Architecture

Temple Terrace Breaks Ground On Urban Center

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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

Latest in Architecture

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

American Bungalow Magazine Features Historic Tampa

By Matt Spencer

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Architecture

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May 11, 2010

Ybor City's bungalow homes are featured in "Historic Tampa," a series of articles that highlight the rich historic value these homes add to the Tampa Bay region, in the Spring 2010 of American Bungalow Magazine.Del Acosta, an adjunct instructor at Tampa's International Academy of Design & Technology, shares a timeline of the Giunta Family -- vegetable farmers who emigrated from Sicily to Ybor City and built a Craftsman-style bungalow home in 1925.Read the complete story.

Largo Builds LEED-Certified Community Center

By Missy Kavanaugh

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Architecture

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May 11, 2010

Largo is building a new community center at 400 Alternate Keene Road. And the building is slated to earn a gold LEED certification."We were shooting for the silver," says Joan Byrne, director of parks & recreation. "But it looks like we'll be getting the gold. This will be the first building in the city to get the gold rating."According to Brian Usher, director of Largo's public works department, the building's construction employs a tilt-up method that requires that wall concrete be poured into a precast form and then lifted into place after it hardens. This technique increases building efficiency and reduces energy costs. But there is more to the construction that helped earn the gold rating.The building's roof will have solar panels, and its mechanical systems are being designed with control systems that minimize operational costs and maximize efficiency. A rainwater irrigation system is planned, as well as landscaping using drought-hardy plants. The project is also using only local materials.The community center replaces the facility that currently resides in Largo's redevelopment district. "Our current community center had a fire in 1998," explains Byrne. "So this building is a replacement that doubles the size and capacity of the original building."The current community center, at 65 4th St. NW, will close and its location will be offered for urban development. Like its predecessor, the Keene facility will focus primarily on senior recreation and fitness by day and the arts in the afternoon and early evening. It will contain three studios with springboard floors, a ballroom, black box theater and several classrooms, among other amenities."We have had a cultural center with a strong arts program, but no room for classes. This building will provide room for those classes," says Byrne.Writer: Missy KavanaughSource: Joan Byrne, Largo Parks & Recreation; Brian Usher, Largo Public Works

USF Selected To Compete In U.S. DOE Solar Decathlon

By Matt Spencer

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Architecture

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May 4, 2010

The University of South Florida will be one of four Florida colleges joining together to represent Team Florida in the U.S Department of Energy's Solar Decathlon. The event, held in Washington D.C in Fall 2011, will bring together 20 teams spanning four continents for a two-week competition to design, build and operate the best solar-powered house. Team Florida was selected for "Flex House," a modular building system that includes a cistern for collecting rainwater and a solar chimney to let out rising heat.Read the complete story.

Saint Leo University In Pasco County Breaks Ground On Business School

By Missy Kavanaugh

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Architecture

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May 4, 2010

Saint Leo University broke ground on a state-of-the-art facility that will house its School of Business. And it was all made possible by a former student who never set foot on the campus until he graduated.Phoenix entrepreneur Don Tapia donated $4 million to Saint Leo University for the purpose of building a 50,000-square-foot facility that will house nine new classrooms, 37 faculty offices and a broadcast recording studio. Tapia is a graduate of Saint Leo's online program. The building is a much needed asset to a growing campus and Tapia's gift was a welcome windfall."We were sort of bursting at the seams," explains Michael Nastanski, Dean of the School of Business. "With student growth on campus we're sort of at capacity. We ran out of office and classroom space."Nastanski is excited about the building's digital capabilities. "Picture an accounting class with ticker tapes flashed around the room. That's the kind of technology we're talking about."Saint Leo is a pioneer on the online course landscape. "We've been doing it for 15 years," says Nastanski. "Our programs contribute $246 million in revenue for the Tampa Bay area." In addition to its Pasco campus, the University has 17 satellite campuses that offer continuing education courses in seven states.Tapia researched several online programs before enrolling in Saint Leo's online business program. He earned his bachelor's degree in business administration in 2005 and attended the commencement exercises then. It was the first time he'd ever set foot on campus. The 72-year-old graduate went on to earn his master's in 2007 and later served as the university's first online program alumni to sit on its board of trustees.The building is set to be completed in time for the 2011 school year.Writer: Missy KavanaughSource: Michael Nastanski, Saint Leo University

PechaKucha Returns To Tampa April 30, 8 Take Mike To Chit-Chat

By Nancy Vaughn

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Architecture

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April 27, 2010

Described as a rapid-fire, creative show-and-tell, PechaKucha 20x20 returns to Tampa on Friday, April 30, at the Armature building (the historic trolley barn in Tampa Heights) from 7-10pm.PechaKucha (pronounced: peh chak cha) is a Japanese word for "chit-chat." The event, which originated in 2003 in Tokyo, was created by Astrid Klein and Mark Dytham of Klein Dytham Architecture. The goal is to provide a forum for young designers to meet, network and quickly show their work to the public. The "quick" part involves the format, which requires presenters to show 20 images for 20 seconds. The reasoning is simple, according to the website: "Because architects talk too much! Give a microphone and some images to an architect - or most creative people for that matter - and they'll go on forever! Give powerpoint to anyone else and they have the same problem.'' PechaKucha was launched in Tampa in 2009 by organizer Kenneth Cowart, an architect with ASD. Cowart says the rapid-fire format makes it a bit less formal. "Everyone has to be on their toes and it makes for awkward pauses and moments that are generally filled with humor, and it keeps the presentations lively and active." The eight presenters at PechaKucha Tampa Bay V5: -- Alfred Goldberg, mobile technology evangelist-- Mark Hebert, design anthropology-- Megan Hildebrandt, performance artist-- Lauren Alyssa Howard, visual artist-- L.A. Moore, photographer-- Randy Van Duinen, photographer-- Brandon Wagner, creative stylist-- Brian Willis, local politicsThe event will also be a fundraiser for Haiti relief. Proceeds will go to Architecture for Humanity 501(c) and will be used to build buildings.Writer: Nancy VaughnSource: Kenneth Cowart, ASD