With 52-story tower in downtown Tampa in the works, Feldman ramps up hiring
By Ashley Gurbal Kritzer
Tampa Bay Business Journal
Published: Sep 26, 2016

The developer of a 52-story mixed-use tower in downtown Tampa has made several key hires in recent weeks - moves that signal progress on the massive new development.

Mike DiBlasi, who was previously senior director of leasing for Liberty Property Trust (NYSE: LPT), has joined Feldman Equities Inc. as executive vice president of leasing and marketing.

DiBlasi will handle leasing for Riverwalk Tower and the other Tampa Bay properties in Feldman's portfolio.

"It's Riverwalk Tower, first and foremost," Larry Feldman, CEO of Feldman Equities, said Monday, "but other acquisitions as well that we're working on. We really want to be a dominant landlord in Tampa Bay."

Hiring a leasing director marks a change in strategy for Feldman, who has largely spearheaded his own leasing efforts since he and his longtime business partners entered the market in 2010. In 2015, the partners closed on what was once known as the Trump Tower site, a vacant lot on the Tampa Riverwalk at the corner of Ashley and Brorein streets.

The tower includes 14 stories of office space, acting as a pedestal of sorts for luxury residential units on the upper floors.

Feldman said discussions are underway with potential tenants, but no leases have been signed.

DiBlasi, Feldman said, takes the same approach to leasing that he does - driven by relationships with the local brokerage community.

In addition to DiBlasi, Feldman has also hired Mahmoud Mihanyar as a financial analyst.

"With his design and construction background Mahmoud brings a specific understanding to real estate finance,” said Feldman. "Lease transactions, development, acquisition - we plan on keeping Mahmoud busy.”

Feldman has also brought on his son, Mack Feldman, to assist with leasing efforts. Jonathan Schneider is also part of the team, working under Santiago Bartolome, director of construction and development, with joint venture partner Tower Realty Partners.

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