These projects could transform Ybor City in 2026 and beyond
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Gasworx is one of several major projects set to reshape Ybor City. Photo: Courtesy of Kettler
After a year marred by tragedy, Ybor City is set for a major transformation, with a slew of projects in various stages of planning or development.
Why it matters: Plans to revamp the historic district, led by developer Darryl Shaw, call for scores of new apartments, hotel rooms, hospital beds, retailers and more in the coming years.
Here are the projects we'll be tracking this year:
East Ybor redevelopment
The latest major project announced for Ybor would bring housing, businesses and new parks to about 30 acres comprising nearly 60 parcels on the district's east side.
- Zoning changes Shaw requested would allow for up to 2.9 million square feet of residential, office, retail and hotel space, per the Tampa Bay Times.
- Renderings depict a pedestrian-friendly area with shaded sidewalks, ground-level retail and pocket parks.
Ybor Harbor
This 33-acre mixed-use development seems likely to play a key role in the future of pro sports in Tampa — but which sports?
- The United Soccer League's Tampa Bay Sun last June announced plans for a 15,000-seat stadium and hotel that would "anchor" Ybor Harbor.
- But with the Rays' new owners reportedly exploring stadium sites in Hillsborough, officials quickly identified the Harbor as an ideal option.
- Sports aside, Harbor plans call for 500,000 square feet of offices, 800 hotel rooms, nearly 5,000 new residential units and lots of retail.
TGH expansion
Tampa General Hospital plans to open a hospital in Ybor, also in partnership with Shaw.
- TGH also plans to open a medical office building and clinic as part of the project, offering primary and urgent care, Shaw and hospital officials announced in October.
Gasworx
The cornerstone of Shaw's transformation of Ybor, this multimillion-dollar, 50-acre redevelopment is the furthest along of his major projects.
- When completed, Gasworx is expected to include 5,000 residences, 500,000 square feet of office space and 150,000 square feet of retail.
- The first residential units opened last year, and work is progressing on five- and 10-story residential and retail buildings.
The big picture: Shaw's overall vision is to link Ybor with the Channel District and Water Street, creating a seamless, walkable community.
Friction point: A Nov. 8 police chase that ended in a car crashing into beloved bar Bradley's on Seventh led to concerns about Ybor's pedestrian safety.
- A town hall meeting to discuss the issue in early December was postponed. It's likely to be held in early February, per a city spokesperson.
What we're watching: More details on Ybor's transformation should emerge in the coming months as the newer projects seek approvals and file plans with the city.
- Meanwhile, the Rays' search for a new stadium site looms over it all.