Foundation Permits Filed for Channelside’s Largest Hotel at 111 N. Meridian Avenue
Channelside’s largest hotel project is moving closer to construction in Tampa, following the recent submission of foundation permits to the city. Led by McKibbon Hospitality, the development is planned as a dual-flag hotel featuring both AC Hotel and Moxy, brands operated under the Marriott International umbrella. Planned for 111 N. Meridian Avenue, the 13-story hotel would add a modern presence to the Channelside district. Designed by Atlanta-based LPB & Associates, the project has advanced quickly, with the recent permitting activity marking the latest step in a months-long process that included rezoning approval from Tampa City Council just a few months ago. McKibbon Hospitality acquired the 0.74-acre site for approximately $9.3 million in early 2025. The property was previously slated for a self-storage facility by UDR, though those plans were abandoned after only the residential component of the masterplan was completed. Once delivered, the hotel will become the second in the immediate area, following the opening of a nearby dual-flag hotel at N. Meridian Avenue and Kennedy Boulevard in 2019. The site is currently cleared following earlier site preparation and demolition work completed under the property’s previous developer, UDR. The newly submitted permit is limited in scope, covering drilled piers and concrete footings for the tower’s foundation, with designs helped by recent surveying and geotechnical work. Given the scale of the project, measuring roughly 280,000 Gross SF, the development is subject to additional structural and safety reviews to meet code requirements. A construction contractor has not yet been identified yet. However, multiple firms are listed on the application, including Bohler, which is serving as the project’s civil engineer. Plans filed with the city indicate the hotel will include 310 guest rooms, When first reported by the Tampa Bay Business Journal, the room count was broken down into 175 rooms under the AC Hotel brand and 135 rooms under Moxy, a configuration that appears unchanged in the latest filings. Parking plans have also evolved since early reporting. Initial concepts called for just 57 spaces, but updated civil plans now show a significantly increased parking program. The project is currently proposed to include 202 parking spaces, a figure more realistic considering the size of the parking podium and the number of hotel rooms listed previously. At street level, the hotel will include an AC Lounge, a retail space, and a main reception area. Overall, the project is planned to deliver approximately 25,000 SF of commercial space, consisting of roughly 14,000 SF of retail and 11,000 SF dedicated to restaurant uses, according to the latest plans. A designated drop-off area for valet and parking will be located along East Washington Street. The hotel will feature a facade composed of light and dark blue tones, accented by white and gray finishes across stucco surfaces and impact-resistant glass. A distinctive crown, defined by a sloped roofline, will cap the structure. According to the developer, the building is expected to rise approximately 179 FT to its tallest point. The foundation permit is still pending approval and represents the only construction permit applied for the site thus far. McKibbon Hospitality had previously targeted a February 1, 2026 groundbreaking; however, with the permit submitted on January 26, meeting that timeline appears unlikely unless the event is ceremonial. However, a 2026 start for vertical construction remains very much on the table and continues to look probable.
