Tampa Heights is about to witness a game-changing project as Ellison Development unveils plans for an expansive mixed-use development sprawling across 6.20 acres. Anchored by a state-of-the-art 110,000-square-foot YMCA, this visionary venture will also boast meticulously curated green spaces spanning over 20,000 square feet.
But that’s not all—prepare to be dazzled by a luxurious 200-room hotel, dynamic office and retail spaces, and a wealth of residential units. Excitingly, this progressive endeavor, nestled within the Tampa Heights Historic District, takes inclusivity to heart, with 10% of the 477 multi-family units dedicated to affordable housing. Furthermore, the development intends to foster the growth of small, minority-owned businesses by dedicating a portion of its 100,000 square feet of retail space to them. Brace yourself, Tampa Heights, for an extraordinary transformation awaits!
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Doubling the space of the current YMCA
According to YMCA President and CEO Matt Mitchell, the new YMCA will more than double the space of the current Central City YMCA located at 110 E. Palm Ave.
“For 135 years, the YMCA has been woven into the fabric of our city. This development, with a new, modern YMCA as an anchor, will stand as a testament to our commitment to meeting the evolving needs for future generations. We look forward to robust conversations with the Tampa Heights residents and our neighbors as we explore the many ways this vision can offer value to the community. Local community feedback will be critical as we bring this vision to reality,” said Mitchell.
The new YMCA will feature a licensed pre-school, before and after-school care, teen programs, summer day camps and enhanced wellness resources to meet community needs. It will also have a roof-top pool with expanded swimming lessons and drowning prevention programs, pickleball courts, and a skybridge over Florida Avenue that will connect to parking, and the organization’s corporate offices. The current YMCA will not close until the new YMCA is open.
Could offer potential streetcar expansion
“Our new facility and the surrounding development will generate resources to further our mission and extend our reach into underserved Tampa communities. The YMCA is a catalyst for empowerment, offering a wide range of opportunities for fitness, education, recreation, and social connection. It is our vision to empower every individual in our community to reach their healthiest and most fulfilled life,” added Mitchell.
Plans call for the preservation of the Standard Oil Building located at 110 E Oak Ave. Additionally, the YMCA is providing a 10-foot easement along E. Palm Ave. for a potential streetcar expansion.
Tampa Heights, a cherished cornerstone of our city’s history, is about to embark on a transformative journey, and at the helm of this visionary endeavor stands a true local champion: Ellison Development. Partnering with the YMCA, a revered institution, Ellison Development is poised to expand its impact within the Tampa Heights community and beyond. CEO Casey Ellison expressed deep gratitude for the opportunity, emphasizing the profound honor and privilege of preserving the neighborhood’s rich heritage while propelling it into an exciting new chapter.
Groundbreaking set for summer 2024
The development will be done in phases with the construction of the YMCA being part of phase one. Ellison expects to break ground on the new YMCA in the summer of 2024 with completion in early 2026. The entire development will take roughly five years to finish.
Working on the project with Ellison Development are architects Fleischman Garcia Maslowski, engineers Kimley-Horn, and Gardner Brewer Hudson as zoning attorney.
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