Franklin Street is set to shine again! Tampa’s City Council unanimously approved the Franklin Street Vision project, unlocking a $6 million investment to revitalize the historic corridor that connects three vibrant Downtown neighborhoods.
The project will blend the street’s rich history with modern upgrades, bringing back the lively, community-centered vibe that once made Franklin Street the heart of Tampa.
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This isn’t your typical city-funded project. The investment will come straight from Downtown’s Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) budget—money raised Downtown that’s required to stay Downtown. This means the funding won’t impact the city’s general budget, keeping the focus squarely on enhancing Downtown Tampa.
Revitalizing Tampa’s open-air shopping hub
With $6 million spread out over three years, the initiative aims to deliver a vibrant space where Tampa’s historic charm meets modern design. Tampa Downtown Partnership’s efforts earned resounding support during this morning’s CRA meeting, marking a huge win for the area’s future.
The timetable for construction and completion will be set in the coming months, but one thing is clear: Franklin Street is “on the fast track to becoming the buzzing hub Tampa deserves,” according to a release.
Franklin Street, once the heartbeat of Tampa, is making a comeback. Known as the city’s open-air shopping hub and home to the iconic Tampa Theatre, this historic street was the place to be. Now, the Tampa Downtown Partnership is on a mission to restore that energy, attract small businesses, and bring Tampa’s rich history into the future.
Bringing back the city’s former Main Street
“Franklin Street was the main street of Tampa,” said Karen Kress, Senior Director of Transportation and Planning for the Tampa Downtown Partnership. “We’ve brought together voices from across the community to ask, ‘How can we bring back that energy? How can we support and attract small businesses? And how can we elevate Tampa’s amazing history and bring it into the future?’”
The plan includes infrastructure upgrades and new initiatives aimed at making Franklin Street a thriving destination for small businesses to establish themselves, grow, and flourish. “This is a major win for Downtown Tampa,” added Kenyetta Hairston-Bridges, President and CEO of the Tampa Downtown Partnership.
Balancing Progress and Preservation
The effort to revitalize Franklin Street goes beyond modern upgrades. A recent survey of more than 170 historic properties in the area highlights the value of preserving Tampa’s architectural gems. By utilizing incentives like tax credits, property owners can save money while maintaining the character of these historic buildings.
To support these efforts, the Tampa Downtown Partnership is hosting the Economics of Historic Preservation Workshop, a can’t-miss event for anyone interested in real estate, development, or historic preservation.
A preservation workshop in Tampa
This engaging session will provide tools and insights for leveraging grants, incentives, and funding opportunities to preserve Tampa’s history while creating vibrant spaces for the future. Key highlights include:
- Unlocking funds: Discover grants and incentives at the city, county, state, and federal levels.
- Developer insights: Learn from the creator of Le Méridien Hotel about attracting syndicators and investors.
- Real-life stories: Hear from local building owners on their preservation successes.
Event Details
Tuesday, November 19, 1:30–4:30 p.m.
Historic Hillsborough Masonic Lodge, 504 East Kennedy Boulevard
The workshop, presented by the Tampa Downtown Partnership with support from Hillsborough County, offers a unique opportunity to connect with experts and celebrate Tampa’s past while building its future.
Register now to reserve your spot.
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