Construction Begins On Zack Street Promenade Of The Arts, Tampa

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
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