A proposal by PMG Affordable has been chosen to redevelop four properties in North Downtown Tampa, city officials announced on Mar. 9. The plan includes affordable housing, commercial space, and improved connectivity in the northern area of Tampa’s Central Business District.
The redevelopment is significant as it aims to address the need for workforce housing and enhance connections between neighborhoods. Mayor Jane Castor said, “We are still early in the development process, but it is incredibly exciting to move this vision for North Downtown Tampa forward. We can’t overstate the importance of workforce housing in our community. Not only will existing neighborhoods benefit from the improved connectivity, but this project will create hundreds of affordable, downtown homes for teachers, first responders, technicians, service employees and others who make our city great.”
The selected proposal was submitted by PMG Affordable in partnership with the Tampa Housing Authority, Bank of America Community Development Company, LLC, and DuCon, LLC. The properties involved include sites owned by the City of Tampa and its Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA), such as the old Army Navy Surplus Market store and Royal lot. CRA Chairman Luis Viera said, “This is a milestone for Downtown Tampa and our affordable housing goals. As the first affordable housing development in Tampa’s Central Business District, we are opening countless opportunities for the individuals and families that need it most. We want to ensure everyone has a chance to live in our flourishing downtown and enjoy a lifestyle that keeps them close to jobs and the places they enjoy most.”
PMG’s plan exceeds requirements by proposing 1,150 residential units—30% more than required—with 70% dedicated to affordable and workforce housing. Dan Coakley, Principal of PMG Affordable said, “PMG Affordable is honored to have been selected alongside our partners by the City of Tampa to revitalize the historic Army/Navy site. Our goal is to deliver a transformative mixed-income, mixed-use community that enhances quality of life through affordable and attainably priced housing, activated retail, and public open spaces. As planning progresses, we are committed to collaborating closely with residents and local stakeholders to ensure the project reflects the needs and priorities of North Downtown.” Plans also call for redesigning nearby infrastructure like Ashley Drive’s I-275 on-ramp to improve pedestrian safety.
Tampa has evolved into a multicultural hub with a rich Hispanic heritage in areas like Ybor City according to the official history page. The city features notable venues such as Raymond James Stadium—home of the NFL’s Buccaneers—and University of South Florida Yuengling Center according to its official website. With an estimated population of about 392,800 people according to city data, it stands as Florida’s third-largest city within a metropolitan area totaling around 3.1 million residents according to official sources.
Tampa’s Ybor City neighborhood remains renowned for its cigar-making history and vibrant Hispanic culture according to historical records. The city has also celebrated sports achievements including Super Bowl wins by the Buccaneers in 2002 and Stanley Cup victories by the Lightning hockey team in 2004, 2020, and 2021 as reported on its official website.
As planning continues on this redevelopment effort led by PMG Affordable with support from local agencies and stakeholders, officials say they hope it will serve as a model for future projects aimed at expanding access to affordable urban living.
