Architecture

St. Petersburg’s Jannus Executive Suites Offer Privacy, Bird’s-Eye Views

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August 17, 2010

Imagine hosting your next business party with The Flaming Lips performing live in the courtyard below.It's now possible.St. Petersburg's Vector Commercial Real Estate is leasing 10 high-end, full service Class A office suites at Jannus Landing, 200 First Ave. N.And lessees will get four free VIP concert tickets worth $9,000 as well as access to almost every concert at Jannus Live from a reserved balcony area. The balcony area offers access to private bars and restaurant facilities. The suites share a lobby area with a full-time receptionist, conference room, break room, free parking, janitorial services and free local and long-distance phone service and free high-speed Internet access. Spaces available range from 144- to 288-square-feet starting at $895 per month, plus the four VIP tickets for concerts at Jannus Live. Leases are available for one-year to five-year terms.Vector sales associate Jon Reno La Budde sheds light on how the suites offer unparalleled perks. "The suites are actually above the building that forms the back wall of Jannus Live on the east side. This building is currently being transformed into a hospitality building that will include a sushi bar and Saki lounge called 'Pure' on the first floor.""The second-floor suites are much like the VIP Suites you may see at sporting venues," he explains. "Private rooms include your own wet bar, wide screens and your own VIP hostess. The third-floor executive suites are probably a step above most executive suites because it is a complete renovation of an older building."Jannus Live is an outdoor concert venue between Second and Third Streets North in downtown St. Pete. Upcoming concerts at Jannus include shows by the Glitch Mob, Big Boi (from Outkast), Great White, Vampire Weekend and the Flaming Lips.Writer: Missy KavanaughSource: Jon Reno La Budde, Vector Leasing

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Tampa’s Towers at Channelside Offer Luxury At Reduced Prices, New Loans

By Missy Kavanaugh

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Architecture

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August 3, 2010

The Towers of Channelside recently received FHA financing approval. Add that to its already reduced lease rates, and Tampa urbanites could have themselves a sweetheart of a deal.The FHA financing benefits include a low 3.5 percent down payment, a credit score as low as 600, low-fixed or ARM rates and a slightly higher debt to income ratio. In addition, you don't have to be a firsttime homebuyer."This is great news for people who are looking to own a new home," says Steve McAuliffe, president of JMC Realty. "Buyers will be able to take advantage of this opportunity with a minimal down payment."The new financing option isn't the only advantage at The Towers of Channelside. Prices for the residential condos have been reduced up to 45 percent of the original asking prices. Prices range from $178,000 for a one-bedroom, one-and-a-half bath design to $390,000 for a high floor three-bedroom, three-bath home. Penthouses start at $500,000."The FHA financing benefits combined with the great pricing we have to offer will help the future viability of this project as well as others in the Channel District," says McAuliffe. "We expect to see more buyers'' because more affordable downtown living is now available.The 28-story twin towers are comprised of 257 luxury residential condominium homes.. The residences feature expansive balconies and panoramic views of the waterfront and downtown Tampa. Other features include a resort-style amenities deck on the fifth floor with clubhouse and one of the largest swimming pools and entertainment areas in the region. The deck, which rests above the four-level parking garage (most homes come with two parking spaces), connects the two towers. The Towers of Channelside homes are within easy walking distance of an array of restaurants, numerous entertainment venues, and a variety of shops.Writer: Missy KavanaughSource: Steve McAuliffe, JMC Realty

