Westshore Development News - Page 4

FloridaFuture · July 21st, 2007, 01:59 AM

Zoning change okayed for MetLife project
Some Lincoln Gardens/Carver City residents object to the 1.6-million-square-foot development.
By SARAH MISHKIN
Published July 20, 2007

TAMPA - The City Council approved a zoning change Thursday for a 1.6-million- square-foot project by Metropolitan Life in the Lincoln Gardens/Carver City area.

MetLife's rezoning was the focus of questions last month about claims that a local neighborhood group had asked for money from the developer in exchange for its support. This led to a city investigation, but that was not discussed at Thursday's public hearing.

Some council members did raise concerns that money paid by the developer for alleviating traffic congestion would not directly benefit the residents most affected by the construction.

Still, the council approved the rezoning, clearing the way for a mixed-used development of restaurants, office space and residential units along Boy Scout Boulevard near International Plaza. Members decided to further investigate how to ensure the local neighborhood would benefit most from the fees paid by Metropolitan Life.

"We should do whatever we have to do to support this neighborhood," said council member John Dingfelder.

Representatives from the neighborhood spoke against the project, citing its scale, which they said would overwhelm local infrastructure and create dangerously crowded roads.

Residents said many of the roadways, such as Lois Avenue, are already too dangerous for pedestrians.

"This $41-billion company in our neighborhood, our neighborhood believes, is in a position to consider us in their building," said Daniel Smith, president of the Carver City/Lincoln Gardens Homeowners Association.

Dingfelder voted against the project because he wanted further assurance that the developer's contribution to the city for traffic upgrades would benefit nearby residents.

Other council members said the city was responsible for choosing how to spend that money, and neither the developer nor the neighborhood association could earmark it for specific projects or blocks.

Elizabeth Abernathy, an architect with Wilson Miller, said the developer has met with the association to speak about crosswalk improvements. The developer is paying for upgrades to two crossings, adding flashing lights to improve pedestrian safety in order to mitigate neighborhood concerns.

Sarah Mishkin can be reached at smishkin@sptimes.com or 813 225-3110.

http://www.sptimes.com/2007/07/20/Hi..._okayed_.shtml

HARTride 2012 · July 22nd, 2007, 01:38 AM

I'm glad to hear about the MetLife project.

It is the pedestrian unfriendliness in Tampa that makes me unhappy. TAMPA NEEDS MORE SIDEWALKS, BIKE LANES, AND BETTER CROSSWALKS!

FloridaFuture · July 23rd, 2007, 06:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by smiley

Actually, if I am not mistaken, they have already started work on some structure

You're right. Last night I went by Avion Park and saw that one building is two floors up and there are a couple of other elevator shafts about 3 stories tall coming out of the ground. It's defintley U/C.

Jasonhouse · July 23rd, 2007, 10:03 PM

^Holy shit that is fast! I was by that site perhaps 6-7 weeks agao and saw no such activity.

TampaIAm · July 24th, 2007, 02:44 PM

Are there any plans or drawings of the MetLife plan on BoyScout?

Jasonhouse · July 24th, 2007, 03:01 PM

^Try looking back 6 posts.

Look before posting folks.

TampaIAm · July 24th, 2007, 04:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jasonhouse

^Try looking back 6 posts.

Look before posting folks.

I LOOKED through the entire section, no renderings or drawings of the METLIFE project. Just an article. So againm I ask, if there are any renderings of the MetLife project, or just let me know the exact posting that I may be overseeing in this forum.
THANKS!

FloridaFuture · July 24th, 2007, 04:38 PM

It was in the Metlife thread:
Link

FLHawk · July 24th, 2007, 07:19 PM

More condos coming to Westshore

Tampa Bay Business Journal - 11:39 AM EDT Tuesday, July 24, 2007

A Tampa investment group has purchased the Westshore Hotel.

No financial details were disclosed.

