Development News

In an attempt to reduce pedestrian fatalities, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is planning a repavement and sidewalk project for S.R. 583 in Tampa.

Located at 50th and 56th Streets (also known as S.R. 583) between 23rd Avenue and north of Fowler, the FDOT's contractor, APAC Southeast Inc., will make improvements to the neighborhood, including new pavement, new sidewalks and new traffic signals and poles.

Paid by state funds, the $7.1 million project's goal is to make the roadway smoother for motorists while adding and repairing sidewalks for pedestrians. According to FDOT Public Information Officer Kris Carson, the Tampa Bay region currently has a  high number of pedestrian fatalities.

“Our goal is to reduce pedestrian fatalities by 20 percent by 2015,” she says. “We have a multidisciplined approach to accomplish this with the help of law enforcement, media, education and engineering improvements -- one of them being additional sidewalks.”

According to Carson, traffic will be monitored for congestion as the project requires lane closures. The project is expected to see completion by Spring 2013.

Writer: Alexis Quinn Chamberlain
Source: Kris Carson, FDOT

The City of Bradenton is making progress on the Bradenton Riverwalk -- a project that has been in the works since the early 2000s.

The $6.2 million project, which broke ground in September 2011, will receive nearly $500,000 in state grants to put toward the city's signature redevelopment project.

“The economic impact [the Riverwalk will have] will be huge,” says David Gustafson, executive director of the Bradenton Downtown Development Authority. “It's an asset that has never been utilized and will strongly affect downtown Manatee County, as well as the rest of the Tampa Bay region all the way from Sarasota to St. Pete.”

Expected to see completion by October 2012, the Riverwalk project will receive two major grants: $400,000 from the Southwest Florida Water Management District for construction, permits and design and nearly $100,000 from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission via the Boating Improvement Program for a dock extension project.

“We've seen the success of riverwalks in other parts of the country such as Jacksonville, Tampa and Tennessee and see a lot of promise in this project,” Gustafon says.

In addition to the additional funds, one-sixth of the budget will come from tax increment financing (TIF) while an investment has been made into a multimillion dollar bond that the City of Bradenton will pay off over the next 20 years.

Writer: Alexis Quinn Chamberlain
Source: David Gustafson, Bradenton Downtown Development Authority

Pasco County officials and local dignitaries broke ground in April on Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel's new three-story 100,000-square-foot Wellness Plaza.

The facility will supplement Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel, a new 80-bed hospital with the capacity of expanding to 288 beds as community health care needs grow. The hospital is expected to open in September 2012 while the Wellness Plaza is slated for January 2013.

“This project is part of the continuum of care for the Wesley Chapel community,” says Donna Jarmusz, senior VP of business development for Alter+Care, who is overseeing the Wellness Plaza project. “The hospital will be treating people who need impatient care for more serious illnesses while the Wellness Center is part of the hospital's mission and philosophy to help people improve and maintain their health.”

The $25 million Wellness Plaza project will feature a 50,000-square-foot wellness facility open to the community on a membership basis. The state-of-the-art facility will include amenities such as an aquatic center with a warm water therapy pool, aquatic group exercise classes including pre- and post-natal classes, a lap pool for swimming and swimming lessons; a 9-mile-to-the-lap indoor track; an extensive fitness area with cardio and strength training equipment; group fitness rooms for yoga, pilates and hot yoga classes; men's, women's and family locker rooms; and a heart healthy cafe.

“The Wellness Plaza will help to give people who have been trying to improve their lifestyle by losing weight or trying to quit smoking live a healthier life,” Jarmusz says. “It will be a major resource with several rehabilitation services in one location.”

The facility will also include a conference area with a demonstration kitchen for healthy cooking classes. Disease management classes will also be available.

“We'll integrate an exercise program with dieticians and nutritional counseling -- whatever you might need to manage your chronic disease,” Jarmusz says.

Other services at the center include physician offices, a women's center and specialty clinics.

Writer: Alexis Quinn Chamberlain
Source: Donna Jarmusz, Alter+Care

The University of South Florida (USF) was recently approved to receive state and county funding to move forward with its USF Heart Health Institute project.

On April 17th, Florida Governor Rick Scott approved $6.9 million in state funding to support the initial design of the institute while, just one day later, the Hillsborough County Commission approved $2 million to help support equipment and space for the institute.

USF Health has also pledged approximately $25 million in resources for genomics-based personalized medicine, including funds for research equipment, facilities and the recruitment of two top physicians: Dr. Leslie Miller, USF chairman of the Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, and Dr. Stephen Liggett, a nationally prominent researcher who will become director of the Personalized Medicine Institute.

