Environment : Development News

Mayor Bob Buckhorn recently announced details about the new Tampa Riverwalk Historical Monument Trail.

Winding around Tampa's Riverwalk, the trail will serve as an educational tool to residents and visitors walking along the Hillsborough River. Featuring a variety of bronze and solid granite statues and monuments, approximately seven people who lived and made a significant impact on the Tampa Bay community will be honored each year.

“These monuments are going to placed along the Riverwalk so when guests from out of city and state walk along our beautiful Riverwalk, they will be able to stop periodically and see the likeliness of these historically significant people,” says Steve Anderson, chair of the Historical Monument Trail Committee. “Visitors will be able to read a little bit about how these people contributed to where this community is today.”

Friends of the Riverwalk will work in conjunction with the Tampa History Center to honor more than 30 throughout the Historical Monument Trail. The first six honorees include moundbuilding Indians, Henry Bradley Plant, James McKay, Eleanor McWilliams Chamberlain, Vicente Martinez-Ybor and Clara Frye.

“Tampa has a really rich history and, unfortunately, for many decades, we have not done a great job at preserving that history and honoring the people who have made it happen,” Anderson says. “We really want to help people understand and develop a sense of pride for where they live.”

According to Anderson, monuments will be added each year as Tampa residents will get the opportunity to nominate the specific historic people and events of the area.

Writer: Alexis Quinn Chamberlain
Source: Steve Anderson, Tampa Riverwalk Historical Monument Trail

The Urban Land Institute (ULI) recently published the ULI Advisory Services Panel's recommendations for developing downtown Tampa's urban neighborhoods.

Made up of experts in economic and real estate development, land use and government operations from cities around the nation, the ULI Advisory Panel was sought out by Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn to assist in developing a vision and master plan for downtown.

“Our urban core is long overdue for activity,” Buckhorn says.

Outlining Tampa's opportunities, challenges and development strategies, the 40-page report addresses connectivity and implementation of plans. Some of the questions the Advisory Panel addressed: How can the city maximize its connections to the Riverwalk? What can be done to strengthen the connections between neighborhoods? Where are the most critical pedestrian and bicycle connections?

Among the improvements suggested by the ULI Advisory Panel is an immediate enhancement of landscaping gateways into the downtown; completion of the Riverwalk on both sides of the Hillsborough River to strengthen connections to Bayshore; reinforcement of the continuation and completion of projects already underway in downtown neighborhoods, including the ENCORE! Project; and focusing new development activities on diverse housing offerings in and around Tampa Heights, North Boulevard Homes and the Marion Street Transit Station.

“The desired outcome of this project is a blueprint for present development and for the future of Tampa's urban core,” says Bob McDonaugh, the city's economic and urban development director. “There has never been as much interest in living and working in Tampa as there is right now, so it's important that we have a sustainable plan to guide us through this growth period and into our future.”

A copy of the full report can be viewed here.

Writer: Alexis Quinn Chamberlain
Source: Mayor Bob Buckhorn and Bob McDonaugh, City of Tampa

The Manhattan Avenue Segment of the Friendship Trail Project in Tampa is now open.

Part of the City of Tampa's South Tampa Greenway, a 15.8-mile trail linking Bayshore Boulevard to the Gandy Bridge and Picnic Island, the one-mile segment runs along the east side of South Manhattan Avenue at Interbay Boulevard, allowing pedestrians to cross just south of West Iowa Avenue.

Residents can now walk or ride along the west side of South Manhattan Avenue to Legacy Park Drive.

“We're always looking for opportunities to implement segments of the Greenways and Trails Master Plan,” says Brad Suder of the City of Tampa Parks and Recreation Department. “We found one here with this project by continuing our partnership with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT).”

Designed by Volkert & Associates, the multiuse asphalt trail, which opened Feb. 29, provides connectivity to Robinson High School and Bobby Hicks Park and Pool. In addition, 82 Florida-friendly trees were installed along the trail, totaling a project cost of $500,000 funded by the FDOT.

“Future projects include segments in east Tampa with the Lee Roy Selmon Expressway Authority and west Tampa with the FDOT,” Suder says. “The Parks and Recreation Department is currently planning to construct additional trail segments in Tampa Heights and New Tampa.”

Writer: Alexis Quinn Chamberlain
Source: Brad Suder, City of Tampa Parks and Recreation Department

The City of Tampa has begun construction on Phase I of the Zack Street Promenade of the Arts project in Downtown Tampa.

In an attempt to create a pedestrian-friendly street with a focus on incorporating public art, approximately $1.2 million will be invested in the the Zack Street Corridor from Ashley Drive to Nebraska Avenue.

