Tampa seeks developers for 18 acres in West River area
By Ashley Gurbal Kritzer
Tampa Bay Business Journal
Published: Feb 20, 2019

The city of Tampa is seeking proposals from developers for 18 acres of publicly owned land west of the Hillsborough River. The city on Tuesday issued a request for proposal for the site, which is south of Columbus Drive and north of Spruce Street.

It is immediately adjacent to the 44-acre former public housing site that Related Group and Tampa Housing Authority are redeveloping in a joint venture. (The parcels are at 2609 N. Rome Ave. and 2301 N. Oregon Ave.

"Mixed-use development or residential or office and or hospitality and retail" is encouraged, the city said in its call for proposals. A workforce housing component is "strongly encouraged." Proposals are due to the city purchasing office by 4 p.m. March 20.

Here's what the city says it is looking for from developers: Successful experience in the development of residential/office/retail/hospitality in urban areas Architectural sensitivity to the proposed site, adjacent residential neighborhoods, buildings and activities Satisfactory financial references.

"Three years in the making, these parcels are a blank canvas and will be transformative for the west side of the river,” Mayor Bob Buckhorn said in a statement.

"Completing the ongoing redevelopment of the former public housing site, the developers will be able to provide mixed use, residential, office and or hospitality and retail development on the sites but they will do so in a neighborhood that has provided Tampa with its diversity and rich history for decades.

I have no doubt, that when completed this will be a destination for those flocking to Tampa to enjoy and for residents to treasure.”