Residents Invited To Provide Ideas For Rome Yard Revitalization Project At Public Meeting

TAMPA, FL — The city of Tampa is inviting residents to join the conversation and help shape the vision for West Tampa's future Rome Yard mixed-use and mixed-income development project.

With an emphasis on creativity and innovation, the 18-acre development will transform the area within North Rome Avenue, West Spruce Street, North Oregon Avenue and Tampa's Westside riverfront into a socio-economic hub where Tampa residents can live, work and explore.

On Wednesday, Oct. 13, community members will have the opportunity to learn more about the project and share ideas, or concerns, with city officials and the developer, Related Urban Development Group, with the Tampa Housing Authority.

The meeting takes place from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Tampa River Center at Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park, 402 W. Laurel St., Tampa.

"In order for this project to meet the community's needs and desires, all while retaining character and authenticity, we encourage residents to provide their input and actively participate in the historic transformation of this West River property," said Tampa Mayor Jane Castor. "Extraordinary change is at our fingertips, and we want everyone to have a chance to be a part of it."

The mixed-use development will consist of both affordable and market-rate housing, more than 17,000 square feet of retail and dining spaces for local start-ups, a workforce training center, amphitheater, cultural arts center, open green spaces, sculpture gardens, 30,000 square feet of amenity spaces and a brick observation "cigar tower" that will pay tribute to the area's history.

The $300 million joint venture with the city of Tampa, the Tampa Housing Authority and Related Urban Development Group will also commit a minimum of $75 million in contracts designated for local minority-owned businesses.

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Sustainability and resiliency will also be emphasized, with the inclusion of numerous energy-efficient LEED-certified sustainability features and designs.

The project includes adding 954 residential units to West Tampa within six years, 600 of which will be for workforce housing and affordable housing.

The art and design will honor and showcase the history of the area as well as compliment its Boulevard at West River Project nearby.