Seminole Heights developer planning new mixed-use building
By Ashley Gurbal Kritzer
Tampa Bay Business Journal
Published: Mar 3, 2016

The developer of the Warehouse Lofts is moving forward with plans for a mixed-use building in Seminole Heights.

Wesley Burdette said Thursday that he is planning an apartment-and-retail development at 5208 N. Florida Ave., at the intersection of West Giddens Avenue and across the street from Ichicoro Ramen.

Burdette already owns the 1-acre site, which he purchased in late 2015 for $500,000.

"We're seeing such strong demand for Seminole Heights," he said. "People are coming to the area not only to buy but to rent, and we're seeing an increase in retail and restaurants. That's the reason I continue to push forward - we're seeing good demand."

Besides the Warehouse Lofts, Burdette is also developing four townhouses near the new mixed-use property, at 113 W. Giddens Ave.

If all goes according to plan, Burdette says he'll break ground this summer and wrap up construction around April 2017.

There will be 50 to 60 units, Burdette said, and 5,200 square feet of storefront space, as well as another 600 square feet of office space. The units will be staggered, with some set back farther than others, and each will have a balcony.

It's an investment of $6 million to $8 million, Burdette said. He's in talks with several lenders, including C1 Bank, as well as investors. Burdette was the sole investor in the Warehouse Lofts.

"This will be high quality," he said. "It's not stick frame - it'll be concrete, with steel framing, very high end and well built."

Burdette was planning another mixed-use development in Seminole Heights, at 5023 N. Florida Ave. That building would have demolished an old warehouse and built a five-story apartment building in its place, but Burdette killed those plans after neighborhood opposition delayed the approval of the city's architectural review commission.

His plans for the Giddens site will be not be subject to a public hearing.

"We're staying within the confines of the Seminole Heights overlay," Burdette said. "Without a doubt, it takes away some complexities or unknowns. It's nice to be able to have some of those options available that I can control."

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