In a recent session, the Tampa City Council gave its initial approval for the ambitious Ybor Harbor project, a vision spearheaded by Darryl Shaw for revitalizing downtown Tampa's waterfront. The council greenlit a comprehensive plan amendment and rezoning request to pave the way for the development.

Located south of Adamo Drive, east of Channelside Drive, and west of North 19th Street on the Ybor Channel, Ybor Harbor spans approximately 33 acres. Notably, this site was previously considered for a Tampa Bay Rays stadium, though Shaw's plans, unveiled in early 2023, do not include such a facility.

Shaw, collaborating with Washington, D.C.-based Kettler, is concurrently involved in Gasworx, a mixed-use development adjacent to Ybor Harbor. He envisions Ybor Harbor as a series of interconnected neighborhoods, catering to Tampa's growing population while leveraging the demand for goods through Port Tampa Bay.

The centerpiece of Ybor Harbor will be its waterfront, which Shaw intends to make accessible to the public. Plans include 100,000 square feet of open space featuring a boardwalk adorned with restaurants and retailers, piers, boat slips, floating docks, and green areas.

Key features of the development encompass:

500,000 square feet of office space
800 hotel rooms
Over 150,000 square feet of street-level retail space
4,750 new residential units, with 10% dedicated to affordable housing

Shaw's project team includes engineering firm Stantec, transportation consultant Randy Coen of Coen & Co., legal representatives Tyler Hudson and Alex Schaler of Gardner Brewer Hudson P.A., and arborist Ricky Peterika of Dark Moss.

Additionally, Shaw has enlisted placemaking firms East and Main, led by CEO James Nozar, and Of Place, to enhance the project's design and community integration.

The council's decision to approve the rezoning request was unanimous, with the comprehensive plan amendment passing with a 6-1 vote. Councilmember Lynn Hurtak dissented, expressing concerns about the development's impact on maritime land and jobs. However, Councilmember Bill Carlson, despite sharing similar concerns, ultimately voted in favor, citing previous rezoning efforts in the area.

Hurtak emphasized the importance of accommodating essential infrastructure like fire stations in the vicinity of Ybor Harbor and Gasworx, considering the substantial increase in housing units expected from these developments.

Despite some reservations, stakeholders like Captain John Timmel of American Victory Ship and Starboard Ten Maritime Forensics praised Shaw's commitment to engaging the maritime community and ensuring the project's compatibility with maritime activities.

The council's decision marks a significant step forward for Ybor Harbor, with a follow-up hearing scheduled for May 2nd.

Original article sourced from: Tampa Bay Business Journal

Initial Approval for Ybor Harbor!