After several years of planning and construction by Strategic Property Partners (SPP), Water Street, the main thoroughfare of the Water Street Tampa neighborhood, has opened for pedestrian, bicycle, and vehicular passage.
As the namesake of Water Street Tampa, Water Street is the heart and backbone of the new wellness and people-centric 56-acre neighborhood. Construction fencing and equipment have been removed to allow for pedestrian, bicycle and vehicular traffic on Water Street between East Cumberland Avenue and Channelside Drive.
This new extension of Water Street helps link Tampa’s downtown, central business district and waterfront, making the city more accessible and interconnected. Lined with dynamic new residences, offices, retail and landscaping, this new stretch of Water Street will capture Water Street Tampa’s vibrant, community-oriented spirit.
The renovated street improves the accessibility of Tampa’s neighborhoods by car, while also giving more space to pedestrians and bicycles, encouraging a street experience where the road is easily shared by multiple modes of transportation.
A protected bike lane has also been added to this expanse of Water Street and the sidewalks have been widened to create a more comfortable pedestrian experience. As a whole, streets that run throughout Water Street Tampa focus on people and are designed to encourage freedom of movement.
Later this year, work will be completed on The Verge, the 45-foot-wide promenade featuring a double row of mature trees lining Water Street. The Verge will provide a canopy of filtered light and protection from the sun and will create a welcoming pedestrian experience complete with vibrant retail, water features and abundant outdoor spaces for dining, gathering and relaxing.
Opening Water Street is a major step towards the larger opening of Water Street Tampa as the neighborhood continues to take shape and as grand opening appears on the horizon for later 2022.