The city of Tampa is showing no creativity in its plans to redevelop the historic federal courthouse. An advisory panel to Mayor Pam Iorio has shown interest in three bad ideas - two hotels and a charter school, none of which reach the building's potential, do much for the downtown area or warrant the handing over of historic property and tax-supported grants.
The four-story building on Florida Avenue was built 100 years ago and operated as a post office, customs house and courthouse. When the federal government gave the building to the city of Tampa, Iorio said she wanted the property to become a catalyst for developing north downtown. With its three-story columns, grand entrance and elegant presence across an entire city block, the courthouse would be perfect as a mixed-use transit station and shopping space, an amenity needed in that part of downtown to connect the city center with the emerging nearby neighborhoods.
Turning this property into boutique hotels or high-end restaurant space would be a waste, both architecturally and financially. How would any of these uses spark redevelopment or attract foot traffic to north downtown? Hotels don't build neighborhoods and do little to serve them. A high-tech center and a charter school would give the building a cold, technocratic feel. The focus should not only be on what could be profitable, but on what is the most appropriate use for the building.
The finances also don't make much sense. The leading proposal, for example, calls for giving the developers a 99-year lease, three years' free rent and a 10-year break on paying property taxes. Developers plan on obtaining other incentives, from multimillion-dollar public loans to control over parking on nearby streets. Such perks are fair - for the right project, one that would keep the courthouse open to the public as a landmark that spawns more development. It should be a destination for visitors and residents alike.
Iorio should throw out the bids and start the process over. These proposals are not worthy the city's oldest significant government building, and their uses would not meet a need compelling enough for preservation grants. If the city cannot be more creative, the federal government should take the courthouse back as a protective measure.
