Tampa has unveiled an ambitious redevelopment initiative aimed at transforming the northern edge of its downtown into a vibrant, inclusive, and transit-connected neighborhood. The city has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) to reimagine approximately four city-owned acres, including the former Army-Navy Surplus Market and adjacent parking lots, into a mixed-use development featuring at least 750 residential units, with a significant emphasis on affordability.

Housing and Affordability

The RFP mandates that 50% of the proposed 750 housing units be designated as affordable, with a minimum of 30% reserved for households earning up to 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI), and at least 20% for those earning between 80% and 140% of AMI. These affordable units must be integrated throughout the development, include a mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom configurations (excluding studios), and remain affordable for a minimum of 50 years. Additionally, the plan requires the inclusion of 28 bedrooms dedicated to cultural arts conservatory housing to support downtown institutions like the Straz Center for the Performing Arts.

Connectivity and Infrastructure Enhancements

A key component of the redevelopment involves reconfiguring the Ashley Drive on-ramp to I-275. This redesign aims to improve pedestrian safety and reconnect the street grid, facilitating better integration with surrounding neighborhoods. The project also aligns with plans to extend the TECO Line Streetcar northward to Palm Avenue and introduce a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) line along Tampa Street, enhancing public transit options and promoting transit-oriented development.

Community and Cultural Integration

Beyond residential and transit improvements, the RFP stipulates the inclusion of at least 15,000 square feet of non-residential space to accommodate community-serving retail, services, and public amenities. This space is intended to foster employment opportunities and provide conveniences for residents and visitors alike. The development must also incorporate public art and design elements that reflect the area's history and culture, contributing to a sense of place and community identity.

Sustainability and Resilience

The city emphasizes sustainable development practices, requiring proposals to meet or exceed LEED Silver standards. Developers are encouraged to incorporate features that promote recycling, gardening, composting, and healthy lifestyles, as well as protect existing tree canopies. These measures aim to ensure the long-term environmental resilience of the neighborhood.

Strategic Urban Revitalization

This redevelopment initiative is part of Tampa's broader "Transforming Tampa's Tomorrow" strategy, which includes projects like the West Tampa Riverwalk Extension, the Green Spine Cycle Track, Gasworx in Ybor City, Rome Yard in West Tampa, and the Encore district. Collectively, these efforts aim to invigorate the urban core, enhance walkability, and create a more connected and livable city.

Proposals for the North Downtown redevelopment are due by June 13, 2025. Selected developers will be invited to present comprehensive plans that address community engagement, design, financing, and implementation strategies. The city anticipates that this project will serve as a catalyst for further revitalization efforts, fostering a dynamic and inclusive downtown environment.

Trumps Appoints Mayor Castor to FEMA Review Council

President Donald Trump has appointed Tampa Mayor Jane Castor to the FEMA Review Council, a national group tasked with evaluating and improving the country’s emergency management systems. The 13-member panel includes government officials and disaster response experts from across the U.S.

The council was created in early 2025 to review FEMA’s recent performance and recommend changes that ensure faster, more effective disaster relief. Castor’s experience leading Tampa through multiple hurricanes was cited as a key reason for her selection.

Construction Advances on Gasworx Nucleus

The Gasworx Project marks the first major step in connecting Tampa’s Downtown with Ybor City, with its initial phase establishing critical infrastructure and several residential and mixed-use developments. This phase includes a new park, trolley stop, and reconnected street grid, alongside five major building projects:

• La Unión: A 317-unit residential community opened in Fall 2024 and is currently 70% leased. Ground-floor retail is still under negotiation.

• W2: Under construction, this seven-story building will include 390 residential units and a 482-space garage. Initial units will be delivered in January 2026, with full completion by Fall 2026.

• E1: A five-story building with 140 residential units (primarily one-bedrooms) and 18,000 square feet of retail space.

• E2: Converts a 28,000-square-foot warehouse into a food and retail marketplace with indoor-outdoor seating. It will be paired with a new 100,000-square-foot office building, future HQ for Grow Financial.

• E3: A 10-story tower with 376 residential units, 29,000 square feet of retail, and high-end amenities such as a rooftop pool and a 7th-floor courtyard.

Construction on E1, E2, and E3 began in early 2025 and is set to conclude between late 2026 and early 2027. Future phases may include a condo and hotel component, but developers have confirmed that the Rays Ballpark is not part of the Gasworx development.