Sustainable Living Through New Bradenton Community, Garden

By Missy Kavanaugh

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Architecture

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July 20, 2010

Sustainable living is celebrated at Neal Communities through its newest offering, Central Park at Lakewood Ranch, as well as a progressive project underway across the street.Neal collaborated with Bruce Williams Homes on the 800-home Central Park project. The six neighborhoods are named for historic and popular urban parks across the country: Miami's Brickell Park, New York's Gramercy and Claremont parks, Jackson County Missouri's Longview Lake, Atlanta's Piedmont Park and St. Louis' Forest Park. Homes are Green Built and celebrate rather than overpower the natural surroundings. According to Neal, price points are in what the National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo Housing Opportunity Index considers the most affordable in 18 years. Homes in the Central Park community start at $126,990.The gated community's focal point is a 10-acre park with a softball field, tennis courts, children's splash park, dog parks, picnic areas, gazebos, gardens, fountain, walking area and an abundance of green space. Directly across the street from Central Park are six acres of land set aside for Smart Farm of Lakewood Ranch, a project spearheaded by four moms on a mission who appealed to Rex Jensen, CEO of Schroeder Manatee Ranch Inc., which owns the land on which Neal Communities builds its neighborhoods.The project has organized as a 501c(3) nonprofit entity and plans to provide the community and general public with educational opportunities and fresh produce. "Our first priority is education," says Jaden Hair, a Lakewood Ranch mom whose research and enthusiasm set the project in motion. "We want to provide hands-on opportunities in an educational setting for school children -- an education center for moms to take their kids to. And we plan to sell our produce to public and local restaurants."The six acres have been fenced, and Phase 1 will be underway in October 2010.Writer: Missy KavanaughSource: Jaden Hair, Smart Farm

Manatee County Approves Construction For New Technical Institute Campus

By Missy Kavanaugh

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Architecture

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July 13, 2010

The Manatee County School Board has approved the construction of a new campus for the Manatee Technical Institute. The campus will be located on 30 acres off State Road 70 in Bradenton and will replace the 50-year-old campus on 34th Street.The $41 million project allows for a state-of-the-art facility that will house all of the institute's programs under one roof. While the building will not be LEED certified, it will have several green aspects. "We will use as many green materials, systems and designs as we can," says Mike Bryant, principal architect at Fawley Bryant. "It's about being good stewards of the earth but also building healthy buildings using certified green products."Some of the easy things we will do include using low VOC paints and furniture so when you walk into the building you won't smell it. We will also use highly insulated glass and shading devices on the windows, high-efficiency air conditioning systems and task-oriented lighting devices to reduce energy used. And we can install flow-low toilets, an efficient irrigation system and landscaping that requires less watering."Bryant adds that Manatee Schools has committed to using a photovoltaic roof that makes the most of the sun's energy. "The technology has evolved to where the sheets are more flexible and house a photovoltaic system that is easier and less expensive to install," he says.A key design feature is a multipurpose space that will open to a 170-seat teaching auditorium and provide a complete line of sight into most labs through large expanses of glass. Classrooms and labs will facilitate classes in culinary arts, cosmetology, construction, machining, drafting, welding and IT.Construction is expected to start in March 2011 and be completed by January 2013.Writer: Missy KavanaughSource: Mike Bryant, Fawley Bryant

New Garage Means Fewer Parking Woes Near Tampa Port, Channelside

By Missy Kavanaugh

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Architecture

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July 13, 2010

Whether you're taking a cruise to the Yucatan or attending one of the many public events held at the Tampa Port, scratch worrying about parking off your list of things to do to prepare.Parking near the port got a whole lot easier this summer with the addition of another 730 parking spaces to the Channelside district in the form of a five-story garage that features a first-floor clearance of 18 feet for transport trucks and three above-ground levels for passenger parking."The new parking garage at Channelside, with its modern look and utilitarian first floor clearance is a much-needed and appropriate addition to downtown," says Port Authority Director Richard Wainio. "Large trucks will benefit from the 18-foot clearance, ensuring a smoother process of servicing cruise ships, and customers will enjoy access to more parking spaces, especially during special events and other peak times."In addition to providing greater clearance for trucks carrying supplies to and from cruise ships docked at the port, the new garage offers additional parking for visitors to the shops and restaurants at Channelside Bay Plaza, the Florida Aquarium and the St. Pete Times Forum.The garage, which spans a city block, is located right across the street from the Port of Tampa, with entrances off 12th Street and Channelside Drive. The structure itself has already garnered awards from both the Tampa and Orlando chapters of the American Institute of Architects. HKS Architects and Kraft Construction designed and built the multicolored building to fit in the flavor the district, with its exterior lettering spelling out "Channelside" in uppercase letter and its reflective-tile surface.Tampa's Channelside district features art deco-style buildings that house apartments and condos such as the Place at Channelside and the Slade, entertainment, dining and shopping. An electric streetcar runs from Ybor City through the district daily. The line connects to downtown trolley lines at the Dick Greco Plaza.Writer: Missy KavanaughSource: Richard Waino, Tampa Port Authority

