Tampa Aims for Big Growth in Northern Downtown – Expert Shares Key Ideas

Efforts to Revitalize Tampa's Northern Downtown Area

Tampa is making a concerted effort to revitalize the northern part of its downtown core. While areas such as Channelside and Water Street have experienced significant growth over the past decade, the northern section of the downtown area still faces challenges, including vacant lots and urban blight.

At the recent annual meeting of the Tampa Downtown Partnership, an expert in city planning provided insights on how the city can begin to transform this underutilized region. The goal is to bring the northern part of downtown up to par with the more developed sections of the city.

Perspectives from Local Business Owners

Jordan Copher, owner of Late Start Brewing on Cass Street, shared his enthusiasm about being part of the area’s growth. “We are just at the cusp of what is to come,” he said. “We've got our own neighborhood that's only half developed.” His comments reflect the optimism among local business owners who see potential in the area’s future development.

Current Developments and Challenges

The Tampa Downtown Partnership has identified 330 acres of underutilized property, with 44 acres—approximately 25 blocks—currently consisting of vacant lots or surface parking. These areas represent opportunities for new developments that could help stimulate economic activity and attract more residents and businesses.

James Lima, a city planner and consultant based in New York, emphasized the importance of creating retail spaces that meet people’s daily needs while also offering a sense of community and connection. “We need more of that ethos of how do we create retail that meets people's everyday wants and needs, but is also a place, a kind of opportunity to connect?” he stated.

Lima urged the city to focus on building parks, common areas, and other features that connect with Tampa’s cultural heritage. He highlighted the need for a compelling experience that would encourage people to return to the area. “People have never had more choices about where to live, work, play, there's got to be something compelling about the experience of place that makes people want to come back.”

The City’s Role in Development

The city owns more than two-thirds of the land in the northern downtown area. It is already working on redeveloping the old Army-Navy property and improving parts of the area’s complex street grid. These efforts aim to create a more cohesive and functional urban environment.

Copher, who was born and raised in Tampa, expressed pride in being able to contribute to the growth of his hometown. “To be able to get our roots in and be part of that community that comes up of it is pretty awesome,” he said.

Future Steps and Opportunities

The city is currently reviewing requests for proposals to develop four acres of city-owned properties. This initiative represents a key step in the ongoing efforts to transform the northern part of downtown Tampa into a vibrant and attractive area.

As the city continues to explore ways to enhance the northern downtown area, the collaboration between local businesses, planners, and city officials will be crucial. With strategic investments and community engagement, the potential for growth and revitalization in this part of Tampa remains promising.