Tampa Set To Break Ground In January On City Center In East Tampa

TAMPA, FL — On Monday night, Tampa residents had a chance to see architectural renderings and offer suggestions on the development of a new City Center at 2515 E. Hanna Ave. in East Tampa that will bring a number of city departments closer to the residents needing the services.

This center is intended to provide a central location for city operations and bring city government into an underserved neighborhood, helping to accelerate revitalization in East Tampa.

In addition to serving as a one-stop government services facility, the 161,000 square-foot government services building will provide a gathering place for the community.

The City Center, estimated to cost $58 million, will replace an empty warehouse once occupied by General Cable Corp. that's long been a neighborhood eyesore.

The 13-acre property will house arts and cultural Affairs, code enforcement, community engagement, fleet management and maintenance, workforce development, and housing and community development, which currently scattered at different locations in the city.

The city plans to begin construction in January.

In addition to Monday's public meeting, the community has taken part in two listening sessions and a traffic and roadway safety neighborhood walking tour.

"We know how important it is to work closely with neighbors to keep them involved in this historic project," said Tampa Mayor Jane Castor. "Many of the design elements were influenced by feedback we received from neighbors as a part of their involvement in the planning process."

Residents can expect new sidewalks, streetlights and micromobility tools, including access to eBikes and seated scooters. There will also be electric vehicle charging stations on the site, available to the public, and other sustainability features.

Neighbors will also find a public art component and green space for events and activities.

As the construction process moves forward, there will be additional opportunities for women-owned and minority-owned small businesses to become subcontractors.

The city also plans to establish a culinary arts and workforce development program at the center to provide employment opportunities to connect Tampa's youth to possible careers.

In all, the state-of-the-art government services facility will house more than 500 employees from the following city departments:

• Architectural Review & Historic Preservation
• Arts & Cultural Affairs
• Business Tax
• Code Enforcement
• Community Engagement & Partnerships
• Construction Services
• Development Coordination
• Equal Business Opportunity
• Facilities Management & Fleet Maintenance
• Housing & Community Development
• Planning Department
• Purchasing Department
• Real Estate Division
• Technology & Innovation
• Water Department - Plan Review Division
• Workforce Development

The Tampa City Council approved the funding for a site survey and demolition of the existing building in March.

At that meeting, Carol Gordon, president of the Seminole Heights East Neighborhood Association, said the neighborhood is excited about the project.

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"We love the idea that the city of Tampa has looked at our area and that they feel it is a good place to be," she said. "We've worked hard for the last few years to be recognized as a neighborhood association and be recognized as a part of Tampa because we have been ignored for many years, especially for anything positive coming to into our neighborhood."

She said residents, however, have expressed concerns about traffic and has requested that the area's roadways be improved to handle the additional traffic.

"Of course, coming into the neighborhood and bringing 500-plus employees and all these different departments is going to affect our neighborhood," she said. "We have to figure out a way to work with the city to calm some of that traffic. We've kind of been let go for a long time so, by having the city come to us, we feel like we can revitalize our neighborhood and revitalize our streets. This would really be an asset for us."

On Thursday, Nov. 4, the Tampa City Council is set to decide on funding for the construction of the City Center.

See related stories:

• City Council Proceeds With Plans For City Center In East Tampa
• Tampa To Host Virtual Meeting To Discuss New City Center