After Years of Planning, Gasworx Development Is Finally Moving Forward

The transformation of Ybor City’s west end is taking a major step forward with the closing of a $182 million construction loan from Bank OZK for the Gasworx district. This funding will propel the development of three key parcels—E1, E2, and E3—bringing Tampa closer to one of its most ambitious mixed-use developments.

Gasworx is a 50-acre redevelopment project designed to seamlessly connect Ybor City with downtown Tampa. Once completed, the district will feature 5,000 residential units, 500,000 square feet of office space, and 150,000 square feet of retail, shaping one of Tampa’s most walkable neighborhoods.

The newly funded phase will anchor Gasworx’s live-work-play environment with three distinct blocks:

• E1 Block: A five-story residential building with 140 one-bedroom units, catering to active residents drawn to Ybor’s dynamic surroundings. The block will also include 18,000 square feet of retail to enhance street-level vibrancy.

E2 Block: A repurposed warehouse transformed into a 28,000-square-foot marketplace featuring restaurants, retail, and indoor-outdoor seating. This space will be complemented by a 100,000-square-foot Class A office building, which will become the future headquarters of Grow Financial

E3 Block: A 10-story residential building with 376 units and 29,000 square feet of retail. Designed with community and luxury in mind, it will feature a rooftop pool, fitness center, listening lounge, clubroom, and an outdoor courtyard on the seventh floor.

Construction on all three blocks is set to begin in early 2025, with completion expected between late 2026 and early 2027.

As development gains momentum, Tampa’s urban core continues to evolve. Residents and workers alike are eager to see a future where walking or biking seamlessly connects Channelside, Ybor, Central Park, and River Arts.

Meanwhile, discussions around Major League Baseball in Tampa Bay remain a key point of interest. With St. Pete reconsidering the Gas Plant District deal for a new Rays stadium, the timeline for these projects aligns with the potential for baseball to return to Ybor—an idea that Tampa has pushed for in the past.

Could the Gasworx momentum be another step toward bringing baseball back to Ybor? With a deadline for the Rays' decision set for March 31st, the coming months could be pivotal for the future of the region.

Tampa Bay’s Traffic Problem: Time for Real Transit Solutions

Transportation is the backbone of our economy, yet congestion is crippling productivity and quality of life in the Tampa Bay region. According to the INRIX 2024 Global Traffic Scorecard, Tampa ranks among the 25 worst urban areas for congestion, costing residents and businesses valuable time and money:

🚗 $800 million lost annually in productivity due to congestion
💰 $600 per person wasted each year in delays
⏳ 34 hours per year stuck in traffic—almost a full workweek

As INRIX notes, congestion happens when demand exceeds supply—more cars, more delays, and no viable transit alternatives. Beyond lost time, congestion also drives freight delays, inflationary pressure, and environmental damage, further reducing our region’s economic competitiveness and quality of life.

Despite decades of growth, Tampa Bay remains overly reliant on automobiles. Without investment in public transit, commuter rail, and multimodal infrastructure, we are stuck in a cycle of gridlock. Expanding transit options isn’t just about reducing congestion—it’s about providing freedom of choice in how we move. Those who use transit enjoy shorter, more reliable commutes, while those who don’t benefit from fewer cars on the road—a true win-win.

So, what do we call it when we keep doing the same thing and expect different results?…. It’s time to think differently about Tampa Bay’s transportation future.

Tampa’s Green Spine Expansion

The Green Spine cycle track is expanding, extending north through Ybor City along Nuccio Parkway to Cuscaden Park in East Tampa. Once complete, the 3-mile trail will weave through the urban core, providing a safer, more connected biking route.

• Next Phase: Construction starts this year on Cass Street, extending from Rome Ave to Howard Ave.

• Cost: $4.44M, primarily funded by the Florida Department of Transportation.

• Safety: Protected bike lanes with 3-foot raised barriers—because unprotected bike lanes simply don’t work.

This project will also feature key intersections linking to the West Riverwalk project, further enhancing Tampa’s bike-friendly infrastructure. Safer streets, better connections—progress is rolling forward!