From Vacant to Catalytic: Tampa to Upgrade City-Owned Property

West Tampa, among the Hillsborough River, is already gaining development momentum, and new plans to develop a city-owned property on the river could add fuel to the fire.

1 minute read

November 12, 2020, 6:00 AM PST

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Florida

VIAVAL TOURS / Shutterstock

The city of Tampa is planning to redevelop a vacant, city-owned property on the Hillsborough River, known as the Rome Yard, into a mixed-use project with big ambitions as a catalyst for more development on the west side of the river.

"Last month, the city issued a request for proposal for the property. A late October technical workshop drew 53 interested parties, indicating that strong interest remains in constructing an enticing mix of market-rate and affordable housing and retail," reports Charlie Frago.

Add the project to a list of recent completed and planned developments in the area, and Tampa is hoping for a revitalization program.

"The city completed the ambitious $35 million makeover of Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park in 2018," among other development projects, according to Frago. "And it recently snagged a $24 million federal grant to extend the Riverwalk west along the river, including a dozen miles of biking and pedestrian trails separated from traffic."

More details of the development variables in play at the Rome Yard site are included in the source article.

Monday, November 9, 2020 in Tampa Bay Times

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