News Summary
The Related Group is set to begin the $300 million Rome Yard project in West Tampa in early 2024. The development will include affordable housing, retail space, and community amenities, significantly enhancing the area while engaging local businesses. The project prioritizes diversity and sustainability, with substantial investment in minority-owned enterprises, and aims to foster community interaction through comprehensive transportation options.
West Tampa to Welcome Major Mixed-Use Development with Rome Yard Project
The Related Group is set to commence construction on the Rome Yard project in West Tampa in early 2024. This ambitious development, valued at $300 million, will be situated on a former city storage yard and promises to significantly enhance the community through its mixed-use, mixed-income approach.
Project Details and Community Impact
The Rome Yard project will include a mix of affordable and workforce housing alongside market-rate units, a move which highlights the developer’s focus on community uplift and sustainability. The development will encompass 954 residential units and approximately 17,000 square feet of retail space, with 30,000 square feet devoted to amenities, including a park area and designated space for food truck rallies.
Key features planned for the project include a workforce training center and a cultural and arts center, both geared toward benefiting the local community. Moreover, the development will pay tribute to West Tampa’s historical context with design elements such as a brick observation “cigar tower”.
Commitment to Diversity
A noteworthy aspect of the Rome Yard project is its commitment to diversity and local business engagement. Approximately 40% of the development budget, amounting to around $75 million, will be allocated to minority and women-owned businesses, reflecting the project’s focus on inclusivity.
Community Engagement and Transportation Plans
Community input has played a crucial role in planning the Rome Yard project, facilitated by collaboration between the Tampa Housing Authority and city officials. To further enhance accessibility, the development will integrate comprehensive transportation options including sidewalks, trails, bike and scooter lanes, HART bus stops, and electric vehicle charging stations.
Future plans also include the expansion of the Tampa Riverwalk along the west side of the Hillsborough River, which will connect the Rome Yard development to the downtown core, promoting both pedestrian access and community interaction.
Background on Related Group’s Involvement in Tampa
The Related Group has been a significant player in the Tampa real estate market for the past decade. Their noteworthy developments include Icon Harbour Island, Town Westshore, Manor Riverwalk, and The Ritz-Carlton Residences in Tampa. Just recently, the company expanded its portfolio with the acquisition of a waterfront property near Kennedy Boulevard for $55.5 million, with plans for another mixed-use project adjacent to the Tampa Riverwalk.
As construction on the Rome Yard project gets underway, it is anticipated to not only revitalize the area but also to address housing needs, foster local businesses, and provide essential community resources, ensuring a lasting impact on the West Tampa community.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- 83 Degrees Media: Rome Yard Project
- Wikipedia: Affordable Housing
- Business Observer: Affordable Housing Update
- Google Search: Affordable Housing Projects
- WTSP: Bradenton Mayor Update
- Google Scholar: Community Development
- Business Observer: Luxury Complex Sale
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Real Estate Development
- WTSP: Just Elementary Reopening
- Google News: Community Engagement
Author: STAFF HERE TAMPA WRITER
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