A critical link between Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, the Classic Federal Courthouse, Tampa Union Station and Tampa Theatre, Zack Street improvements will include wider sidewalks, landscaping, lighting and public art.

“These kind of improvements in a downtown urban setting are the kinds of improvements that promote pedestrian activities, support downtown merchants and add to the quality of life in the urban core,” says David Vaughn, City of Tampa director of contract administration.

Designed by Graham-Booth Landscape Architecture, the three-phase project will split the corridor into thirds. The current phase is expected to be complete in July, while additional phases are unfunded and unscheduled at this time. More than $3 million is expected to be invested into the project.

“The blocks [in the Zack Street Corridor] are the highest activity areas downtown and another piece in the transformation of the nature of downtown Tampa,” Vaughn says. “It complements what has already occurred while expanding upon it. I'm looking forward to seeing everything come to fruition.”

According to Vaughn, city officials are looking at extending Phase I an additional block, taking improvements past the Classic Federal Courthouse, enhancing the connection from Marion Street.

Traffic on Zack Street will be maintained and remain unaffected.

Writer: Alexis Quinn Chamberlain
Source: David Vaughn, City of Tampa

In an attempt to make the City of Tampa a more inviting place to travelers and first-time visitors, Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn recently announced the Opportunity Corridors Project.

As part of the project, highly traveled corridors such as Ashley Drive, Nebraska Avenue and Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard in Tampa will receive improvements beginning in May 2012. These areas are what Mayor Buckhorn calls the “front doors” of the City.

“Mayor Buckhorn believes that major transportation arteries are economic development opportunities,” says David Vaughn, director of contract administrations with the City of Tampa. “Planned improvements are currently under design and include new landscape and irrigation in existing unpaved areas.”

According to Vaughn, the landscaping will include the use of colorful, low maintenance, Florida-friendly greenery such as trees, shrubs and ground covers. Some locations, including Ashley Drive, Jefferson/Scott Street, Orange/Cass Street and Brorein/Channelside will also receive aesthetic lighting fixtures.

“Construction documents for bidding are currently being prepared,” Vaughn says.

Installation of these improvements is expected to take between 60 and 90 days with Ashley Drive being the first to receive improvements in time for the Republican National Convention. Construction on the remaining corridors will be spread out over the next four years.

Writer: Alexis Quinn Chamberlain
Source: David Vaughn, City of Tampa

Residents of Tarpon Springs, the future of the beloved Sponge Docks is in your hands.

Dedicating approximately $1 million toward a community outreach improvement project, the City of Tarpon Springs has hired locally based Hoffman Architects to work with the community to develop a conceptual design for the docks.

Currently, the two-phase project is in its beginning stages -- the “Public Involvement and Preliminary Design” phase -- as Hoffman Architects holds interviews and workshops with various stakeholders, boaters, shrimpers, spongers and merchants throughout the area.

“Our goal is to get their input on what they think is needed -- their vision, concerns and what they'd like to see,” says Todd Willsie, senior architect at Hoffman Architects. “Taking all the information we've received, we've started doing some master planning.”

While Willsie and the rest of the Hoffman Architects crew works on a design for the docks, a community workshop will be held on Thursday, Feb. 9, at the Tarpon Springs Heritage Museum at Craig Park. The second workshop dedicated to this project, design concepts will be presented to the public before moving onto Phase II.

“Our goal is to bring more outsiders into the area,” Willsie says. “We want people to hang out down there longer, ultimately spending more money. A big goal in Tarpon is obviously to keep it on the map. It's always been a big tourist destination.”

Phase II of the project will focus on the actual improvement design, working drawings and specifications.

“We're trying to determine whether or not we should concentrate the city's money into one area or spread it out, master planning the whole thing and just improving the important parts now,” Willsie says. “One thing we'll focus on at the meeting is assigning dollar values and then we'll let the public decide what's important.”

Writer: Alexis Quinn Chamberlain
Source: Todd Willsie, Hoffman Architects

Focusing on more than aesthetics, the City Center in St. Petersburg is undergoing some renovations.

Keeping tenants in mind, $8 million is being invested into the 240,000-square-foot two-building complex, adding and renovating several state-of-the-art amenities.

“This business isn't just about attracting tenants, but maintaining them after their lease expires, as well,” says Larry Feldman, CEO of Feldman Equities, one of the owners of the City Center. “When a tenant moves out and you have vacant space, you obviously lose rental income, you may have to do a reconstruction of the space and eventually pay a broker to find a new tenant. Maintaining existing tenants is a key part of amenity packaging."

