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Trump Tower in works for Tampa

By JEFF HARRINGTON
Published January 10, 2005

	[Artist rendering]
	An artist's rendering shows Trump Tower Tampa, a project announced Monday.

TAMPA -- Signs abounded Monday that New York's best-known real estate mogul is serious about building a $220-million luxury condominium complex in downtown Tampa that, at 52 stories, would be the tallest condo project on Florida's West Coast.

First, there's the name: Trump Tower Tampa.

There's the hired help: software executive Kelly Perdew, the recent winner of the popular reality TV series "The Apprentice," is assigned to plug the Tampa project for his new boss, Donald Trump.

And, again, there's that name: Among those who have reserved a condo is Trump's 27-year-old son, Donald J. Trump Jr.

Jody Simon, part of a local development team partnering with the Trump Organization, said the younger Trump signed up just last week to buy a unit. It's not the penthouse, but "it's a nice unit," he said, adding that Trump Jr. has plenty of company.

"There was and is now an immediate buzz and level of activity (for pre-sales) that we've never seen in any of our previous projects," said Simon, who along with his four partners has completed more than 1,000 luxury condominiums and townhouses in the bay area.

Simon would not quantify advance reservations, but said he was confident the building will sell out.

News of Trump's involvement publicly surfaced late Friday. Trump made it official with an announcement in New York Monday, revealing project details with his customary ... enthusiasm.

"We are developing a signature landmark property so spectacular that it will redefine both Tampa's skyline and the market's expectations of luxurious condominium living," Trump trumpeted.

"Trump Tower Tampa will undoubtedly have a phenomenal impact on the city."

Located on a 1.5-acre site at 111 South Ashley Dr., adjacent to the Hillsborough River, the building will include 190 condominium and penthouse units ranging from 1,991 square feet to 6,150 square feet. Prices range from $700,000 to more than $6-million for the penthouse and other top units.

It would be the tallest building on the west coast of Florida, exceeding the 100 N. Ashley Building across the street by 17 feet, said Tampa attorney Ron Weaver, who shepherded the rezoning of the parcel.

"Downtown Tampa doesn't have anything like this. Period," said Dr. Howard Howell, one of the local developers.

The builders hope to fetch record prices in downtown Tampa -- and among the highest in the region -- based on the Trump name, the views of where the river meets the bay, the proximity to cultural and nightspots and a host of amenities. The complex will feature concierge and valet services, a business center, fitness center and spa, a restaurant, retail shops, billiards and game rooms. Marketing materials describe the use of "exotic wood finishes, imported marble floors with inlaid onyx highlights and a fine art collection."

Local condo developer Brooks Byrd, who is not involved in the project, thinks the market can bear both the number of condos and the price range floated by his newest competitor.

"There are folks that invest in Trump ... going from Trump project to Trump project," Byrd said. "That name recognition certainly allows them to capitalize."

The complex is being developed in a partnership between the Trump Organization and Tampa Bay-area developers SimDag-RoBEL, LLC. In addition to Simon and Howell, SimDag-RoBEL partners include Patrick Sheppard, Frank Dagostino and Robert E. Lyons.

The tower is to be built on a tract near the Brorein Street bridge long targeted as a potential residential centerpiece for downtown Tampa.

[Last modified January 10, 2005, 19:11:04]