SOUTH HOWARD : With the original plans of a parking garage, boutique hotel, and a new restaurant, Bern's Steakhouse has started construction on the parking lot site immediately west of their famous restaurant. Do not expect a looming hotel tower, this will be a very small, high end facility of less than 5 floors. Original plans called for the garage to built first with the rest to follow. This will bring a significant change to this area of South Howard. In addition, the property currently occupied by Maries Detailing is now "under contract". Watch for more changes there too. PLUS, the city has moved forward with the plans for Bern's Park (the triangular property in front of St. Bart's and Bellas). The upgrade of the street island on DeSoto has already been completed and now the park itself has received upgraded lighting and electricals in preparation for a fountain with a statue. See the park plans here.
http://www.sohotampa.com/berns1.htm
NORTH HOWARD: The Gateway to the SOHO district is about to make some very serious changes too. The Ft. Homer Hesterly Armory is up for redevelopment that will be significant. The total impact could be larger than the Channelside retail center. Proposals include a 300 room hotel, retail center, spa, film studio, and more. Three proposals are still being considered. The National Guard discussed the proposals at a meeting in mid-August and indicated they would request financial information from the 3 potential projects. However, as of early October, the developers had not heard anything from the National Guard. So much for rapid deployment. You can see more details about the proposals here.
http://www.tampagold.com/armory.html
One of the development groups has already made a significant committment to the area with the purchase of and plans for the renovation of a historic cigar factory building at 1202 N. Howard Avenue. The Intelident Solutions group is behind the Heritage Square proposal. The cigar factory is planned to be the new location for their current Rocky Point offices. This represents a significant improvement for that neighborhood and the SOHO gateway. You can see pictures of the old building and the plans for the future on this page. (photos courtesy of Intelident Solutions)
One of the partners in one of the other development groups, Tampa Digital Studios, is searching for a new location. Located next to Whiskey Park, they have received notice that they will have to move due to the approaching demolition of the building to be replaced with apartment homes and retail space by Post Properties. See their proposal here.
www.armorypartnersgroup.com
OLD HYDE PARK VILLAGE IS IMPLODING
Storehouse Furniture is liquidating. Sunrise Cinemas is closed. Lots of other spaces are vacant too. Other Village locations are moving around. With plans to add multi floor condo buildings that will almost totally disrupt business during construction in Old Hyde Park Village for sometime, area residents are expressing concerns that the plans are "too much" for the area. If the Armory project happens prior to the Village's completion, it may be a significant competition to the Village's success.
OUR BIG GRIPE:
We like Hyde Park, we like Old Hyde Park Village. We remember the great food and fun at Boneshakers (later TGI Fridays), Selenas, and more. We hate SOHO being called Hyde Park - WE AREN'T. As you drive west on Swann Avenue from Hyde Park, look for the city sign: "Welcome to SOHO District". SOHO has thriving businesses, lots of people, active clubs, and more. SOHO attracts a younger customer base. We have vibrancy.
