This past weekend, I had the good fortune to meet my son in Tampa, He and his girlfriend were there for the Bears’ game. It’s always a treat for me to be with my family. What I found in Tampa was completely unexpected.
We stayed at the Marriott on Water Street. Immediately, you understand two things: 1) this is a special place, focused on urban walkability; and 2) it hasn’t been around that long.
We had a wonderful time with so much to see and enjoy. Saturday night, we ventured out of the downtown to Hyde Park to experience another great surprise. Hyde Park Village, re-developed by WS Development, is a lifestyle center that looks like it has been here for years. Hyde Park is an historic neighborhood established in the 1880s by railroad financier, Henry B. Plant.
Downtown Water Street is a $3.5 billion development by Jeff Vinik, owner of the Tampa Bay Lightning, who managed the Fidelity Magellan Fund. A new JW Marriott opened in December, 2020, “The 27-story, $200 million-plus hotel is a centerpiece component of Water Street Tampa.”
From Kathryn Deen in Tampa Magazine, “On the Verge: The State of Commercial Real Estate and Development in Tampa & What’s to Come” (September 30, 2021):
“Mini cities” are emerging from the ground. They’re part of a national trend creating taller, denser neighborhoods that blend home, office, restaurants, shops and entertainment all into one master-planned community. And it’s a concept that looks good on Tampa.
The photo above depicts the intensity of development. It offers density within an extremely well-planned vision. In addition the area offers light rail transportation, which, unfortunately, I did not get the chance to enjoy.
Credit Jeff Vinik with a bold vision which adds lasting value to the Water Street District.