Vinik-Cascade team hires Tampa firm for $35M infrastructure work
By Ashley Gurbal Kritzer
Tampa Bay Business Journal
Published: Mar 23, 2016

Strategic Property Partners has selected a Tampa contractor for its roadway reconfiguration and infrastructure work.

SPP, the real estate company controlled by Tampa Bay Lightning owner Jeff Vinik and Cascade Investment LLC, said Wednesday that Kimmins Contracting Corp. has been chosen from five firms that responded to a request for qualifications that went out in January.

The work, approximately a $35 million project, represents the first significant construction within the SPP district, a $2 billion mixed-use neighborhood on the southern fringe of downtown Tampa.

A portion of the costs will be funded from downtown Tampa's Community Redevelopment Area funds. CRAs have a state designation that allows them to use locally generated money to fund projects within the CRA.

"With the Kimmins team in place, Strategic Property Partners can move forward with our plans to reshape the street grid and put into place the necessary infrastructure to support a unique and urban neighborhood that showcases Tampa's waterfront,” James Nozar, SPP CEO, said in a statement. "The streetscapes are the foundation for what will become attractive, vibrant public spaces for the community to experience.”

Kimmins Contracting President Joseph Williams declined comment Wednesday morning.

In 2014, Kimmins had $37.93 million in local revenue and 214 local employees, according to data submitted to the Tampa Bay Business Journal.

The project is slated to begin this summer, pending city council approval. Here's a breakdown of what it includes, according to SPP: