A local columnist voices a harsh critique of a development proposed for one of Tampa's most beloved streets. So far the developer seems responsive to the community's concerns.
A column by Linda Saul-Sena expresses relief and lingering concern over the potential fate of three blocks on Grand Central Avenue in Tampa—described as "one of the most distinctive streetscapes" in the city. According to Saul-Sena, the concern over the fate of the streetscape has emerged from a proposed development by the Altman Development Group out of Boca Raton. Altman "has requested several key variances to build in a parking lot across the street from Mise, including the removal of three grand live oaks and the demolition of three contributing historic structures."
More of Saul-Sena's concern about the proposal:
"The demolition and tree removal issues are all problematic, but my beef was the original design, which was lackluster and unworthy of this key location. MSA Architects from Miami presented a pedestrian-hostile, nondescript building that could be anywhere in Florida. Grand Central Avenue deserves decent-sized shade trees and decent-sized shops with windows allowing passersby to view something engaging, but MSA’s original plans indicated “lollipop” trees (skinny trunks with a small round top) and opaque walls with nothing going on."
Though Saul-Sena has evidence that the developer and its design team have been responsive to concerns like these, but the column also makes a plea for continued vigilance lest a mediocre building undermine one of the best streets in Tampa.
FULL STORY: Transforming Tampa Bay: Preserving Grand Central Avenue
Placemaking: Building on the ‘Soul’ of a Place
Placemaking is often mistaken for a form of manufacturing. Every place already has a story to tell—placemaking just brings that story forward.
Seeing the Street
A San Francisco-based design studio describes the thought process behind an effort to push outdoor lighting design beyond the lowest common denominator allowed by bureaucracy and status quo thinking.
Envisioning the 'Soft City'
Density and diversity—where boundaries between spaces and uses are lessened—create more vibrant, livable places and more functional cities.
Alabama: Trump Terminates Settlements for Black Communities Harmed By Raw Sewage
Trump deemed the landmark civil rights agreement “illegal DEI and environmental justice policy.”
Study: Maui’s Plan to Convert Vacation Rentals to Long-Term Housing Could Cause Nearly $1 Billion Economic Loss
The plan would reduce visitor accommodation by 25% resulting in 1,900 jobs lost.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Wind Energy on the Rise Despite Federal Policy Reversal
The Trump administration is revoking federal support for renewable energy, but demand for new projects continues unabated.
Passengers Flock to Caltrain After Electrification
The new electric trains are running faster and more reliably, leading to strong ridership growth on the Bay Area rail system.
Texas Churches Rally Behind ‘Yes in God’s Back Yard’ Legislation
Religious leaders want the state to reduce zoning regulations to streamline leasing church-owned land to housing developers.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Caltrans
Smith Gee Studio
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service