Construction Permit Filed for Robles Park Lot D, Marking First Phase of Redevelopment
Plans for the long-anticipated Robles Park redevelopment in Tampa are moving closer to construction, as permits for the project’s first phase have now been submitted to the city. Known as Lot D, the parcel will deliver the first new residential building within the 35-acre redevelopment area, representing a major step forward following the demolition of the public housing complex. The effort is being led by PMG Affordable in collaboration with the Tampa Housing Authority, building on a master plan that received city approval in 2024 after an extensive planning and public review process. Demolition of the original Robles Park complex began in late 2025, clearing a site that once included 67 low-rise buildings constructed in the 1950s as part of a national urban renewal era. The redevelopment will replace one of Tampa’s oldest public housing communities with a modern, mixed-income neighborhood intended to increase residential density while preserving long-term affordability. The full Robles Park redevelopment is estimated to carry a price tag of approximately $800 million and will be delivered in multiple phases over several years. Construction is currently targeted to begin in April 2026, following the completion of demolition work. The recent submission of permits for Lot D aligns with that timeline, with permits likely being expedited prior to groundbreaking. Submitted on January 21st, 2026, the application represents a full building permit for new construction, covering structural work and core building systems such as plumbing and electrical. With this permit in place, the project can move forward without needing multiple smaller permits to begin construction. Construction will be led by Ducon, LLC as the general contractor, with Urban Atelier Group serving as construction manager. The proposed building will deliver 233 affordable housing units serving households earning between 30 percent and 80 percent of the area median income. Residents displaced by the original demolition of Robles Park will have a right of return and will not face rent increases should they choose to move back into the redevelopment. Unit layouts will include one-, two-, three-, and four-bedroom residences, with sizes ranging from 571 SF at the low end to about 1,439 SF for the largest units. Two-bedroom units will make up the largest share of the overall unit mix. According to a project description given by the developer, the building will include a plethora of residential amenities, including a pool deck on the second level. In addition to the pool, the development will feature approximately 10,000 SF of interior amenity space, along with a nearly 2,000 SF leasing office for residents. A 32,486 SF community center is also planned for the second floor, intended to serve the new community. To accommodate parking needs for both residents and the on-site community center, the development will provide 210 parking spaces. This total is made possible through an approved parking reduction waiver. All parking will be located at ground level as a surface lot. The building is designed by Orlando-based Baker Barrios Architects, the firm behind the broader Robles Park master plan. Architectural elevations show the structure rising seven stories, or approximately 83 FT to its highest point. The exterior employs a contemporary palette of gray and white tones, combining stucco and metal finishes in a style consistent with other recent Baker Barrios projects. Before demolition, the original Robles Park community consisted of 432 residential units and a 3,036 SF daycare facility. The approved redevelopment envisions a far larger and more comprehensive development, ultimately delivering 1,098 affordable housing units, 160 affordable senior residences, 550 multifamily units, and 42 single-family homes. In addition, the plan includes approximately 41,000 SF of retail space, a 32,486 SF community center, and a new 30,000 SF supermarket, significantly expanding both housing capacity and neighborhood-serving amenities.
FAA Reissuance Clears Path for 540-Foot Tower at 601 N Ashley Drive in Downtown Tampa
Tampa’s next major skyscraper is inching toward reality as permitting and regulatory groundwork begin to take shape at 601 N Ashley Drive, a prominent downtown parcel now under redevelopment. Naples-based Stock Development recently filed for the reissuance of a FAA height application amid ongoing demolition of the existing office building and surface parking lot, which will eventually clear the around 1-acre site. The property was acquired by Stock Development in 2025 for $40 million, marking one of the most significant property transactions in Tampa history. The sale ended a multi-year development effort initiated by TLR Group, which first assembled the site in 2021 and spent several years advancing plans for the high-rise project. Under TLR Group’s ownership, the site underwent multiple design iterations, including an FAA height application submitted in 2022 for a 540-foot tower. The final proposal, which advanced prior to the sale, envisioned a 48-story tower rising 540 FT, featuring 600 residential units, 68,000 SF of office space, and 12,000 SF of retail. A large podium was also planned, providing parking for up to 985 vehicles. On January 8th, 2026, Bill Fleck of Stock Development refiled FAA height approvals for a 540 FT tower, or 558 FT above mean sea level. The application received an immediate determination of no hazard to air navigation. The same-day approval is a result of the FAA’s prior completion of a full study for the project under its previous ownership. Because the refiling did not introduce any changes to the tower’s height, location, or aviation impacts (and was required solely due to the change in sponsor) the FAA treated the submission as a reaffirmation of its ‘No Hazard’ designation. While the FAA filing represents an important regulatory step, and signals Stock Development’s continued intent to advance the project, it also caps the tower’s maximum allowable height. With approval set at 540 FT, any proposal exceeding that limit would require a new FAA filing, suggesting that the tower is unlikely to surpass earlier iterations. Although it remains unknown whether Stock Development will follow a design similar to prior proposals, TLR Group previously noted that the site attracted higher purchase offers once development plans had received city approvals. Stock Development has indicated an interest in changing the project towards a condominium tower, potentially as a branded residential development, which could change both the interior and exterior design. Permitting records and recent on-site activity indicate that demolition is already underway, with a commercial demolition permit filed on December 1st of last year. D.H. Griffin Wrecking Company is handling the demolition, which includes the removal of the existing structure, basement, and foundation, with the site planned to be restored as a grass lot. This story is still developing, and Floridian Development will continue to provide new articles as the project advances through permitting and as further details on the design emerge.
