Warehouse Lofts developer ices plans for next Seminole Heights project
By Ashley Gurbal Kritzer
Tampa Bay Business Journal
Published: Feb 18, 2016

The developer behind the Warehouse Lofts, an adaptive reuse project in Seminole Heights, has walked away from plans to build a new mixed-use development in the neighborhood.

Wesley Burdette was under contract to acquire 5023 N. Florida Ave., which is owned by the Centre for Women. Burdette in November unveiled plans for an apartment-and-retail development on the site, with about 50 loft-style residential units and a 2,800-square-foot storefront.

The city's architectural review commission sent those plans back to the drawing board in early December, voting to continue the hearing in January after several residents spoke out against the project. Opponents to the development said that at five stories and 55 feet, the building would be out of context with the Seminole Heights historic district.

Burdette said he had about $75,000 invested in getting the project to that point.

"I didn't want to hold [the sellers] hostage, because this was going to take awhile," Burdette said Thursday. "There was no clarity on what the ARC council wanted."

As more developers zero in on Tampa's urban core and surrounding neighborhoods, there's increased scrutiny of proposed projects. In August, Oxford Exchange co-owner Blake Casper led an opposition movement that helped kill plans for a mixed-use development on Grand Central Avenue.

Burdette's other project, the Warehouse Lofts, welcomed its first residents last week. He said the 54-unit building is 50 percent leased, and about 12 units are occupied so far.

The opening of the Warehouse Lofts was behind schedule - it was originally slated to open by the end of the year. Burdette said miscommunication with city inspectors and permitting issues pushed back the opening.

"There was miscommunication on what was required during some of the inspections," he said.

While he lost about 12 potential tenants due to the delay, Burdette said he's encouraged by interest in the property. It's commanding rents of about $1.70 per square foot.

"I keep hearing time and time again that people are excited to see something unique and not cookie cutter," Burdette said. "People want something affordable and millennial focused."

Ashley Gurbal Kritzer is a reporter for the Tampa Bay Business Journal.