Recently, a five-story boutique hotel was proposed for a 1.3-acre site for Ybor City’s new 187-room, boutique hotel.  Alberto Alfonso, of architect of Alfonso Architects, who is designing the 187-room hotel on the 1400 block of E Seventh Avenue says, “There’s a lot of history there” and states, “I think for Ybor and for Tampa this is a very important project.”

The hotel will feature a rooftop bar, and pool and fitness center and construction is projected to begin in the spring, with an opening in fall 2016. The Barrio Latino Commission will have to approve the hotel for a 60-foot building height, 15 feet higher than the city’s limit.

The Tampa Bay area has witnessed a strong and growing trend of new real estate development and redevelopment.  A few of those recent proposals for development and approvals include Vinik’s Channel District redevelopment projects, the Jackson Bistro Complex purchase and plan for redevelopment in Harbour Island, a number of condo and apartment project, as well as condo development in the works across the bay in St. Petersburg for Signature and The Salvador.

Just recently, we posted an article about a new 22-unit condominium project to break ground in Ybor City before the end of the year.  Ybor City, a small, distinct hub that reflects Spanish architectural styles and influence, is also on the brink of a new and improved image.  The 7th Avenue corridor, Ybor’s most popular area, is distinguished by restaurants, cafe’s, boutique shops, and businesses and is currently undergoing a renewal in culture and business.

New business and development projects are changing the perception of the area from dead and drab to a more attractive, vibrant and welcoming place for visitors and patrons. Read more at www.tampabay.com.  Photo courtesy Alfonso Architects.