FAA Filing Submitted for 282-Foot The Gaspar Condominium Tower in Downtown Tampa
A recently-planned development proposed for a triangular parcel at the entrance of Downtown Tampa is moving closer to realization. Known as The Gaspar, the project has recently filed for an application with the Federal Aviation Administration seeking height approval for its proposed condominium tower, signaling progress toward construction. Planned for 1307 N Jefferson Street, the 0.33-acre site is being developed by Berts Real Estate in partnership with consultant Flamingo Homes. The property is currently owned by 1307 N Jefferson Tampa LLC, an entity affiliated with Berts Real Estate. Floridian Development previously reported on the proposal during its analysis by Tampa’s Design District Review board, a process which is still underway. According to the application filed by Bruce Strebinger, co-founder and CEO of Berts Real Estate, the proposed 23-story tower would rise 282 FT from ground level, or 302 FT above mean sea level. The application was submitted on January 5th and remains under review, though approval is widely expected given the project’s relatively modest height and limited impact on nearby airports. The proposed height aligns with earlier submissions, which called for the tower to rise 281 FT to its highest point. Designed by MGBA Architecture, the tower features a contemporary design composed of frosted glass, a gray-and-white color palette, and expansive balconies. The development is planned to include 188 residential units, comprising a mix of studio, one-, two-, three-, and four-bedroom residences. The podium and ground floor would incorporate 2,424 SF of commercial space, 5,327 SF of office space, along with 91 vehicular parking spaces and 72 bicycle parking spaces. While review by Tampa’s Design District Review Board remains ongoing, the developer has not yet filed for construction permits. An FAA application related to cranes on the site has also not been submitted, multiple steps still needed before the project can break ground. Development activity in Downtown Tampa has remained strong in recent years. Nearby, Hotel Ora + Private Residences has reported solid sales momentum and is preparing to move towards groundbreaking, while developments like The Pendry or One Tampa are already underway.
740-Foot Elliott Towers Proposed for Downtown Tampa, FAA Filing Reveals Early Vision
Tampa may be on track to welcome its tallest tower yet, according to a recent FAA filing. On November 25th, Colton Elliott, founder of Elliott International, submitted an application for a 740 FT structure planned for the former Kress Block in Downtown Tampa. The proposal would replace the entire block with a skyscraper rising more than 70 stories, set to include office, dining, and residential space. The project, spanning 801, 805, 807, 811, and 815 North Franklin Street, is slated to be known as Elliott Towers. While the firm has filed an FAA application, the tower remains in the early stages of land acquisition and entitlement approvals. The entire block is currently owned by CW Kress LLC, tied to Carolyn Wilson who acquired the properties in 2017. Early social media posts suggest the tower concept was launched only recently, with AI-generated imagery used to showcase potential designs for the site. Elliott International has emphasized that these rendering are conceptual and do not represent finalized plans. According to a description in the FAA filing, Elliott Towers will begin with two levels of retail and lobby space, followed by 8-10 floors of office uses and another 10-15 floors of condo-hotel units. Above that, the tower will transition into about 39 stories of private residences, capped by two mechanical levels. The project has an anticipated groundbreaking in early 2028, and all figures remain subject to refinement. According to the development’s website, the proposed tower is projected for completion in early 2032. The plan calls for 118 ultra‑luxury condominiums (starting at $1.05 M), two penthouses, condo‑hotel units, 500,000 SF of Class‑A office space, flagship retail brands, and a Michelin‑star restaurant on the ground floor. Residents would have access to 24/7 concierge and valet service, a wellness‑focused fitness center, private lounges, a large ballroom, a rooftop infinity pool, and much more. Parking is set to total 1,200 spaces for both residents and patrons. As per the developer’s recent Instagram post, there is claims of “$40 million in funding”, with new investment along the way. If the tower is set on moving forward, the development will likely apply for permits and building plan approvals very soon. Because plans are still flexible, it’s unknown if the development will incorporate the historic designs of the current site or do a demolition, although current city designations of the land restrict an all-out demolition. While the FAA filing is an important early step, it does not guarantee the project will move forward. The proposal still hinges on securing the land, gathering financing, and navigating a lengthy entitlement process. Elliott International, the firm behind the tower, has not delivered a high-rise or a project of this magnitude, adding uncertainty to the tower’s prospects. For now, the plan remains highly speculative. Still, if the development advances, the structure would become the tallest building in Tampa and a symbolic addition to a downtown that continues to grow at a record pace.
