TLR Group clears construction hurdle for 43-story tower in downtown Tampa
By Breanne Williams
Tampa Bay Business Journal
Published: Nov 22, 2023

The Hillsborough County Aviation Authority has approved a variance to allow for the construction of a 43-story mixed-use tower in downtown Tampa.

The 540-foot tower is the latest project from Tampa-based TLR Group and will include a mix of multifamily, office, retail and restaurants.

The planned tower will total approximately 960,000 square feet and will be built on the roughly one-acre parcel at 601 N. Ashley Drive. The tower — which sits on a podium — will have 480 apartments. The project will include 68,000 square feet of office space and 11,000 square feet of ground floor restaurant space.

The office space is expected to “fill a need in downtown” and will more than likely include tenants like medical clinics, pet services or a salon. The top of the podium will feature an amenity deck for residents. Amenities will include a pool and fitness center. Residents will enjoy views of Curtis Hixon Park, the Hillsborough River, the University of Tampa and the Bay.

“This has been the plan since we acquired the building,” Claudia Avalos, project architect for TLR, told the Business Journal. “We are still in the planning phase, so we don’t have a definite date of launching or breaking ground, but we’re moving at full speed.”

The aviation authority approved the height variance after finding the tower, with required conditions, would have “no adverse effect” on existing FAA restrictions and would not impact the Peter O. Knight Airport, which is less than three miles away.

The lot is in a prime redevelopment location in downtown Tampa. It lies across from Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park at the E. Twiggs St. Intersection. The existing 12-story office tower was built in 1925, according to the property appraiser. A demolition permit was filed for the site on Nov. 15.

TLR acquired the existing tower in April 2021 for approximately $20.06 million, according to a deed filed in Hillsborough County. The sale included the adjacent parking lot. The building is currently the headquarters for the company.

The company received Design District Review approval from the city on Dec. 6, 2022, according to TLR.

Avalos said TLR is “adding to the vision” of downtown that was spearheaded years ago with the transformation of the Tampa Riverwalk. She said the Tampa Downtown Partnership and the Friends of the Riverwalk have helped create a unified vision for downtown and TLR wants to fully activate the underutilized property.

The group plans to bring more apartments to the community, which Avalos said is needed as the business district grows. The tower will offer studios and one-and-two-bedroom units.

TLR has 16 other rental properties throughout Tampa Bay, including properties in Clearwater and Brandon. The company builds and manages its projects, retaining ownership of the assets in its growing portfolio.