be a need for more shops and restaurants. Finishing the riverwalk - so people can get around the core areas of central Tampa is essential as well. Make it easy for people to ride bikes throughout downtown, to the Ybor area, connect to the bayside trails, S. Howard area, etc. A great system of bike rental kiosks would be great as well as a next step. (Rent by the hour - pick up and drop off bikes at any of numerous locations throughout Central Tampa).

jonknee · December 30th, 2011, 04:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GarfieldPark

Yes -- figuring out how to set up the loading docks appropriately would add some complexity to the plan but I have no doubt it could be done. Milwaukee has built ramps for trucks up to the second level of its downtown convention center. They take up a good chunk of space -- but I think it would be doable. It could probably be built to be a large ramp that runs alongside (to the south of) the existing parking garage. It would cost plenty - but any type of major expansion is not going to be cheap. I think it would be a very good thing for Tampa.

Have you been to the TCC? It already has a second level loading dock. You can see it from the Crosstown.

http://g.co/maps/hs8j8

GarfieldPark · December 30th, 2011, 05:11 PM

I lived in Tampa from 06 - 08 - so I've seen it from the outside many times and once or twice from the inside. I did not know however, that there already was a truck ramp up to a second level loading dock for the existing center. I do not think that it would be good to build a connecting truckway bridge from the existing facility to a potential future one located to the east. That would probably look pretty ugly - and the extra trucks needing to get through the first loading area over to the second one would likely add too much congestion. If an expansion would be built to the East, it probably would need to have its own system of truck loading docks.

Which do Tampa Bay forumers think is more important? Expanding the convention center or building a new downtown Tampa stadium for the Rays?

koopalicious · December 30th, 2011, 05:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GarfieldPark

Which do Tampa Bay forumers think is more important? Expanding the convention center or building a new downtown Tampa stadium for the Rays?

I don't want either. At least not in downtown.

GarfieldPark · December 30th, 2011, 05:44 PM

Why? Are you opposed to seeing a successful, growing downtown with more people around to shop and eat at restaurants? Is it just a matter of not wanting to spend any more state or local money? Or do you think both of those types of facilities will primarily just create dead zones for most of the time when they aren't busy? Of course -- they would likely be built on parking lots -- so those types of places aren't exactly adding to the street life of the city right now either. Where do you think it would be more appropriate to build them - if you think they should be built somewhere else besides downtown?

TampaMike · December 30th, 2011, 08:12 PM

Considering that TCC doesn't need expansion for a while since it isn't even close to being at full use, I would take a stadium. But I would honestly like for the city to improve utilities and drainage before each. Channelside especially.

***I-275westcoastfl*** · December 31st, 2011, 05:31 AM

I'm against the Rays Stadium but I am a bit biased, plus I'm against taxpayer money for stadiums. I think the convention center idea is awesome, it would definitely help Tampa move up. I wonder if St. Pete would jump on the idea of a convention center, I mean if marketed right it could do better than Tampa.

koopalicious · December 31st, 2011, 05:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GarfieldPark

Where do you think it would be more appropriate to build them - if you think they should be built somewhere else besides downtown?

Assuming there is an unlimited stream of funding, and all of the city's more pressing issues were already resolved, both the convention center and privately-funded stadium would be better off in Central Park.

gstolze · December 31st, 2011, 06:39 PM

I'd prefer a masterplan to build a new convention center with a new adjacent arena, parking garages, hotels, a marina, shopping, restaurants, condos and a riverwalk right around the northern end of Ybor channel.

smiley · January 1st, 2012, 02:44 AM

I'd prefer to become the world financial capital.

TampaMike · January 1st, 2012, 06:10 AM

I'd prefer this "I'd prefer" thing happen in another thread.

LuvHighrisers · January 1st, 2012, 11:24 PM

I just got back from a nice Sunday afternoon walk on the Riiverwalk with a friend of mine visiting from out of town. We had a late lunch at the Colombia Café (outside) and then walked all the way to Curtis Hixon Park. We had a coffee at the Art Museum outdoor café. It was a beautiful day and I can see this really becoming a gem once they complete those sections along the river. In reference to places to eat, I wonder if the Convention Center could carve a little place out on their lower west level for a restaurant. The other night before the Lightning game, I had a few drinks at Sailport (round outdoor bar @TCC). I can see more places emerging if people use it more and more. There is definitely a completely different feel once you have to exit the Riverwalk and walk down Ashley and even walking high up past Kinsley Gardens is very different than being close to the water. I think those last two pieces (the one under construction now and the yet to be funded portion) will make a huge impact. There were a lot of people walking around both on the Riverwalk and Curtis Hixon Park which was nice to see. In my opinion, the city leaders should do whatever it takes to get it done. There are a few interesting art pieces along the way but definitely room for more (maybe a statue or two such as one in honor of Teddy Roosevelt, Tony Janus, Henry Plant, etc.).

jamesk · January 3rd, 2012, 02:32 AM

Another satisfied riverwalker. I think most of the naysayers haven't experienced it lately.