University of Tampa’s New Science Building Moves Forward, With Permits Filed and Approvals Granted
The University of Tampa’s campus is preparing for another major transformation as its next academic building moves steadily toward a groundbreaking. With key building plans approved and new construction permit filings underway, the university is laying the foundation for Project Beta, a six-story facility planned along the Hillsborough River. The project will replace a cluster of aging low-rise structures at 505 UT McNeel Ct with a modern, six-story building designed to support a range of science uses. The new academic building comes at a time when student enrollment at the University of Tampa is at an all-time high, prompting the need for revitalized and expanded academic space. Just last year, the university celebrated the opening of the Grand Center Residence Hall (Project Alpha), a mixed-use complex that introduced new academic areas, student housing, structured parking, and additional campus amenities. Plans for the new science building, known as Project Beta, call for roughly 200,000 gross SF of space, including research labs, collaborative areas, teaching facilities, faculty offices, and other academic functions. The building is being designed to achieve LEED Silver certification, incorporating strategies to promote waste reduction, improved indoor air quality, and enhanced energy efficiency. Because the campus already has sufficient parking, no additional parking is proposed as part of the project. According to elevations provided by Omaha-based HDR Architects, the building will feature a blend of the past and present, with red bricks on the west portion of the side in-line with campus material themes, and glass on the east side. The building will rise 120 FT. According to recently filed permits, Barr & Barr will serve as the project’s general contractor. Multiple permits have been submitted, including a general construction permit covering on-site demolition and new construction, as well as a separate permit for tree removal and pruning. As part of site preparation, several existing structures, including the Morsani Loading Dock, Cass Science Annex Building, McNeal Boathouse, and Communications Annex, will be demolished. Barr & Barr has extensive experience in STEM-related construction, having led numerous facilities nationwide. The new building’s research labs and specialized facilities fall well within the company’s proven expertise, making them qualified to manage the project. Construction of the new building is scheduled to take 18 months, according to Barr & Barr. There is no known groundbreaking date as of now. More images of the building can be found here.
The Fletcher District Gains Approval from the Florida Board of Governors, Set to Break Ground in Early 2026
The University of South Florida has reached a major milestone in advancing its long-anticipated “Fletcher District”, a mixed-use neighborhood set to replace the former golf course known as The Claw. On November 6th, the Florida Board of Governors, which oversees the state’s public universities, voted to approve the project’s first phase. The development will transform the defunct golf course, which closed in 2023 at the corner of Fletcher Avenue and North 46th Street, into a vibrant district featuring student housing, multifamily residences, a hotel, retail space, and public amenities. Plans have been steadily progressing, with the USF Board of Trustees granting its approval on September 9th and construction expected to begin in spring 2026. Phase one will span 27 acres of the former Claw golf course’s 138-acre site. The plan includes 150 cottages, 350,000 SF of research space, 5,000 SF of conference space, a 150-room hotel, 60,000 SF of retail, 700 student beds, and 150 market-rate housing units. The development will also include over 1,000 parking spaces to support both academic and leisure uses within the district. For students seeking housing close to campus, 400 of the 700 planned beds will consist of one-, two-, and four-bedroom units, each featuring a one-to-one bedroom-to-bathroom ratio, addressing strong demand for more private student housing at USF. The 150 multifamily units will also serve university employees, faculty, graduate students, alumni, and community members, with a portion also available to the general public. According to the USF Oracle, the university