Tampa Heights YMCA, anchor of forthcoming redevelopment, moves forward
By Ashley Gurbal Kritzer
Tampa Bay Business Journal
Published: Sep 17, 2024

The redevelopment of Central City YMCA’s Tampa Heights real estate is a step closer to construction.

Design plans for the new YMCA that will anchor the redevelopment won unanimous approval from the city’s Architectural Review Commission. Because Tampa Heights is a designated historic district, new construction in the neighborhood requires approval from the ARC. The new 70,000-square-foot YMCA will be built across the street from the current facility on Palm Avenue, and the current YMCA will not close until the new one is operational.

“This new YMCA will enhance the lives of Tampa Heights residents by offering a diverse range of services and programs in a state-of-the-art, accessible facility,” Matt Mitchell, president and CEO of Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA, said in a statement.

Tampa’s Ellison Development, led by Casey Ellison and co-founded by Sidd Pagidipati, is the project’s master developer.

“The council’s approval of the YMCA’s design marks a pivotal milestone for our team,” Ellison said in a statement. “This brings us significantly closer to finalizing our plans, and we are energized by the progress. The new YMCA will become a cornerstone in Tampa Height’s Central City Development, and we’re excited to see this vibrant community continue to thrive.”

Tampa City Council approved a rezoning request in early 2024 to make way for the YMCA’s redevelopment. The YMCA has 6.2 acres in Tampa Heights, and the redevelopment will include 1.25 million square feet of new development, a 200-room lifestyle hotel, 184,000 square feet of office space, 400 residential units and 20,000 square feet of green space.

Ten percent of the residential units will be set aside for affordable housing, Ellison Development said. The Standard Oil Building at 110 E. Oak Ave. will be preserved and incorporated into the hotel as its lobby.

FleischmanGarciaMaslowski Architecture designed the new YMCA.

“The new YMCA’s design will bring a vibrant transparency to the neighborhood,” Marcel Maslowski, president and director of design at FleischmanGarciaMaslowski Architecture, said in a statement. “People driving or walking along Palm Avenue and Florida Avenue will have clear views of the activity inside, and the corner entry, framed by tall glass and bricks, creates an inviting porch that welcomes the community.”