Temple Terrace Breaks Ground On Urban Center

By Missy Kavanaugh

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Architecture

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June 29, 2010

After 10 years of dreaming and planning, Temple Terrace is finally breaking ground on its new downtown.The project blends the efforts of public and private entities. The city of Temple Terrace sold 30 acres of land to the Vlass Group upon approving the master developer after an extensive bidding process. Vlass Temple Terrace, LLC has drawn up plans that paint a bustling downtown with ample commercial, residential and entertainment opportunities."The area is mixed use and includes residential and commercial facilities for resale in an area where young people can move in and have everything at their fingertips," says Temple Terrace Mayor Joe Affronti. "They'll have easy access to good transportation and interstates. It has a grocery store, restaurants, banking, a library and a cultural arts center, all of which should mean a lot if they're looking for convenience. "This $160 million project is going to upgrade the entire region and enhance the value of the community," continues Affronti. "Especially for those who currently live here. It's probably the biggest project going on in the area at this time."Mike Vlass of the Vlass Group has great things to say about Temple Terrace and its residents. "The mayor has been an incredible advocate with wonderful vision," says Vlass. It's evident residents care about their community. They wanted to do something that made sense. Sometimes people want to do projects and they don't make sense. But their vision makes sense."Vlass is passionate about downtown redevelopment. "We are extremely sensitive to the trends in new urbanism," he says. "We have for the last 10 years gone into dense areas that have vacant, wasted spaces in ruins. We're recycling these wasted areas, tearing them down and creating something new."Groundbreaking takes place July 2.Writer: Missy KavanaughSources: Joe Affronti, City of Temple Terrace; Mike Vlass, Vlass Temple Terrace, LLC

Tampa’s Future Rail Stop Positioned By Historic Cemetery

By Matt Spencer

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Architecture

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June 22, 2010

Hillsborough County's only planned high speed rail stop, off Morgran and Scott streets, will position the station next to Oaklawn Cemetery. The cemetery, founded in 1850, is home to Civil War veterans, pirates and 13 former mayors. An American Institute of Architects branch in Tampa is spearheading an effort to preserve the cemetery throughout the construction process, designate it a historic landmark and integrate into the design of the rail's station. Read the complete story.

Bob’s Twist-N-Shake: Ice Cream Goes Retro In Venice

By Missy Kavanaugh

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Architecture

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June 15, 2010

The new Bob's Twist-N-Shake in Venice, a retro-design building, sports a 13-foot-tall, three-dimensional white-and-orange twist ice cream cone that heralds its main product: ice cream.The design is reminiscent of the ice cream stands of the 1950s and '60s, which coincides with owner Bob Johnson's acquisition of the land at 420 U.S. Highway 41. "I've owned the land where the store is located since the '60s," says Johnson. "I leased it to a bank for 25 years. A few years ago they moved on and the land became vacant. I love ice cream and thought this location was well-suited for this type of project. Venice is a place of character."In addition to the store and drive-through, exterior spaces include covered canopy seating and shaded garden seating.Construction was completed in 90 days by JE Charlotte Construction. According to Jeff Charlotte, his business is dedicated to aggressive timelines. "We develop and manage our work on a daily basis, which enabled us to stay on track. We procured all long-lead materials well in advance of the date they were needed on site, so there were no delays to the schedule.""We thoroughly enjoyed completing this project for the Johnson family," adds Charlotte. "It brought much-needed jobs to the area and we always enjoy projects that bring property tax revenues back on-line without taxing the need for new infrastructure."Bob's Twist-N-Shake is open from noon until 9 p.m. daily, with a menu that features malts, shakes, floats and smoothies as well as its signature twisty cones. Writer: Missy Kavanaugh Source: Bob Johnson, Bob's Twist-N-Shake; Jeff Charlotte, JE Charlotte Construction