Fuel and Shubh Capital Management II Delaware LLC bought the property at 1200 N. West Shore Blvd. from Sarasota-based Pegasus Hotel Associates and plans to redevelop its 4.3 acres into an assortment of office and residential condominiums and an upscale hotel.

Williams Schifino Mangione & Steady PA represented the seller.

http://tampabay.bizjournals.com/tamp...ml?jst=b_ln_hl

Jasonhouse · July 24th, 2007, 10:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TampaIAm

I LOOKED through the entire section, no renderings or drawings of the METLIFE project. Just an article. So againm I ask, if there are any renderings of the MetLife project, or just let me know the exact posting that I may be overseeing in this forum.
THANKS!

Oh brother... Sorry man... Knew it was here, got sidetracked on the phone, then went and looked for it... and found the wrong one of course...

jonknee · July 30th, 2007, 08:39 PM

http://tampabay.bizjournals.com/tamp...ml?t=printable

Westshore office park to replace another
Tampa Bay Business Journal - 11:37 AM EDT Monday, July 30, 2007
A 580,000-square-foot waterfront office complex is planned to replace an aging five-building office park in Tampa's Westshore business district over the next two years.

Rubenstein Partners LP, a Philadelphia-based real estate investment trust, announced Monday it is partnering with Christian Tyler Properties of Tampa to develop West View Corporate Center on the current site of Executive Square Office Park at the end of Reo Street near Interstate 275.

The new three-building complex, consisting of five to eight stories, will feature a fountain and green space in the middle facing Tampa Bay. Completion is scheduled for occupancy by spring 2009, subject to local government approvals.

"West View Corporate Center will create a truly unique and spectacular waterfront office environment, unlike any other currently in Westshore," said David Rubenstein, senior managing principal of Rubenstein Partners. This is the company's first project in the Tampa Bay area.

Kirk Eicholtz, founder and CEO of Christian Tyler Properties, noted that the project has been well received by a diverse cross-section of Tampa's business community.

Demolition is set to begin on Executive Square, a 103,000-square-foot complex that opened in 1977 and is now owned by Clear Channel Communications Inc. (NYSE: CCU), the Bay area's largest radio station operator.

CB Richard Ellis Group Inc. (NYSE: CBG) has been retained as the project's exclusive leasing agent. Alfonso Architects of Tampa is the lead designer.

HARTride 2012 · July 31st, 2007, 12:04 AM

Now if only someone can get something built to replace the Austin Center, I'd be a bit more happy.

tamparican · July 31st, 2007, 03:34 AM

very nice renderings...i like how the reflection pool is right inbetween the 2 buildings and looks str8t ahead to the ocean..

LuvHighrisers · July 31st, 2007, 04:40 AM

And what ocean would that be?

Jasonhouse · July 31st, 2007, 04:43 AM

http://www.westviewtampa.com/

Tweak that reflecting pool some, and we could have our own little Salk Institute wannabe.

Here's an nformative article marketing the project.
http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/st...4635211&EDATE=

jonknee · July 31st, 2007, 06:06 AM

It's actually a pretty attractive design. Great views, nice water and green space.

Dale · July 31st, 2007, 06:22 AM

Has TampaSphere broken ground yet ?

*runs away*

HARTride 2012 · August 6th, 2007, 07:44 PM

The reflecting pools remind me of my trip to DC...twelve years ago.

smiley · August 6th, 2007, 08:06 PM

Yup, great views of the people in the other building and the people smoking in between - sure hope there are some hotties who light up, cause otherwise you're sol

FloridaFuture · August 6th, 2007, 10:24 PM

Avion Park update:

Office tower is now up to three floors with some supports for the 4th story up. Also, the elevator shafts are up to around 4 or 5 stories. They now have a non-tower crane on site too.

July 24th, 2007, 02:44 PM	#65
TampaIAm Registered User Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Tampa Posts: 187 Likes (Received): 0	MetLife Are there any plans or drawings of the MetLife plan on BoyScout?