The institute will need an additional $42 million in state funds in order to break ground on the 100,000-square-foot facility where 60 employees are expected to work. USF will partner with Tampa's Florida Hospital Pepin Heart Institute on this project.

“When you look at where you can really make a difference, you go to where the prevalence of cardiovascular disease is most likely the highest in the United States: You start with the oldest population in the country and add in the high instance or prevalence of hypertension and obesity here in Florida,” Miller says. “The Heart Institute is a mandate to do some really cutting edge research and create new knowledge in this field, developing translational research and new therapies as soon as we can.”

According to Miller, USF President Judy Genshaft and USF Health CEO and College of Medicine Dean Stephen Klasko were so convinced that the Heart Institute was the right initiative to move forward with that it became the number one priority for university funding from the Florida Legislature for the next three years.

“They're committed to changing the health care of this community and you can't do it anymore importantly than to focus on cardiovascular disease,” Miller says. “We feel it's really imperative to do something for the residents of this state, the rest of the country and, ultimately, the world. Our therapies are going to have such broad applications.”

Currently, cardiovascular disease accounts for 40 percent of all hospitalizations and deaths in Florida. According to Miller, one in four people in the United States have cardiovascular disease; that number is expected to jump to one in three by 2020.

“This is the greatest health risk and impediment to long-term survival. This is the disease of this community and this state and we really need to do more than we have,” Miller says. “We don't see this as competitive -- it's about new discovery and new science. We hope all health care groups in the region and in Florida will be supportive of this very important new initiative.”

Writer: Alexis Quinn Chamberlain
Source: Dr. Leslie Miller, USF Department of Cardiovascular Sciences

A new upscale apartment complex is in the works for downtown St. Petersburg.

Cleveland-based NRP Group plans to develop and build 330 units of luxury multifamily housing at the northwest corner of 4th Street South and 4th Avenue South near St. Pete's medical district on property-- currently the southernmost parking lot of the Tampa Bay Times.

Developing an entire city block, the $55 million unnamed project will include a 4-story apartment building on approximately 4.3 acres. The new complex will feature on-site management by NRP, as well as a structured parking garage, cyber cafe, upscale fitness room, clubroom and pool.

“Downtown St. Petersburg continues to grow, providing jobs and an ever-growing nightlife,” says Kurt Kehoe, VP of NRP Development in Florida. “Because of this, there is a current and future need for upscale rental options in the downtown area.”

With expected completion by 2013 or early 2014, the project could break ground as early as Fall 2012. The new complex will provide one- to three-bedroom units ranging in price from approximately $880 to $1,800 per month, featuring high-end finishes including granite counter tops, custom cabinets and energy efficient appliances.

“We think this project will have an extremely positive influence on downtown St. Pete by continuing to draw higher income earners to the area which will, of course, have a positive effect on downtown businesses including restaurants and bars," Kehoe says.

Writer: Alexis Quinn Chamberlain
Source: Kurt Kehoe, NRP Group

A new fire station recently began responding to calls in New Tampa.

On Thursday, April 19th, New Tampa's newest fire station, Fire Station #22, began responding to emergency calls from a new 8,600-square-foot facility at 10871 Cross Creek Blvd.

According to Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn, New Tampa has had an increasing demand for emergency service as it has grown.

“Station #22 will help fulfill the needs of New Tampa residents,” he says. “Tampa Fire Rescue is committed to providing quality services across Tampa.”

Staffed with a four-person crew and two vehicles, Engine #22 and Brush #22, the $1.7 million facility and staff will provide assistance by responding to emergency medical incidents; both structural and brush fires; and other fire-related incidents. All staff assigned to the new station are State of Florida Certified Emergency Medical Technicians and Paramedics.

Funded by an Assistance to Firefighters Fire Station Construction Grant (SCG) provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Fire Station #22 includes a center garage with three bays, as well as work and sleeping quarters; high efficiency lights and controls; solar powered exterior lighting and water heating; and an HVAC system. Other on-site sustainability features include the use of recycled materials, Florida Friendly Landscaping and a storm water retention system.

The City of Tampa Fire Rescue Department was one of 100 selected to receive funding by SCG.

Writer: Alexis Quinn Chamberlain
Source: Mayor Bob Buckhorn, City of Tampa

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is planning a new project for 4.2 miles of Interstate 275 between Floribraska Avenue and Yukon Street.

According to FDOT Public Information Officer John McShaffrey, the $30 million project will widen both inside and outside shoulder areas along north- and southbound I-275, south of Floribraska Avenue to north of Yukon Street. The project aims to create a more consistent shoulder width.