Among the recently added amenities is a first-class fitness center with high-impact wood floors, several cutting-edge exercise machines, granite sinks, shower and locker facilities and 15-foot high ceilings. The City Center will also soon receive an atrium cafe including indoor bamboo planters and ficus trees, as well as a 40-foot long granite and wood concierge desk.

A 65-seat conference center with full audio and visual connections and Scandinavian-style elevator lobby makeovers are to be included in the renovation project, featuring high-end finishes such as blond oak wood paneling, dark wood base and granite floors.

“In addition, we also have a fully rain-protected garage that's shaded,” says Feldman. “We just put in a whole new lighting system to make the 6-story garage bright at night -- almost like daytime. After analyzing the whole workforce, we found that more than 50 percent are women who'd like to see a brightly lit garage with full-time security.”

According to Feldman, one of the focuses at the City Center is to become the best building in downtown St. Pete, attracting the kinds of tenants the city needs -- new, intellectual, innovative tech-companies.

“We want to promote a high-quality lifestyle,” says Feldman. “One building can help attract the types of companies that the St. Pete area needs that aren't just the old financial services businesses. We're looking to bring in the innovative-type tenants to make for a really dynamic workplace.”

Renovations on the City Center are expected to be complete by November 2012.

Writer: Alexis Quinn Chamberlain
Source: Larry Feldman, Feldman Equities

After a temporary closure, the Largo Central Park Nature Preserve is now open to the public.

Home to hundreds of nature plants, flowers and widlife species -- including 130 species of birds -- the nature preserve, at 150 Highland Ave. S.E. in Largo, features a 3-acre pond with boardwalk, nature trail, two-story observation tower, informational kiosks, restrooms and interpretive signs throughout.

“Pinellas County has lost so much native land over the past 100 years and the preserve gives visitors a chance to get away from the city and back into nature,” says City of Largo Parks Superintendent Greg Brown. “If you pay attention, you will see something different every time you visit. It's loaded with wildlife.”

Originally opened in 2003, the 31-acre nature preserve was closed for the construction of a boat ramp into the lake. During the closure, the staff person made available to open, close and maintain the preserve was cut and the park remained closed.

“Request from the public had us open it back up,” says Brown. “People can feel great about helping keep it open by volunteering to open the park and keep up the maintenance. People can make all the difference!”

The front part of the preserve is now open daily from 6:30 a.m. until one hour before sunset.

“Volunteers are pouring in at this point,” says Brown. “We still have four days a week open to have volunteers do opening duties.”

To learn more about volunteering at the Largo Central Park Nature Preserve, contact Brown at (727) 586-7415.

Writer: Alexis Quinn Chamberlain
Source: Greg Brown, City of Largo

With both northbound and southbound Bayshore Boulevard open to the public, Phase I of the Bayshore Boulevard Enhancement Project is now complete.

After months of construction, Phase I of the $2.1 million project focused on pedestrian improvements, including the installation of crosswalks at Bay to Bay Boulevard and at Platt Street; drivers should be aware of the new traffic signal indications to allow pedestrians to cross.

“Increased safety for pedestrians and bicyclists has been provided for a signature Tampa asset,” says David Vaughn, director of contract administrations with the City of Tampa.

Phase I of the three-phase enhancement project began in March 2011, installing 4-foot bicycle lanes, northbound turn lanes and additional Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessible pedestrian crossings from Platt Street to Rome Avenue.

Phases II and III will focus on widening the roadway from Rome Avenue to Howard Avenue and Howard Avenue to north of Gandy Boulevard, as well as modifying existing roadway to provide for 4-foot bicycle lanes.

Funded by a Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) grant, the total construction cost for Phases II and III of the project is estimated at approximately $5 million.

“Enhancement projects allow the City to leverage its funding and provide needed enhancements throughout the City,” says Vaughn. “Without enhancement funding, the improvements either would not have occurred or been delayed for an indeterminate amount of time until alternate resources were obtained.”

Phase II of the enhancement project is anticipated for construction between 2014 and 2015 while Phase III will begin when funding becomes available.

Writer: Alexis Quinn Chamberlain
Source: David Vaughn, City of Tampa

2012 is looking bright for beach-goers of Honeymoon Island State Park in Dunedin.

Located at #1 Causeway Boulevard, Honeymoon Island will undergo a $5.6 million revitalization project, adding three rock T-Groin structures to the beach and nourishing about 2,000 feet of shoreline.

“About 100,000 cubic yards of sand from the ebb shoal of Hurricane Pass will be used to fill the northern portion of the public beach,” says Andy Squires, coastal manager at Pinellas County Department of Environment and Infrastructure.