is expected to generate over $509 million in profit from rent over the 40-year lease term, both from multi-family and student housing. You can find financing documents, the project’s summary, and more from yesterday’s meeting archive here. The Fletcher District will be developed through a public-private partnership between the University of South Florida and ACE Fletcher, LLC, whose members include Capstone Development Partners, Capstone Communities, Aureate Development, and Ellison Development. Under this agreement, USF will create separate ground subleases for each parcel, lasting between 40 and 99 years. The development team will design, build, finance, operate, and maintain their respective parts of the project, retain ownership during the lease, and fund their share of infrastructure and maintenance expenses. After the lease term ends, ownership of all facilities will revert to USF as required by Florida law. This means the first phase of the project, estimated at $268 million, will be funded mostly by the development team through private financing. USF’s direct financial role will be limited to constructing its own academic building and contributing to parts of the shared district infrastructure. When plans were first discussed to redevelop the golf course known as The Claw at USF, initial proposals had included parcels within the adjacent USF Forest Preserve. This sparked controversy among students and faculty, ranging from Indigenous heritage sites to critical habitat for native wildlife. After protests and study, the university clarified its intention. In a recently published FAQ the University of South Florida stated: “No. The Fletcher District is being developed entirely within the footprint of the former golf course, which was previously developed.” Instead, the adjacent USF Forest Preserve will continue to serve as a site for research, fieldwork, and educational use. The university has confirmed that there are no plans in the foreseeable future to alter or develop the preserve.
Pendry Tampa Lands Record-Breaking $520 Million Construction Deal
Pendry Tampa, a luxury hotel and condominium tower planned by Two Roads Development, has just secured $520 million in construction financing. The deal, announced Monday, includes funding from Sculptor Real Estate and Nuveen Green Capital. Construction, led by Florida-based general contractor Coastal Construction, has been at the topic of discussion in the region for weeks. The project has recently overseen slowed on-site activity; now, with financing achieved, the project is back on-track. While the financing is historic for its size, another aspect of the deal is equally noteworthy. Of the $520 million granted, $290 million came from the largest C-PACE transaction in the nation’s history. C-PACE transactions provide developers with long-term financing for energy-efficient and resiliency-focused building improvements, such as water and energy conservation measures, storm infrastructure, and more. In the case of Pendry Tampa, this financing likely supports the tower’s mechanical systems, sustainable energy features, and resiliency upgrades, helping Two Roads Development finance construction costs. According to Hotel Investment Today, Nuveen Green Capital highlighted the significance of the deal, with Ryan Doyle, senior director of originations, saying, “We are thrilled to have closed the largest C-PACE transaction in history, partnering with Two Roads Development and Sculptor Capital on this transformative luxury property that will redefine Tampa’s skyline. This historic milestone showcases the growing sophistication and scale of C-PACE financing and its capacity to support major developments.” The news is both exciting and reassuring for many local real estate enthusiasts, especially given the lot’s history. Over the years, multiple projects on the site have fallen through, including the cancelled Trump Tower Tampa. Pendry Tampa broke ground and began foundation work in late 2023, but construction only reached a few floors above ground before slowing. With financing now in place, the project is set to return to its regular pace. According to Floridian Development’s database, the historic project will rise 38 stories, reaching 444 FT, making it one of Tampa’s tallest developments. Plans call for 200 condominium units, 220 hotel rooms, 656 parking spaces, extensive commercial space, and amenities.