“It's a safety project,” McShaffrey says. “As you drive through that area now, there are shoulders of varying widths -- some aren't even wide enough to pull over if you break down or have a minor accident.”

Partial demolition and widening by Prince Contracting will occur on a total of 26 bridges, widening each to connect in the center. There will also be widening of non-bridge shoulder portions of the highway while existing grass and guardrail in current medians will be replaced by a concrete barrier to match median connections on the north and south ends outside of the project limits.

“Ultimately, the shoulders will be about 10 feet wide, enabling people to pull off in case of an emergency,” McShaffrey says. “A lot of times when you break down and there's no shoulder area, it takes up a lane. This project, once complete, will allow traffic to keep flowing when you have those kinds of instances.”

Expected to begin in June 2012, the project will also include some drainage, sign and signal work. Existing overhead message signs will be replaced by signs with color displays.

Completion of the project is slated for Summer 2014 with periodic north- and southbound lane closures between 9 p.m. and 7 a.m. The current 55 mph speed limit will remain during construction.

Writer: Alexis Quinn Chamberlain
Source: John McShaffrey, FDOT

One of the original owners of the St. Petersburg Clay Company recently opened Charlie Parker Pottery, a new studio and gallery in St. Pete.

Charlie Parker of the St. Petersburg Clay Company hosted the grand opening of Charlie Parker Pottery on Saturday, April 21st.

“The grand opening was an opportunity for people to come tour our space, meet some of the artists who work there and shop our gallery featuring their work, as well as Charlie's,” says Nancy Parker, Charlie's wife and office manager.

The new 3,600-square-foot studio and gallery space will be used to host group workshops and provide independent students with a creative environment.

“Our studio is a full service ceramic studio,” Nancy says. “We offer memberships where members can get 24/7 access and full use of the studio. We also offer classes that can be constructed around any skill level.”

Nancy says occasional “BYOB pottery” parties will also be hosted at the new space located at 2724 Sixth Ave. S., where groups can learn how to throw on the wheel from professionals like Charlie.

Working with the St. Pete's Business Assistance Center to launch the new space, the Parkers were keen on creating both a work and gallery space featuring personal works.

In addition to Charlie's work in St. Pete, he just completed a $5,000 ceramic mural -- Platform Art's gift to the City of Lakeland -- which will be unveiled at Platform Art Party #19: Art in AgriCulture on April 28th in downtown Lakeland.

Writer: Alexis Quinn Chamberain
Source: Nancy Parker, Charlie Parker Pottery

With expected completion quickly approaching, prep work and design input has begun on the Adamo Drive Mural Project in Ybor City.

A two-part project, the approximately $30,000 Adamo Drive Mural Project will make an attempt to enhance the appeal of the Ybor City Historic District, transforming industrial weather-beaten portions of Adamo Drive into a work of art representing the culture, heritage and vitality of both Ybor City and Tampa.

In March, volunteers began prepping the 12,000-square-foot surface for the first mural located on the exterior of the Fabricated Products building at 17th Street and Adamo Drive. Once the surface is clean and free of loose paint, a primer/sealer will be applied followed by an acrylic base coat.

“Basically, work is ongoing at the site to deal with corrosion issues and flaking paint,” says Dave Scott, the project's organizer. “Artist Mike Parker and coatings expert Kevin Schweikhart have done most of the work themselves: A series of sand-blasting, anti-corrosion treatments and a priming layer. It's a big project.”

Scott says Parker and a group of Hillsborough Community College students involved in the project have immersed themselves into the history, heritage and current feel of the Ybor City neighborhood, leading to potential design concepts.

“Parker is about ready to go into his 'cave' to get something on paper,” Scott says. “This typically takes about three days to get a satisfactory approach.”

The mural's design is expected to be complete by April 14th, when a public meeting will be held with the Barrio Latino Commission. The Ybor City Development Corporation is working to with City of Tampa to get Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn to paint the first stroke once image production begins.

“It seems as if this may be the largest mural in the state of Florida when it's all said and done,” Scott says.

Completion is slated for the end of June 2012.

Significant contributions to the project have been made by the City of Tampa, Robin Nigh and Melissa Lebaron of the City of Tampa Art Programs Division, Sherwin Williams, Vykin Corporation, the Columbia Restaurant, Kimmons Contracting Corporation and the Rotary Club of Ybor City.

Writer: Alexis Quinn Chamberlain
Source: David Scott, Adamo Drive Mural Project

The City of North Port is making strides to help shape its economic future.

In an attempt to kick start the local economy, the North Port City Commission recently unanimously decided to adopt lower impact fees to spur new commercial and residential construction in Sarasota County's largest city.

