Boutique Hotel To Transform Classic Federal Courthouse, Tampa

The renovation of downtown Tampa's Classic Federal Courthouse is underway with Mayor Bob Buckhorn and representatives of Tampa Hotel Partners breaking ground on the project on February 13th.

Kicking off the $25 million project, the courthouse will transform over the next 14 months into the 130-room Le Meridien Hotel. After considering five proposals for the redevelopment of the more than 100-year-old building, Buckhorn announced in January 2012 that the City of Tampa had made its decision on Tampa Hotel Partners, LLC.

“The federal courthouse is a historical and cultural landmark and it is important to not only preserve it, but to also utilize it in a way that people can enjoy it,” says Buckhorn.

Redevelopment plans for the Beaux-Arts style building call for a complete transformation into a boutique hotel housing a signature restaurant with outdoor dining and 2,400-square-foot ballroom and meeting space.

Featuring stone, marble, three-story columns and oak trim throughout, many of the building's original features will be restored during the project; Development Services Group of Memphis will act as the project's developer while Ferrell Redevelopment of Tampa will be the historical architectural consultant. Kobi Karp Architecture and Interior Design of Miami will be the project's architect and the Beck Group of Tampa will manage the construction of the project.

“Our urban core is long overdue for activity and this hotel will activate a piece of our downtown that has been vacant for too long,” says Buckhorn. “It represents our history, will anchor downtown's future and adds to the unique flavor of Tampa.”

Prior to being considered for renovation, the building was first used as a post office and customs house, later becoming a federal courthouse. The building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and has a Local National Landmark designation.

The project is expected to create approximately 425 construction jobs with the hotel itself will employing about 100 people upon completion.

“The renovation and reopening of this hotel will benefit practically everyone,” Buckhorn says.

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