Key Takeaways:
- Strategic Property Partners is developing an entertainment district in downtown Tampa, featuring a live performance space, hotel, and parking.
- The district will include a 3,500-seat music and performance space, a 250-room hotel, and 100,000 square feet of retail, dining, and entertainment.
- The project is expected to bring more life to a rapidly growing section of downtown Tampa and strengthen the entertainment ecosystem surrounding the Benchmark International Arena.
- Construction on the project is set to begin in 2027 and will be managed by Strategic Property Partners and the Vinik Sports Group.
- The development is part of the larger $3 billion, 56-acre Water Street Tampa project and will expand on the existing Ford Thunder Alley outside the arena.
Introduction to the Entertainment District
The city of Tampa is about to witness a significant transformation in its downtown area, courtesy of Strategic Property Partners, the developers behind the Water Street Tampa project. In partnership with the Vinik Sports Group, they are building an entertainment district that will bring a live performance space, hotel, and additional parking to a rapidly growing section of downtown. The district will be constructed on a vacant 4-acre lot across from the Benchmark International Arena, which is easily recognizable to anyone who has attended a game or event at the venue. The location is strategic, situated between Channelside Drive and East Brorein Street on one side and South Morgan Street and South Jefferson Street on the other.
Project Details and Features
The plans for the entertainment district are ambitious, with a range of features that will cater to different needs and interests. The district will include a 3,500-seat music and performance space, which will be able to attract developing artists who are building a fanbase but not yet big enough to fill larger venues like the Yuengling Center or Raymond James Stadium. This will provide a much-needed platform for emerging talent and strengthen the entertainment ecosystem surrounding the arena. In addition to the performance space, the district will also feature a 250-room hotel with indoor and outdoor amenities, 100,000 square feet of retail, dining, and entertainment, and more than 1,000 parking spaces. These features will not only enhance the overall experience for visitors but also provide a boost to the local economy.
Impact on the Community
The development of the entertainment district is expected to have a significant impact on the community, bringing even more life to a part of downtown that is already undergoing rapid transformation. The project is part of the larger $3 billion, 56-acre Water Street Tampa development, which is revolutionizing the area in ways that were previously unimaginable. The addition of the entertainment district will expand on the existing Ford Thunder Alley outside the arena, creating a vibrant and dynamic space that will attract visitors from all over. According to Steve Griggs, CEO of the Vinik Sports Group, the performance space will provide much-needed flexibility for booking more artists and world-class shows to the region, further solidifying Tampa’s position as a hub for entertainment and culture.
Construction and Management
Construction on the project is set to begin in 2027, with Strategic Property Partners and the Vinik Sports Group managing the development. The partnership between the two companies will bring together their expertise and resources to create a world-class entertainment district that will meet the needs of visitors and locals alike. The fact that the project is being managed by the same companies that are developing and operating the surrounding area will ensure a cohesive and integrated approach, with a focus on creating a seamless and enjoyable experience for all users. With its strategic location, cutting-edge features, and expert management, the entertainment district is poised to become a major destination in downtown Tampa, attracting visitors and driving economic growth in the area.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the development of the entertainment district in downtown Tampa is a significant project that will have a profound impact on the community. With its state-of-the-art performance space, hotel, and parking facilities, the district will provide a unique and exciting experience for visitors, while also driving economic growth and job creation in the area. As part of the larger Water Street Tampa project, the entertainment district will play a key role in transforming the downtown area into a vibrant and dynamic hub for entertainment, culture, and commerce. With construction set to begin in 2027, the people of Tampa can look forward to a exciting new addition to their city, one that will bring even more life and energy to the downtown area.