Channel District Gains New Apartments, Downtown Tampa

Miami's Related Group is celebrating the grand opening of Pierhouse Apartments, an artsy enclave with an industrial flair, in the Channel District of downtown Tampa.

"We chose the area because we're excited by the job growth of the Tampa area, as well as the up-and-coming artsy edginess of the Channel District,'' says Arturo Pena, Pierhouse project manager and VP of Related Development. "Pierhouse brings more residents to an area that is growing more and more popular as it reaches critical mass. We are proud to play a part in this.''

With four, four-story wood frame buildings, the project includes 365 apartments, an expansive pool/sun deck area with a bar and poolside grilling areas, two-story gym, therapy room, event meeting/dining room, catered kitchen and dining room, double-height club lounge, gated parking garage and an urban art park located directly in the middle of the development.

Featuring five large, heavily landscaped courtyards, the park showcases specially commissioned sculptures for the development. Keeping in line with Related’s commitment to the arts and promoting green spaces, Pena expects the park to be a nice break from the hustle and bustle of urban living.

"Residents and visitors will be able to both admire the views and artwork within the park or simply go for a stroll through it,'' he says. "We are confident Pierhouse will be a signature project in the area and look forward to becoming an active part of the neighborhood.''

The project also expects to add nearly 4,800 square feet of retail. Plans for amenities that can both benefit residents and the neighborhood are in the works, including a sandwich shop, coffee house and/or wine bar.

"We want Pierhouse to continue to build on the transformation of the Channel District -- from its working marina, nautical past to a cool, artsy 24-hour district offering residents a place to live, work and play,'' Pena says.

Designed by MSA Architects, construction began on the new 4-story Pierhouse Apartments in December 2012. Leasing began in April, with the interior and common areas designed by world-renowned interior designers RTKL. Walker and Company acted as general contractor. The project worked with a more than $550 million budget. It is among 11 multifamily projects in Florida announced by Related.

Writer: Alexis Chamberlain
Source: Arturo Pena, Pierhouse Apartments