TampaMike · January 3rd, 2012, 05:12 AM

I love it so far. When it gets connected from History Center to Curtis Hixon, I think it is going to be superb. Add some more art space like LuvHighrises said and a couple more restaurant options... maybe some cafes, and it will be set.

I really want to purchase a paver though, but $100 is like 1/4 of what I make in a paycheck lol. Be awesome if we could get a couple members to chip in and we could make a "Tampa Bay SkyscraperCity Community" Paver.

Jasonhouse · January 3rd, 2012, 04:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GarfieldPark

Which do Tampa Bay forumers think is more important? Expanding the convention center or building a new downtown Tampa stadium for the Rays?

I can scarcely think of two items that should be further down Tampa's urban development agenda at this point in time.

And I would bet my paid off house that any elected official who makes it his personal mission to go after taxpayer funding for either will find himself jettisoned from office the first chance voters get.

TPAMAN · January 3rd, 2012, 05:52 PM

[QUOTE=LuvHighrisers;87150070]I just got back from a nice Sunday afternoon walk on the Riiverwalk with a friend of mine visiting from out of town. We had a late lunch at the Colombia Café (outside) and then walked all the way to Curtis Hixon Park. We had a coffee at the Art Museum outdoor café. It was a beautiful day and I can see this really becoming a gem once they complete those sections along the river. In reference to places to eat, I wonder if the Convention Center could carve a little place out on their lower west level for a restaurant. The other night before the Lightning game, I had a few drinks at Sailport (round outdoor bar @TCC). I can see more places emerging if people use it more and more. There is definitely a completely different feel once you have to exit the Riverwalk and walk down Ashley and even walking high up past Kinsley Gardens is very different than being close to the water. I think those last two pieces (the one under construction now and the yet to be funded portion) will make a huge impact. There were a lot of people walking around both on the Riverwalk and Curtis Hixon Park which was nice to see. In my opinion, the city leaders should do whatever it takes to get it done. There are a few interesting art pieces along the way but definitely room for more (maybe a statue or two such as one in honor of Teddy Roosevelt, Tony Janus, Henry Plant, etc.).[/QUOTE]

I have to agree on that. Just returned from a trip to NYC and has the pleasure of visting the American Museum of Natural History. The statue of Roosevelt at the entrance is quite impressive. I think Tampa (the city) could and should help fund a statue of two of significant players in the area's history. While I appreciate Dick Greco and some of our other mayors and their service, more meaningful, long term players should have more prominence in our city and at strategic locations (i.e. Riverwalk), to help attract tourists and telll our local history. I can tell you there were lines of people just waiting to take a picture by the statue. While Tampa is no New York City, I'm sure visitors would appreciate a longer term history of the area when vsiiting than that of a near term mayor or two. Just my humble opinion...

December 30th, 2011, 08:12 PM	#290
TampaMike Moderator Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Tampa, Florida Posts: 6,154 Likes (Received): 7	Considering that TCC doesn't need expansion for a while since it isn't even close to being at full use, I would take a stadium. But I would honestly like for the city to improve utilities and drainage before each. Channelside especially. __________________ Corporations Are People Too - Mitt Romney For the People that dress up like Corporations.

January 1st, 2012, 02:44 AM	#294
smiley Registered User Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Tampa Posts: 4,099 Likes (Received): 0	I'd prefer to become the world financial capital. __________________ Do I contradict myself? Well then, I contradict myself. I am large. I contain multitudes. I don't pretend 'cause I don't care.

January 1st, 2012, 06:10 AM	#295
TampaMike Moderator Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Tampa, Florida Posts: 6,154 Likes (Received): 7	I'd prefer this "I'd prefer" thing happen in another thread. __________________ Corporations Are People Too - Mitt Romney For the People that dress up like Corporations.

January 3rd, 2012, 05:12 AM	#298
TampaMike Moderator Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Tampa, Florida Posts: 6,154 Likes (Received): 7	I love it so far. When it gets connected from History Center to Curtis Hixon, I think it is going to be superb. Add some more art space like LuvHighrises said and a couple more restaurant options... maybe some cafes, and it will be set. I really want to purchase a paver though, but $100 is like 1/4 of what I make in a paycheck lol. Be awesome if we could get a couple members to chip in and we could make a "Tampa Bay SkyscraperCity Community" Paver. __________________ Corporations Are People Too - Mitt Romney For the People that dress up like Corporations.

