Water Street Tampa
A $3 billion project backed by Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, and Jeffrey N. Vinik, the owner of the Tampa Bay Lightning hockey franchise, Water Street is the largest infill development underway in Downtown Tampa. A former industrial site, the 53-acre development will contain one million square feet of cultural and retail space, 3,500 residential units, and hotels when completed in 2027.
The 727 room Tampa Marriott Water Street was renovated in 2018. It is considered to be a pivotal piece of the Water Street Tampa neighborhood.
The Garrison Channel separates Downtown Tampa and Harbour Island. Originally named Seddon Island after W.L. Seddon, chief engineer for the Seaboard Air Line Railway, the railroad established a port on the island in 1906. Sold to the Beneficial Land Corporation in 1979, the 177-acre island is now home to a mix of uses and over 10,000 residents.
Cotanchobee Fort Brooke Park is a 4.5 acre park along the Tampa Riverwalk that is home to a memorial to the Seminole Indian Wars.
Opening its doors in 2002, the Amalie Arena is home to the Tampa Bay Lightning of the National Hockey League.
One of two new hotels in the Water Street Tampa project, the 26-story J.W. Marriott (center) will become the development’s first building to open when completed in late 2020.
The 60,000 square foot Tampa Bay History Center opened in 2009.
A revamp of the former Channelside entertainment complex, the Sparkman Wharf project will offer second-floor loft-style office space, first-floor retail space and waterfront food and dining area when complete.
Article by Ennis Davis, AICP. Contact Ennis at edavis@moderncities.com