The Tampa Architectural Review Commission unanimously approved design plans for the proposed construction of a new YMCA in the Tampa Heights Historic District.
This approval marks a step forward for a planned six-acre mixed-use development, spearheaded by the Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA, in collaboration with Ellison Development.
“The council’s approval of the YMCA’s design marks a pivotal milestone for our team,” said Casey Ellison, president of Ellison Development. “This brings us significantly closer to finalizing our plans, and we are energized by the progress. The new YMCA will become a cornerstone in Tampa Height’s Central City Development, and we’re excited to see this vibrant community continue to thrive.”
Designated a local historic district in 2000, any new construction in this district requires a Certificate of Appropriateness to ensure the designs align with the area’s architectural heritage.
The Central City Development includes plans for a 70,000-square-foot YMCA facility, a 200-room lifestyle hotel, 184,000 square feet of office space, 400 residential units—10% of which will be designated as affordable housing—and 20,000 square feet of green space. The plan preserves the existing Standard Oil Building, which will be incorporated as the hotel’s lobby. FleischmanGarciaMaslowski is the architectural firm behind the design.
Ellison Development plans to file for permits with the city of Tampa, intending to break ground in 2025.