Tentatively scheduled to begin in late summer or early fall of 2012, construction on the project is awaiting permit acquisition and funding from the State of Florida. Currently, the permit is under review and the funding request will be considered during the 2012 State Legislative Session along with several other beach projects throughout Florida.

“A Joint Coastal Permit must be obtained from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection,” says Squires. “With the permit and appropriate funding, Pinellas projects can take anywhere from one to eight months, depending on the size and weather conditions.”

T-Groin structures serve to attenuate wave energy, ultimately slowing the rate of beach erosion. Temporary geotextile sand-filled tubes are more common and cheaper to install -- such as those located on Upham Beach in St. Pete -- but, according to Squires, plans for rock structures coincide with future nourishment projects for Treasure Island and Long Key in St. Pete in 2013.

“Wide sandy beaches provide storm protection to beachfront properties and infrastructure, recreational space that fuels the local economy through tourism-related activity and habitat for marine sea turtles and shorebirds,” says Squires.

Writer: Alexis Quinn Chamberlain
Source: Andy Squires, Pinellas County Department of Environment and Infrastructure

Last nourished in 2006, the Sand Key shoreline in Pinellas County will be getting some attention once again.

Part of a $31.5 million construction project slated to begin in March on 8.7 miles of Sand Key shoreline, the project is anticipated to use about 1.25 million cubic yards of sand from a borrow area approximately 12 miles offshore and west of Sand Key Park.

“Essentially, there are three reasons to nourish beaches: To provide storm protection, to boost the economy through tourism and to provide a nesting habitat for marine sea turtles, as well as a nesting and foraging habitat for shorebirds,” says Andy Squires, coastal manager at Pinellas County Department of Environment and Infrastructure.

Construction on the project will start just south of Sandy Key Park, continuing southward to North Redington Beach, excluding Belleair Shore.

Expected to take about five months to complete, the construction process involves dredging sand from the approved offshore borrow area, pumping the new sand directly from the borrow area to the beach or transporting the sand by barge and spreading the sand on the beach to correct elevations and slopes with bulldozers.

Residents can get involved in the project by assisting the County with planting beach vegetation. The vegetation installed helps to build sand dunes and improve storm protection to upland properties.

“Each year, in late June or early July, the County pays for and provides oat seedlings to beach towns and cities for volunteer groups wishing to build the sand dunes along Pinellas County beaches such as Sand Key, Treasure Island and Long Key," says Squires.

For more information on the protect or volunteer opportunities, call (727) 464-8477.

Writer: Alexis Quinn Chamberlain
Source: Andy Squires, Pinellas County Department of Environment and Infrastructure

A new park is now open in Tampa's downtown Channel District.

Officially opened in December 2011 with a dedication by Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn, the $815,000 Washington Street Park at 118 N. 12th St. is the result of a public participation process and was designed by Lea Del Tosto of WilsonMiller/Stantec.

Including oversized sea grass sculptures, lawn area, large canvas shade structure and non-traditional play area, the half-acre nautical-themed park was designed to allow for flexible use of its plaza and lawn areas, which can accommodate gatherings of various sizes.

“The park's design came about after a series of meetings with the neighborhood,” says Bob McDonaugh, manager of the Channel District and Downtown Community Redevelopment Areas (CRA). “It's a green oasis in what is becoming a densely developed and populated neighborhood.”

Enhanced at night, the park is equipped with special lighting features, including spotlights and LED fiber optic lights imbedded into the main entry columns. The park also includes a fenced dog area complete with artificial turf designed specifically for pet areas, pet water fixtures and seating for dog owners.

“There is even a shaded seating area located under a canopy designed to look like a series of sails,” says McDonaugh.

Funds for the park came from CRA tax increment financing.

Writer: Alexis Quinn Chamberlain
Source: Bob McDonaugh, City of Tampa

In an attempt to promote redevelopment for the North Sarasota/Newtown area, students from the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee (USFSM) recently presented business plans to the City of Sarasota.

Developed specifically for the North Sarasota region, the students -- who were enrolled in the Community Entrepreneur Opportunity course at USFSM during the Fall semester -- put together five presentations, focusing on innovative ideas targeting economic revitalization of Sarasota's geographically defined Enterprise Zone.

According to lead instructor Jean Kabongo, assistant professor of management at USFSM, the redevelopment of the North Sarasota area is necessary in order to reduce unemployment and poverty, increase income, create additional employment, promote youth involvement, revitalize the community and create successful and sustainable business practices.