“Because the economy continues to recover at a snails pace, the City of North Port felt that the timing was right to impose a moratorium on its two primary impact fees -- transportation and solid waste -- and reduce all others by 50 percent as a way to further the City's 'open for business' posture, making our community more competitive when it comes to business recruitment and attracting new development projects,” says North Port Economic Development Manager Allan Lane. “The business and development community told us this is the way to go and we believe in private sectors driving growth.”

Overall, this translates to a lower cost associated with building a new home or commercial building in North Port. For example, if the decision to place a moratorium had not been made, a single family home would have cost approximately $4,844.60 in impact fees. Now, with the reduction, a single family home will only cost approximately $1,120.13 in fees. A shopping center with more than 50,000-square-feet will pay a maximum of approximately $675.43 per 1,000 square feet in impact fees versus the approximately $5,994.59 per 1,000 square feet it would have cost before the moratorium was adopted.

“There has never been a better time to relocate to our City or start a construction project in the area,” Lane says. “The impact fee moratorium and reductions represent just one of several enticements the City of North Port offers to attract new businesses and development opportunities. We've been recognized throughout the southwest Florida region for its forward-thinking economic development programs and activities, positioning ourselves as the 'Achieve Anything' city.”

North Port also offers ad valorem property tax exemptions, a local preference ordinance that gives consideration to businesses in North Port and Sarasota County that bid on City contracts, expedited plan review and permitting, a small business assistance program to assist start-up entrepreneurs and existing business owners, economic development grants and financing assistance via a revolving loan guarantee fund.

“It's too soon to show whether or not any new businesses or development opportunities have come to the City specifically because of the moratorium and reduced fees, but I would think we will see some impact by June,” Lane says.

In addition, two public meetings recently took place to gain input on updating the North Port's 2007 Economic Development Strategic Plan. The City will focus strongly on what citizens want for the local community, reshaping North Port's economic future for the next three to five years.

Writer: Alexis Quinn Chamberlain
Source: Allan Lane, City of North Port

Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn welcomed six new businesses to Tampa's Channel District by leading the “Grand Opening Express: A Ribbon Cutting Ceremony in Motion.”

The April 12th event marked the grand openings of Eleventwenty Cafe Bistro at 1120 E. Kennedy Blvd. #112, Ragin' Grill at 1719 W. Kennedy Blvd., Sea Dog Cantina at 1208 E. Kennedy Blvd. #114, The Salon 1.0 at 1208 E. Kennedy Blvd. #123, Twelfth Street Studio at 101 S. 12th St. #104 and Victory Coffee at 101 N. 12th St. #101.

With all six businesses located within a one-half mile radius, Buckhorn led a Segway tour to each -- “a ribbon cutting in motion.”

The businesses opened over the last four months, creating approximately 78 new jobs for people living in the Tampa Bay region.

“Young professionals like I see here are moving down here -- my staff can't even find a place to live,” Buckhorn told reporters prior to the ribbon cuttings. “The beds are here and the heads are in those beds. The retail's going to follow, the restaurants are going to follow, the commercial demand is going to follow.”

Coordinated by the Tampa Downtown Partnership, the event aimed to connect the mayor with each entrepreneur in a morning of congratulations designed to showcase the growing vibrancy of the Channel District.

Writer: Alexis Quinn Chamberlain
Source: Mayor Bob Buckhorn, City of Tampa

New Tampa's Walk at Highwoods Preserve II retail center has been purchased by a private investment group.

B&L Investments purchased the 28,452-square-foot center for $4 million from Tampa's DDR Corp., a joint venture whose majority partner is an affiliate of TIAA-CREF. Mark Shellabarger of CBRE's Private Capital Group in Tampa represented the seller, who owns centers in the United States, Puerto Rico and Brazil.

“The buyer was interested in the property because of its size, location on Bruce B. Downs Boulevard just east of Interstate 75 in the affluent New Tampa submarket and a tenant mix that includes several regional and national retailers and service providers,” Shellabarger says.

Located at 17500 Preserve Walk Lane in Tampa, the mixed-tenant center was completed in 2003, consisting of three single-story retail buildings. Current tenants include FedEx Office, Boston Market, Moe's Southwest Grill and Jenny Craig.

“Walk at Highwoods is an attractive center with a strong location, offering the new owners the opportunity to increase revenue through lease-up of the available space,” Shallabarger says. “The buyer has expressed plans to improve returns on their investment by concentrating on leasing and property management with personal, hands-on attention.”

