Florida Construction News staff writer
An underutilized stretch of North Downtown Tampa is one step closer to a major transformation that will bring affordable housing, commercial space and improved connectivity to the city’s core.The request for proposals (RFP) review period to redevelop four properties between North Tampa Street and East Ashley Drive, in the northern section of Tampa’s central business district, has closed. A proposal led by PMG Affordable has been selected.
The development team includes the Tampa Housing Authority, Bank of America Community Development Company and DuCon LLC.
The properties, owned by the City of Tampa and the Tampa Community Redevelopment Agency, include the former Army Navy Surplus Market store and the Royal lot.“We are still early in the development process, but it is incredibly exciting to move this vision for North Downtown Tampa forward,” said Jane Castor. “We can’t overstate the importance of workforce housing in our community. Not only will existing neighborhoods benefit from the improved connectivity, but this project will create hundreds of affordable, downtown homes for teachers, first responders, technicians, service employees and others who make our city great.”
CRA chairman Luis Viera called the selection a milestone for the downtown and its housing strategy.
“As the first affordable housing development in Tampa’s central business district, we are opening countless opportunities for the individuals and families that need it most,” he said. “We want to ensure everyone has a chance to live in our flourishing downtown and enjoy a lifestyle that keeps them close to jobs and the places they enjoy most.”
City and CRA officials have emphasized mixed-use development for the site, anchored by affordable housing. While the RFP required a minimum of 800 residential units, PMG’s proposal includes approximately 1,150 units — about 30 per cent more than required — with 70 per cent designated as affordable and workforce housing.
“PMG Affordable is honored to have been selected alongside our partners by the City of Tampa to revitalize the historic Army/Navy site,” said Dan Coakley, principal of PMG Affordable. “Our goal is to deliver a transformative mixed-income, mixed-use community that enhances quality of life through affordable and attainably priced housing, activated retail and public open spaces.”
The site also sits adjacent to the Ashley Drive on-ramp to Interstate 275. Plans under consideration would redesign the interchange to significantly improve connectivity and pedestrian safety between the proposed development and surrounding neighbourhoods.
Further planning and community consultation are expected as the project advances.
