Businesses in the SouthTown Center will include a restaurant or two. But no names will be announced until leases are signed.
By RICK GERSHMAN
Published May 14, 2004
Neighbors learned more this week about the vendors likely to fill a rebuilt shopping plaza next to the Publix on S Dale Mabry Highway.
The SouthTown Center comprises four, two-story buildings and, like its predecessor, stretches along the south side of Neptune Street from Dale Mabry to Church Avenue.
It will feature at least one restaurant, maybe two. Neither restaurant would stay open past 11 p.m. or serve hard liquor - just beer and wine.
Another expected tenant will serve coffee and pastries by day and wine in the evening. An ice cream parlor will satisfy a sweet tooth. A bank, a florist and an elective surgery-type medical office also should be among the businesses.
The business names can't be made public until the leases are signed, said Jim Burt, president of SouthTown developer Capstone Group Inc. If everyone expected to sign leases did so, the plaza would be 75 percent leased, he said.
Burt presented the plans to Palma Ceia West Neighborhood Association residents at the group's monthly meeting Tuesday night. He worked to allay fears about traffic, lighting and related concerns.
The new plaza will have fewer traffic access points than the previous one, which should improve traffic flow, he said. At about 45,000 square feet, the project is about 2,000 square feet larger than before. By rearranging the parking plan, designers were able to provide 80 parking spaces more than the old plaza.
Several neighbors raised concerns that the plaza would intensify traffic problems.
"I grew up in South Tampa, so I know what it's like," Burt responded.
A traffic study showed the project would not create more traffic than the previous plaza, he said.
The buildings' exteriors will be adorned with a brick veneer and painted stucco finishes, according the plans. Sidewalks will border the plaza and shade trees will be planted where possible.
"We were trying to step away from the usual South Tampa Mediterranean style," Burt said "This is a more traditional style."
Construction is under way and should be done in August, Burt said. Then vendors can come in and finish the interiors of their units. A grand opening is expected by Thanksgiving.
