Developers Berts Real Estate, in partnership with consultant Flamingo Homes, have submitted plans for The Gaspar, a 23-story residential tower proposed for a highly constrained site in downtown Tampa.
Planned for 1307 N Jefferson Street, the project is located on a 0.33-acre parcel and would deliver 188 residential units, along with ground-level commercial space, office space and an automated mechanical parking system.
The development is scheduled for administrative review by the City of Tampa’s Design District Review Committee.
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The Gaspar is designed by MGBA Architecture and reflects a growing trend toward compact, high-density development as developers respond to limited land availability in Tampa’s urban core.
Project details
According to plans submitted to the city, The Gaspar will include a mix of studio, one-, two-, three- and four-bedroom residences.
Studios and one-bedroom units will make up the majority of the building, followed by two-bedroom units.
Studio layouts range from approximately 400 to 600 sq ft, while the largest residence is a 4,885-sq-ft penthouse.
Despite the site’s limited footprint, residents will have access to a full amenity program, including a pool, fitness center, resident lounge and amenity deck.
Podium and parking design
One of the project’s defining features is its podium, which will include the residential lobby, 2,424 sq ft of commercial space, 5,327 sq ft of office space and a structured mechanical parking system.
The automated system will provide 88 parking stalls, three accessible spaces and 72 bicycle parking spaces, which equate to 18 additional parking spaces under Tampa code.
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In total, the project provides the equivalent of 109 parking spaces.
By using automation, the podium design allows for a more compact footprint while reducing common issues associated with traditional garages, including tight ramps, dark stairwells and vehicle damage or theft.
Architecture and height
The 23-story tower will rise to 281 ft and feature a slender profile finished in gray and white tones.
The facade incorporates fiber cement panels, frosted glass and perforated screening, along with a vertical black steel feature that unifies the building’s massing.
According to MGBA Architecture, the steel element serves multiple functions, including solar shading, structural expression and visual continuity across the tower’s vertical form.
Variances and zoning
Due to the site’s constraints, the development team is requesting several variances.
Zoning regulations require 114 parking spaces, while the project proposes the equivalent of 109 spaces.
The team has indicated that the request aligns with the City of Tampa’s goals of encouraging reduced parking ratios and development near transit.
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Additional variances relate to street wall transparency.
Rather than concealing parking behind solid walls, the design showcases the mechanical parking system behind glass curtain walls at the podium level, creating an intentional pedestrian-facing experience.
Pricing and sales
According to Anchor Real Estate, which is handling sales for the project, residences are expected to start at $399,000.
While current sales status has not been disclosed, reservations were reported to be strong when they opened on September 12, 2024.
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If approved, The Gaspar would represent one of downtown Tampa’s most space-efficient residential developments and may signal a broader shift toward compact, vertical projects as development opportunities become more limited across the city.