Developers Submit High-Rise Plans for ‘The Gaspar’ in Downtown Tampa
One of Downtown Tampa’s most distinctive residential developments is on the way: The Gaspar. Led by developer Berts Real Estate in partnership with consultant Flamingo Homes, the 23-story tower is planned for one of the city’s most size-constrained lots. Located at 1307 N. Jefferson Street, the 0.33-acre site will feature 188 residential units, along with commercial space, office space, and one of the most innovative parking systems on Florida’s West Coast. The project, scheduled for administrative review by Tampa’s Design District Review, may signal the start of a broader trend toward compact developments as developers seek new land opportunities in the city, a shift already visible in South Florida. According to plans released yesterday, the 188-unit building will offer a mix of studio, one-, two-, three-, and four-bedroom residences. Studios and one-bedrooms will make up the majority of units, followed by two-bedrooms. Studio layouts will range from approximately 400 to 600 SF, while the largest residence will be a 4,885 SF penthouse. Despite the limited footprint of the site, residents will have access to a full suite of amenities, including a pool, gym, lounge, and amenity deck. One of the most notable features of the development is its podium, which will include the residential lobby, 2,424 SF of commercial space, 5,327 SF of office space, and a structured mechanical parking system. The system will provide 88 automated parking stall spaces, three accessible spaces, and 72 bicycle parking spaces, equivalent to 18 additional parking spots under Tampa code, bringing the total parking supply to 109. By utilizing automation, the podium design is more efficient and compact, while also reducing risks typically associated with conventional garages, such as ‘tight ramps, dark stairwells, and vehicle theft or damage’ Designed by MGBA Architecture, the tower will rise 23 floors to a height of 281 FT, presenting a tall, slender structure in gray and white. Its facade incorporates fiber cement panels, frosted glass, perforated screening, and other modern design elements. According to the architect, ‘The tower’s massing is artfully broken into distinct volumes unified by a sculptural black steel feature that performs multiple roles: it offers solar shading, structural expression, and vertical coherence. This multipurpose architectural gesture ties together disparate programmatic elements and introduces a kinetic, tactile identity to the building.’ Due to the lot’s constraints, the development team is requesting several variances. One relates to parking: while zoning regulations require 114 spaces, the project is proposing the equivalent of 109. Because the City of Tampa’s code encourages reduced parking ratios and development near transit, the team is confident this variance aligns with the city’s goals. Among other requested variances is a concern for street wall transparency. Although traditional regulations require parking to be concealed, the design instead showcases the mechanical parking behind glass curtain walls at the podium level, creating an intentional visual for pedestrians. According to Anchor Real Estate, the project’s head of sales, prices start at $399,000. While the current sales status is unclear, reservations were reported to be strong when they opened on September 12th of last year.
McKibbon Hospitality to Bring Dual-Branded AC Hotel and Moxy to 111 N Meridian Ave, Channelside
A new hotel is set to rise in Tampa’s Channelside district, becoming the largest by both height and room count. Developed by McKibbon Hospitality, a veteran hotel operator and developer, the project will introduce a dual-branded AC Hotel and Moxy by Marriott. The site at 111 N. Meridian Avenue was once planned for a storage facility by UDR, but McKibbon acquired the property for $9 million earlier this year and shifted the plan toward hospitality. With plans coming to fruition, the development will be the second dual-branded hotel in Channelside. Approved by City Council, the development will include 175 hotel rooms under the AC Hotel flag and 135 rooms under Moxy by Marriott. Plans also feature ground-floor retail, a large lobby, and guest amenities such as a pool, bar, and meeting and event space. According to a planning document provided last month, the current proposal provides 57 parking spaces, though that number could change as the design advances. The building, which will rise 13 floors or 170 FT, was lauded as a great addition architecturally for the area. Councilman Charlie Miranda called it “a nice addition and a beautiful design” in which it “fits the area”. Renderings and elevations provided by the architect show a unique roofline, blue and white accents, and a masked podium intended to improve the streetscape along Meridian Avenue. According to the Tampa Bay Business Journal, the project is still in the design phase, with permitting and financing to follow. McKibbon is aiming for a February 1, 2026 groundbreaking. “We have really great hospitality lender relationships, and we have a few earmarked for this deal that have already expressed interest,” said J.B. McKibbon, president of McKibbon Equities. Speaking before City Council, he added, “We have been trying very hard to build a new product in downtown for quite some time.” The rezoning received unanimous approval from City Council, with a second hearing scheduled for September 18. Because UDR demolished the site prior to this proposal, McKibbon has to do little site preparation before moving forward with foundation work and vertical construction.