August 6th, 2007, 08:06 PM	#79
smiley Registered User Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Tampa Posts: 4,096 Likes (Received): 0	Yup, great views of the people in the other building and the people smoking in between - sure hope there are some hotties who light up, cause otherwise you're sol __________________ Do I contradict myself? Well then, I contradict myself. I am large. I contain multitudes. I don't pretend 'cause I don't care.

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July 21st, 2007, 01:59 AM	#61
FloridaFuture Former Mod Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Tampa/Gainesville Posts: 5,234 Likes (Received): 0	Zoning change okayed for MetLife project Some Lincoln Gardens/Carver City residents object to the 1.6-million-square-foot development. By SARAH MISHKIN Published July 20, 2007 TAMPA - The City Council approved a zoning change Thursday for a 1.6-million- square-foot project by Metropolitan Life in the Lincoln Gardens/Carver City area. MetLife's rezoning was the focus of questions last month about claims that a local neighborhood group had asked for money from the developer in exchange for its support. This led to a city investigation, but that was not discussed at Thursday's public hearing. Some council members did raise concerns that money paid by the developer for alleviating traffic congestion would not directly benefit the residents most affected by the construction. Still, the council approved the rezoning, clearing the way for a mixed-used development of restaurants, office space and residential units along Boy Scout Boulevard near International Plaza. Members decided to further investigate how to ensure the local neighborhood would benefit most from the fees paid by Metropolitan Life. "We should do whatever we have to do to support this neighborhood," said council member John Dingfelder. Representatives from the neighborhood spoke against the project, citing its scale, which they said would overwhelm local infrastructure and create dangerously crowded roads. Residents said many of the roadways, such as Lois Avenue, are already too dangerous for pedestrians. "This $41-billion company in our neighborhood, our neighborhood believes, is in a position to consider us in their building," said Daniel Smith, president of the Carver City/Lincoln Gardens Homeowners Association. Dingfelder voted against the project because he wanted further assurance that the developer's contribution to the city for traffic upgrades would benefit nearby residents. Other council members said the city was responsible for choosing how to spend that money, and neither the developer nor the neighborhood association could earmark it for specific projects or blocks. Elizabeth Abernathy, an architect with Wilson Miller, said the developer has met with the association to speak about crosswalk improvements. The developer is paying for upgrades to two crossings, adding flashing lights to improve pedestrian safety in order to mitigate neighborhood concerns. Sarah Mishkin can be reached at smishkin@sptimes.com or 813 225-3110. http://www.sptimes.com/2007/07/20/Hi..._okayed_.shtml

July 22nd, 2007, 01:38 AM	#62
HARTride 2012 Let's go... Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Tampa, FL Posts: 10,103 Likes (Received): 24	I'm glad to hear about the MetLife project. It is the pedestrian unfriendliness in Tampa that makes me unhappy. TAMPA NEEDS MORE SIDEWALKS, BIKE LANES, AND BETTER CROSSWALKS!

July 23rd, 2007, 10:03 PM	#64
Jasonhouse Registered User Join Date: Jul 2002 Posts: 12,270 Likes (Received): 7	^Holy shit that is fast! I was by that site perhaps 6-7 weeks agao and saw no such activity.

July 24th, 2007, 03:01 PM	#66
Jasonhouse Registered User Join Date: Jul 2002 Posts: 12,270 Likes (Received): 7	^Try looking back 6 posts. Look before posting folks.