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December 29th, 2011, 02:50 AM	#281
leodehaedo Registered User Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Tampa-Orlando Posts: 7 Likes (Received): 0	The Waterside Cafe at the Marriott is also open for breakfast. Il Terrazzo is open for dinner only but is facing the Riverwalk as well, you can request a table outside, actually both restaurants are at the same distance from the Riverwalk. There is also a patio area overlooking the marina between both restaurants, it is open from 1pm but you have to go to the lobby bar to order. IMO the Riverwalk in San Antonio draws a lot of people because San Antonio, like San Diego, is a much bigger player in the convention business than Tampa. The Embarcadero in San Diego is always packed and they have a 21st century design convention center which was already expanded 10 years ago. I think we need a bigger convention center, but I don't see room for an expansion, one side you have the river and on the other side you have the crosstown.

December 29th, 2011, 05:08 PM	#282
GarfieldPark Registered User Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 2,649 Likes (Received): 23	Go East. Build a new central lobby area that would serve as a connection between the existing center and a new expansion. It could go in a new building north of the Embassy Suites. This new building would also have a third floor level that serves as a connecting walkway between the old center and the new center. It would likely need to have some type of escalator system to bring people up to a new pedestrian entry hallway to the part of the expansion built above the existing parking garage (east of the Embassy Suites). On the existing parking lot (along Old Water Street) you could have a level of underground parking and then a large, two level convention space. Additional convention space and a huge, beautiful new ball room could be built above the parking garage. This would also link directly to the St. Pete Times Forum. Now you've got a 500,000 + square foot convention center directly connected to a 20,000 seat arena. That would be a very nice complex. The ballroom built on top of the parking garage would have outer hallways with beautiful views looking toward the downtown skyline and - to the south, looking across Davis and Harbour Islands toward beautiful Tampa Bay. The expansion could also help fill in some of those parking lots to the north of the Forum - as a new hotel or two (or three) might go in there and then also some new commercial as well.

December 30th, 2011, 01:46 AM	#283
leodehaedo Registered User Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Tampa-Orlando Posts: 7 Likes (Received): 0	Wow!! I'm impressed at your post. I used to assume that after the building of the Embassy Suites there was no possible eastward expansion, but you envision building on top of the garage by the Forum. That would be really nice assuming we build a contemporary looking complex instead of our current 1971 design. Just one thing, if you have a 500.000 square feet convention center you can hold two conventions at the same time instead of just one at the time and for that you need to triple, not double, the current loading dock footage. I just wonder if the city is still paying the bond that financed our Convention center, but I think they are focused on getting finance to bring the Rays to downtown.

December 30th, 2011, 03:44 PM	#285
GarfieldPark Registered User Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 2,649 Likes (Received): 23	Yes -- figuring out how to set up the loading docks appropriately would add some complexity to the plan but I have no doubt it could be done. Milwaukee has built ramps for trucks up to the second level of its downtown convention center. They take up a good chunk of space -- but I think it would be doable. It could probably be built to be a large ramp that runs alongside (to the south of) the existing parking garage. It would cost plenty - but any type of major expansion is not going to be cheap. I think it would be a very good thing for Tampa. Tampa is a beautiful location that people love to visit (especially October to April) and they need to have a larger convention center to allow more large conventions and more people to come visit. Obviously by adding a few hundred thousand additional conventioneers and their families each year - Channelside will do better, the museums and aquariums will do better, and there will be a need for more shops and restaurants. Finishing the riverwalk - so people can get around the core areas of central Tampa is essential as well. Make it easy for people to ride bikes throughout downtown, to the Ybor area, connect to the bayside trails, S. Howard area, etc. A great system of bike rental kiosks would be great as well as a next step. (Rent by the hour - pick up and drop off bikes at any of numerous locations throughout Central Tampa).

December 30th, 2011, 05:11 PM	#287
GarfieldPark Registered User Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 2,649 Likes (Received): 23	I lived in Tampa from 06 - 08 - so I've seen it from the outside many times and once or twice from the inside. I did not know however, that there already was a truck ramp up to a second level loading dock for the existing center. I do not think that it would be good to build a connecting truckway bridge from the existing facility to a potential future one located to the east. That would probably look pretty ugly - and the extra trucks needing to get through the first loading area over to the second one would likely add too much congestion. If an expansion would be built to the East, it probably would need to have its own system of truck loading docks. Which do Tampa Bay forumers think is more important? Expanding the convention center or building a new downtown Tampa stadium for the Rays?

