Water Street to expand with concert venue, hotel
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Rendering: Courtesy of Strategic Property Partners
Water Street Tampa is growing its footprint with plans for a new performance venue, hotel and retail space along its western edge.
Why it matters: Tampa is known for its empty parking lots — which, by some estimates, make up about a third of the city — and this development would transform one of them into a flashy entertainment destination.
Driving the news: The proposed district would feature a 3,500-seat performance venue alongside a 250-room hotel and 100,000 square feet of retail, dining and entertainment space.
- The planned venue is designed for "rising and mid-tier touring artists." It's meant to complement larger existing ones, such as the Yuengling Center, Benchmark International Arena and Raymond James Stadium.
- It'll be built on a vacant lot across from Benchmark on Channelside Drive, between Morgan Street and Jefferson Street, according to a press release. It's expected to break ground in 2027.
Friction point: The proximity to Benchmark is billed as a "convenience," though anyone who's tried to have dinner at Water Street during a Tampa Bay Lightning game might disagree.
What they're saying: "Traffic and parking have been a priority since the district was first planned," a spokesperson told Axios.
- "Water Street Tampa was designed with multiple access points, structured parking, and traffic management that already supports major events at Benchmark International Arena," he added.
- The proposed development will also feature over 1,000 parking spaces.
