Tampa's Zack Street Arts Corridor Moves Forward

The city of Tampa plans to transform downtown Tampa's Zack Street to a Promenade of the Arts showcasing various forms of public art. The first phase of the project will begin in spring of 2011.

According to David Vaughn, director of Contract Administration for the city of Tampa, the promenade will extend from Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park on the Hillsborough River to Nebraska Avenue near Interstate 275.

"Phase I will include revamping Zack from the park to Florida Avenue," he says. "We'll be removing lanes and widening walks to make room for the art."

Plans for the promenade include various forms of public art such as painting, sculpture, special lighting, lush landscaping and widened roads for ease of parking, walking and biking. Zack has been made a two-way street in preparation for its transformation.

Vaughn explains that the promenade is part of the mayor's long-term plan for the downtown area.

"Back in 2006 the mayor appointed a committee to look at finding a street to be enhanced to celebrate the creative arts. During the latter stages of Curtis Hixon renovation, it became evident that Zack was the right choice, since it is located at the axis to the Tampa Museum of Art. It made sense to have a pedestrian street leading into and out of the park. Less than a year ago we went through a selection process and chose Graham Booth Landscape Architecture to design the streetscapes. We're in the process now of selecting a construction manager."

Venues within close proximity to the new promenade include the Glazer Children's Museum, the Straz Center for the Performing Arts and the Tampa Theatre.

Writer: Missy Kavanaugh
Source: David Vaughn, City of Tampa Contract Administration