Writer: Alexis Quinn Chamberlain
Source: Mark Shellabarger, CBRE

College Hunks Hauling Junk and College Hunks Moving will soon call Ybor City home.

With its headquarters currently located in a 1,300-square-foot space at 4836 W. Gandy Blvd. in South Tampa, the moving and hauling company will invest approximately $1 million into renovating a 10,000-square-foot space in Ybor.

“We're so pumped to be a part of re-energizing the area,” says President and Co-Founder Nick Friedman. “Part of our mission as a company is to help our community. This is a great way to help Tampa grow into a well-deserved leadership role among other cities looking for innovative ways to reinvigorate its residents and structures alike.”

With the capacity to house three additional levels on top floors, the new global headquarters has the potential to become a more than 30,000-square-foot workspace to house College Hunks' corporate staff and approximately 50 employees working at the local Tampa branch.

According to Friedman, College Hunks plans to transform the Ybor City space into an upbeat, unique work environment. Upon completion of the renovation, the company will have nearly seven times its current space with plans to double its total of 350 employees over the next three years.

“Ybor is the cultural and historic heart of Tampa and our company shares many qualities with the area: Vibrance, entrepreneurship and innovation,” says CEO and Co-Founder Omar Soliman. “These are the qualities that set us apart from other companies in the industry, so what better place than Ybor City for our national brand to call 'home?'”

College Hunks now serves 40 markets in 24 states including Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Washington D.C. And Los Angeles. The company plans to move into its new Ybor City headquarters by mid-summer of 2012.

Writer: Alexis Quinn Chamberlain
Source: Nick Friedman and Omar Soliman, College Hunks

A new weekly open-air market in Largo will celebrate its grand opening on April 14th.

The first City of Largo Open-Air Market will take place outdoors at the Largo Community Center at 400 Alt. Keene Rd. in Largo on Saturday, April 14th from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. Approximately 40 local vendors will be on-site selling produce, artisan foods, jewelry and one-of-a-kind crafts, among other things.

“There are a lot of farmers markets all over Pinellas County, but very few of them have as many vendors as we have starting off,” says Largo Community Center Program Manager Warren Ankerberg. “We're trying to focus on local growers -- people who produce their fruits and vegetables here in Florida. If it's traditionally grown in Florida, we want it sold here.”

Made possible by a grant from the Pinellas County Health Department with sponsorship by the Pinellas County Master Gardener Program, the market will focus on promoting farming and gardening among local growers and residents to stimulate the economy and promote healthy eating. Produce from the Community Center's garden -- which also recently received a grant for expansion from the Health Department -- will be available at the market.

“I have a lot of really good gardeners and farmers that are growing fruits, vegetables and all kinds of things in our garden. It's been a pretty popular thing and our goal is to make it self-sustaining,” Ankerberg says. “There's a large subculture of people who are already growing produce, but a limited opportunity to sell them -- a lot of it goes to waste. We want to help the local community out and make an economic impact.”

The grand opening celebration will feature live entertainment, clowns, balloon artists, magicians and cooking demonstrations. The market will run every Saturday through June 9th with nine live performances planned. An EBT machine is slated to be installed on Community Center property for residents on food stamps.

According to Ankerberg, the market will go dark for the summer before starting back up in September of 2012 and continuing every Saturday through May of 2013. Ankerberg plans for the market to return in the Fall of 2013.

“It looks like this market is going to be a good thing,” he says. “I think we have a really cool operation planned out and there's already a lot of interest. I'm really excited about it.”

Writer: Alexis Quinn Chamberlain
Source: Warren Ankerberg, Largo Community Center

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is working to improve Busch Boulevard for motorized vehicle and pedestrian traffic in Tampa.

Work began in February on a $2.3 million project to repave 1.3 miles of Busch Boulevard between Dale Mabry Highway and Armenia Avenue. With expected completion by Fall 2012, the project will require nightly lane closures.

“As with all of our resurfacing projects, we evaluate the need for resurfacing and then get projects programmed in our Five Year Work Program,” says Kris Carson, FDOT's public information officer. “The FDOT will always maintain and preserve our current roadways to keep them safe for the traveling public.”

In addition to the repavement work, FDOT's contractor, Oldcastle Southern Group Inc., will build new sidewalks along both sides of the road. Traffic signals and poles at Twin Lakes Drive will also be replaced to meet current standards.

“The road will be a much smoother ride and safer for pedestrians,” Carson says.

Funds for the project were made available by the state of Florida. Other current FDOT resurfacing projects to be completed by Fall of 2012 include Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard from Nebraska Avenue to 42nd Street in Tampa.

Writer: Alexis Quinn Chamberlain
Source: Kris Carson, FDOT