Virtual tour: Tampa, 10 years from now
TAMPA (FOX 13) - Tampa is going through some major changes. It seems every other week a new rendering is released for the Bay Area's next big project.
FOX 13 News wants to take you on a virtual tour of what the city might look like over the next five to 10 years.
We begin at Sparkman Wharf, formerly Channelside Plaza. It is being turned into an urban park, featuring water views, outdoor dining spaces, and a large-scale biergarten. It should open later this year.
"Tampa is a really great city and part of what we want to do at Sparkman Wharf is celebrate everything that is so exciting and so special about Tampa," said Ali Glisson with Strategic Property Partners.
Sparkman Wharf will blend into the all-new Water Street project, currently under construction. Water Street will connect Tampa’s landmarks: Amelie arena, the History Center, and the Riverwalk.
Nearly 13 acres of public parks and gathering spaces are planned. Several new buildings will go up including two new hotels, one of which will be the city’s first five-star hotel.
The Water Street project's completion date is set for 2021.
Just a hop, skip and jump away and you might be attending a Rays game in Ybor City. The proposed $890 million stadium would feature a translucent roof, sliding glass walls, and retooled pedestrian areas.
If the Rays make the move, the stadium could possibly be ready by opening day 2023, though funding is still an issue.
Head west from the stadium and you could make a stop at Midtown Tampa. The half a billion-dollar development would sit between Interstate 275 and North Dale Mabry.
The mixed-use project will consist of retail, residential, office, and entertainment venues. Whole Foods has already committed to a 48,000 square foot space in Midtown Tampa.
WATCH: Stubborn structure finally demolished for 'Midtown Tampa' project
Midtown could be buzzing by 2021.
Finally, it wouldn’t be a tour of the Bay Area without a stop in Pinellas County.
To get there, you might use the now-under-construction Gateway Express.
In St. Pete, the old pier is gone, with an $80 million replacement in the works.
Artist renderings and timeline for the project can be seen at www.newstpetepier.com, which is slated for completion in 2019.