December 30th, 2011, 05:44 PM	#289
GarfieldPark Registered User Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 2,649 Likes (Received): 23	Why? Are you opposed to seeing a successful, growing downtown with more people around to shop and eat at restaurants? Is it just a matter of not wanting to spend any more state or local money? Or do you think both of those types of facilities will primarily just create dead zones for most of the time when they aren't busy? Of course -- they would likely be built on parking lots -- so those types of places aren't exactly adding to the street life of the city right now either. Where do you think it would be more appropriate to build them - if you think they should be built somewhere else besides downtown?

December 31st, 2011, 05:31 AM	#291
*I-275westcoastfl* Jestem Hardkorem Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Clearwater, Florida Posts: 5,534 Likes (Received): 35	I'm against the Rays Stadium but I am a bit biased, plus I'm against taxpayer money for stadiums. I think the convention center idea is awesome, it would definitely help Tampa move up. I wonder if St. Pete would jump on the idea of a convention center, I mean if marketed right it could do better than Tampa.

December 31st, 2011, 06:39 PM	#293
gstolze Registered User Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Hannover, Germany>Tampa Bay, Florida, USA>Hannover, Germany Posts: 1,379 Likes (Received): 8	I'd prefer a masterplan to build a new convention center with a new adjacent arena, parking garages, hotels, a marina, shopping, restaurants, condos and a riverwalk right around the northern end of Ybor channel.

January 1st, 2012, 11:24 PM	#296
LuvHighrisers Registered User Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Tampa Posts: 255 Likes (Received): 0	I just got back from a nice Sunday afternoon walk on the Riiverwalk with a friend of mine visiting from out of town. We had a late lunch at the Colombia Café (outside) and then walked all the way to Curtis Hixon Park. We had a coffee at the Art Museum outdoor café. It was a beautiful day and I can see this really becoming a gem once they complete those sections along the river. In reference to places to eat, I wonder if the Convention Center could carve a little place out on their lower west level for a restaurant. The other night before the Lightning game, I had a few drinks at Sailport (round outdoor bar @TCC). I can see more places emerging if people use it more and more. There is definitely a completely different feel once you have to exit the Riverwalk and walk down Ashley and even walking high up past Kinsley Gardens is very different than being close to the water. I think those last two pieces (the one under construction now and the yet to be funded portion) will make a huge impact. There were a lot of people walking around both on the Riverwalk and Curtis Hixon Park which was nice to see. In my opinion, the city leaders should do whatever it takes to get it done. There are a few interesting art pieces along the way but definitely room for more (maybe a statue or two such as one in honor of Teddy Roosevelt, Tony Janus, Henry Plant, etc.).

January 3rd, 2012, 02:32 AM	#297
jamesk Registered User Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 160 Likes (Received): 0	Another satisfied riverwalker. I think most of the naysayers haven't experienced it lately.

January 3rd, 2012, 05:52 PM	#300
TPAMAN Registered User Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 434 Likes (Received): 3	[QUOTE=LuvHighrisers;87150070]I just got back from a nice Sunday afternoon walk on the Riiverwalk with a friend of mine visiting from out of town. We had a late lunch at the Colombia Café (outside) and then walked all the way to Curtis Hixon Park. We had a coffee at the Art Museum outdoor café. It was a beautiful day and I can see this really becoming a gem once they complete those sections along the river. In reference to places to eat, I wonder if the Convention Center could carve a little place out on their lower west level for a restaurant. The other night before the Lightning game, I had a few drinks at Sailport (round outdoor bar @TCC). I can see more places emerging if people use it more and more. There is definitely a completely different feel once you have to exit the Riverwalk and walk down Ashley and even walking high up past Kinsley Gardens is very different than being close to the water. I think those last two pieces (the one under construction now and the yet to be funded portion) will make a huge impact. There were a lot of people walking around both on the Riverwalk and Curtis Hixon Park which was nice to see. In my opinion, the city leaders should do whatever it takes to get it done. There are a few interesting art pieces along the way but definitely room for more (maybe a statue or two such as one in honor of Teddy Roosevelt, Tony Janus, Henry Plant, etc.).[/QUOTE] I have to agree on that. Just returned from a trip to NYC and has the pleasure of visting the American Museum of Natural History. The statue of Roosevelt at the entrance is quite impressive. I think Tampa (the city) could and should help fund a statue of two of significant players in the area's history. While I appreciate Dick Greco and some of our other mayors and their service, more meaningful, long term players should have more prominence in our city and at strategic locations (i.e. Riverwalk), to help attract tourists and telll our local history. I can tell you there were lines of people just waiting to take a picture by the statue. While Tampa is no New York City, I'm sure visitors would appreciate a longer term history of the area when vsiiting than that of a near term mayor or two. Just my humble opinion...