Update 1/29/19 – Bluetiger Properties, the joint venture between Framework Group and MTC, is suing the city of Tampa after the city council rejected its Meridian Avenue mixed-use project. Officials and residents were largely opposed to the self-storage component, but the developers argued the plan fit within the city’s zoning rules and storage is an amenity with demand in the district, according to the source.
The lawsuit, filed Jan. 14, contends the council ignored city zoning parameters and seeks to overturn the denial. Bluetiger could have resubmitted a proposal to the city with a revised plan, but the lawsuit seeks to gain approval without altering the original proposal, the source reported.
The partners intended to build 305 apartments and 11,518 square feet of ground-floor retail space. The project also proposed 140,000 square feet of self-storage.
6/28/18 – A joint venture between real estate developers Framework Group LLC and MTC Corp. intends to build an eight-story structure including self-storage, apartments and retail in the Channel District of Tampa, Fla. The 314,370-square-foot, mixed-use project could include up to 40 percent self-storage space, based on city guidelines, though the developers haven’t determined the exact breakdown. Retail would likely be designed for the ground floor. The project would also include an “internal” parking structure, according to the source.
The building would be constructed at 111 N. Meridian Ave. The joint venture is under contract to acquire a block of N. Meridian Avenue, from E. Whiting Street to E. Washington Street, as well as a property along E. Whiting Street between Meridian Avenue and N. 11th Street, said Rob Gidel, an attorney representing the partnership.
The project would require rezoning approval from the city council. A public hearing is scheduled for November.
The Channel District has seen several recent development projects. The joint-venture site is two blocks south of a hotel under construction and four blocks from a proposed, 21-story apartment tower, the source reported.
Based in Tampa, Framework Group offers construction, consulting and development services. It specializes in boutique and luxury apartments, as well as mixed-use developments, according to its website.
Based in Atlanta, MTC is a commercial general contractor. The family-owned business specializes in self storage but also participates in projects involving office and retail. Its portfolio includes facilities for Extra Space Storage Inc., Public Storage Inc. and Space Shop Self Storage, according to its website.
Sources:
FlaPol, Channel District Developers Challenge Tampa Zoning Denial Over Controversial Storage Units
Tampa Bay Business Journal, Mixed-Use, 8-Story Building Proposed on Prime Corner in Tampa's Channel District