July 24th, 2007, 04:38 PM	#68
FloridaFuture Former Mod Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Tampa/Gainesville Posts: 5,234 Likes (Received): 0	It was in the Metlife thread: Link

July 24th, 2007, 07:19 PM	#69
FLHawk Channelside Pioneer Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Tampa Posts: 603 Likes (Received): 0	More condos coming to Westshore Tampa Bay Business Journal - 11:39 AM EDT Tuesday, July 24, 2007 A Tampa investment group has purchased the Westshore Hotel. No financial details were disclosed. Fuel and Shubh Capital Management II Delaware LLC bought the property at 1200 N. West Shore Blvd. from Sarasota-based Pegasus Hotel Associates and plans to redevelop its 4.3 acres into an assortment of office and residential condominiums and an upscale hotel. Williams Schifino Mangione & Steady PA represented the seller. http://tampabay.bizjournals.com/tamp...ml?jst=b_ln_hl

July 30th, 2007, 08:39 PM	#71
jonknee Downtown resident Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Tampa Posts: 2,285 Likes (Received): 0	http://tampabay.bizjournals.com/tamp...ml?t=printable Westshore office park to replace another Tampa Bay Business Journal - 11:37 AM EDT Monday, July 30, 2007 A 580,000-square-foot waterfront office complex is planned to replace an aging five-building office park in Tampa's Westshore business district over the next two years. Rubenstein Partners LP, a Philadelphia-based real estate investment trust, announced Monday it is partnering with Christian Tyler Properties of Tampa to develop West View Corporate Center on the current site of Executive Square Office Park at the end of Reo Street near Interstate 275. The new three-building complex, consisting of five to eight stories, will feature a fountain and green space in the middle facing Tampa Bay. Completion is scheduled for occupancy by spring 2009, subject to local government approvals. "West View Corporate Center will create a truly unique and spectacular waterfront office environment, unlike any other currently in Westshore," said David Rubenstein, senior managing principal of Rubenstein Partners. This is the company's first project in the Tampa Bay area. Kirk Eicholtz, founder and CEO of Christian Tyler Properties, noted that the project has been well received by a diverse cross-section of Tampa's business community. Demolition is set to begin on Executive Square, a 103,000-square-foot complex that opened in 1977 and is now owned by Clear Channel Communications Inc. (NYSE: CCU), the Bay area's largest radio station operator. CB Richard Ellis Group Inc. (NYSE: CBG) has been retained as the project's exclusive leasing agent. Alfonso Architects of Tampa is the lead designer.

July 31st, 2007, 12:04 AM	#72
HARTride 2012 Let's go... Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Tampa, FL Posts: 10,103 Likes (Received): 24	Now if only someone can get something built to replace the Austin Center, I'd be a bit more happy.

July 31st, 2007, 03:34 AM	#73
tamparican Registered User Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Tampa Posts: 112 Likes (Received): 0	very nice renderings...i like how the reflection pool is right inbetween the 2 buildings and looks str8t ahead to the ocean..

July 31st, 2007, 04:40 AM	#74
LuvHighrisers Registered User Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Tampa Posts: 254 Likes (Received): 0	And what ocean would that be?

July 31st, 2007, 04:43 AM	#75
Jasonhouse Registered User Join Date: Jul 2002 Posts: 12,270 Likes (Received): 7	http://www.westviewtampa.com/ Tweak that reflecting pool some, and we could have our own little Salk Institute wannabe. Here's an nformative article marketing the project. http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/st...4635211&EDATE=

July 31st, 2007, 06:06 AM	#76
jonknee Downtown resident Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Tampa Posts: 2,285 Likes (Received): 0	It's actually a pretty attractive design. Great views, nice water and green space.

July 31st, 2007, 06:22 AM	#77
Dale Registered User Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Orlando,FL Posts: 7,731 Likes (Received): 25	Has TampaSphere broken ground yet ? runs away

August 6th, 2007, 07:44 PM	#78
HARTride 2012 Let's go... Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Tampa, FL Posts: 10,103 Likes (Received): 24	The reflecting pools remind me of my trip to DC...twelve years ago.

August 6th, 2007, 10:24 PM	#80
FloridaFuture Former Mod Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Tampa/Gainesville Posts: 5,234 Likes (Received): 0	Avion Park update: Office tower is now up to three floors with some supports for the 4th story up. Also, the elevator shafts are up to around 4 or 5 stories. They now have a non-tower crane on site too.