“The mission of the USFSM College of Business is to maintain a balanced emphasis on quality teaching, scholarly pursuits and service activities to benefit the community it serves. We prepare our students to be ethical decision-makers and business and community leaders,” says Kabongo. “The quality of education provided at USFSM creates a practical, workable learning experience for my students. The community projects presented by my students are an example of bringing total 'reality' into the classroom.”

Among the five ideas presented to the city was a business plan to provide the local community with entertainment and services, such as an outdoor paintball area, to accommodate Sarasota's growing high school and college community; a biodiesel production facility; a program geared toward high school students who wish to engage in entrepreneurial activities in the area; a drive-in theatre; and a company that provides local healthcare facilities with quality temporary and permanent employees that are in high demand.

“It is our expectation that all of the business ideas will be funded,” says Kabongo. “After the presentation, a potential investor approached one of the teams to discuss the needed financial support required as start-up capital, which is a good sign.”

The projected presents are a part of the collaboration and partnership between USFSM College of Business and the North Sarasota/Newtown Redevelopment Office; according to Kabongo, the partnership will continue beyond this semester's course.

“We really want to be a part of the efforts to help the area redevelop,” says Kabongo.

Writer: Alexis Quinn Chamberlain
Source: Jean Kabongo, USFSM

As the City of St. Petersburg continues on in its search to choose a replacement for the iconic Pier, members of the public will now get a chance to voice their opinions.

On December 6th, a new exhibit opened at the St. Pete Museum of History at 335 2nd Ave. N.E. entitled “Look, Think, Share.”

A free exhibition open to the public through December 30th, the exhibit will showcase the final three concepts for the redesign and reconstruction of the Pier that were submitted for the St. Petersburg Pier International Design Competition. The exhibit will give the public an opportunity to view and comment on the designs.

After a panel of jurors winnowed the submissions from 23, the final three chosen are Michael Maltzan Architecture, a Los Angeles-based architecture firm that decided to team up with St. Pete's own Wannemacher Jensen Architects (WJ Architects), as well as New York-based Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG) and West 8 Urban Design and Landscape Architecture.

While Michael Maltzan Architecture's design focuses on a new icon for the city, reframing the relationship between St. Pete and the Bay, BIG's design promotes the concept of a network of paths from a tributary public life gradually flowing together. West 8's design wants to provide Pier visitors with multiple experiences at one location.

"The objective is to work with the community to arrive at a solution that is embraced,” says Jason Jensen of WJ Architects, who has collaborated with lead designer Michael Maltzan on Michael Maltzan Architecture's design. "The design submitted for this competition is only the beginning of the process and will be a basis for additional community outreach and will continue to be redefined. In order to ensure a successful design, you need a team willing to reach out to the stakeholders and residents in the community.”

On December 16, the three teams will present their concepts to the jury at the Coliseum in St .Pete at 535 4th Ave. N. The public is welcome to attend and observe. Come 2012, the jury will then evaluate each design, ultimately making the final ranking on January 20.

Writer: Alexis Quinn Chamberlain
Source: Jason Jensen, WJ Architects

The U.S. Department of Transportation recently announced that HART will receive a multimillion dollar grant to fund a Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) fueling station.

The first step for HART towards transitioning vans and buses to CNG from diesel, the $2.3 million grant will cover costs for the construction of the fueling station itself, as well as any associated modifications necessary to the existing HART maintenance facility at 4305 E. 21st Ave. in Tampa.

“This is an important long-range, cost-saving measure for HART and a very important green step for this community,” says HART Public Information Officer Marcia Mejia.

Natural gas is a clear, odorless and non-corrosive gaseous mixture of hydro-carbons, showing an average reduction in the exhaust emissions of carbon monoxide by 70 percent, non-methane organic gas by 87 percent, nitrogen oxides by 87 percent and carbon dioxide by almost 20 percent below gas-powered vehicles.

“As HART plans how it is going to purchase and use fuel in the future, we must address multiple concerns such as compliance with clean-air mandates, controlling fuel costs and reducing the dependence on imported oil,” says Mejia. “At this time, natural gas costs about 25 percent less than diesel and is available domestically.”

Currently, the HART maintenance facility is undergoing a $4.6 million renovation project apart from the station. The preliminary project timeline for the $2.3 million CNG fueling station includes design and construction through 2012 with an operational fueling station by 2013.

HART is one of 46 innovative clean-fuel transit projects nationwide sharing $112 million in funding from the Clean Fuels and the Transit Investment in Greenhouse Gas and Energy Reduction grant programs.

Writer: Alexis Quinn Chamberlain
Source: Marcia Mejia, HART