Investors Offer Hip, Urban Condos For Rent In Downtown St. Petersburg

By Missy Kavanaugh

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Architecture

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June 15, 2010

A group of Canadian investors have made it possible for The Sage Condominiums in St. Petersburg to begin renting units that offer urban amenities such as a fifth-floor terrace pool, club house with bar, media lounge and art program for under $2,000 a month.The Sage, located on the corner of 4th Avenue and 4th Street S., sits within walking distance of downtown St. Petersburg and the University of South Florida's St. Pete campus. Despite its amenities, convenient location and panoramic views of Tampa Bay, units were not selling as well as expected. Enter Canada."Seventy-five condominium units were purchased by Bayshore Investors, LLC, a partnership formed by Southwest Properties Limited and Armco Capital Incorporated of Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada," explains Gordon Laing, Southwest's president and CEO.Laing says his interest in The Sage stems from the region's positive growth. "Tampa Bay is one of the largest metropolitan areas in Florida, with strong employment opportunities and vibrant recreational and shopping amenities," he says. "In particular with The Sage, it's ideally located near the University of South Florida and Bayfront Medical Center, as well as the waterfront, shops and restaurants." Pashé Douglas-Sampson recently moved to St. Petersburg to start her occupational therapy career. She chose The Sage after a search around town. She was the first rental resident."I used to live in Miami and am used to living in towers and condos. I wanted to find something similar. When I first came here I didn't notice this building. But once I went inside I knew it was where I wanted to live. I really, really love the structure, the floorplans. And the pool has a great view of the city." Writer: Missy Kavanaugh Source: Gordon Laing, Southwest Properties Limited; Pashé Douglas-Sampson, The Sage Condominiums

Grand Opening Of Glazer Children’s Museum In Tampa Set For Sept. 25

By Missy Kavanaugh

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Architecture

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June 8, 2010

Construction on the building for the new Glazer Children's Museum in Tampa has been completed. A grand opening is scheduled for Sept. 25 after the interior is completed. The 53,000-square-foot structure will house 12 galleries, three classrooms and ample space for traveling exhibitions within its three levels.According to John Curran of GouldEvans architectural firm in Tampa, every effort was made to make the building environmentally sustainable. "It's as energy efficient as possible, and constructed using two products: marmoleum and carpet tiles, both of which are very sustainable products. And we used only non-toxic paints and other elements throughout the building."In addition, the design takes advantage of as much natural light as possible. "Most children's museums try to control light," explains Curran. We did our best to maximize it." Museum President and CEO Al Najiar says functionality was an important consideration in planning construction. "We really built it from the inside out. We wanted to consider the visitor's experience and mold the museum to fit that functionality."Both say that the most important thing is that the design appeals to children. "The contemporary design is very simple," says Curran. It's colorful in such a way that kids naturally identify with it.""It's a playful atmosphere. A really fun building," adds Najiar.Curran says the Tampa Riverwalk neighborhood was another consideration in designing the museum. We all did our best to complement the existing surroundings as best we could. Our design contrasts with the existing building (the Poe Garage and the Tampa Museum of Art), but it's quite similar. The two, although quite different, co-exist quite nicely." Glazer Children's Museum, located at 110 W. Gasparilla Plaza, joins an existing collection of museums in downtown Tampa, including the Tampa Museum of Art , Florida Museum of Photographic Arts and the Tampa Bay History Center.Writer: Missy KavanaughSources: Al Najiir, Glazer Children's Museum; John Curran, GouldEvans-Tampa