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Firm ranked first for river path

A firm accused of design flaws on a major Tampa road is ranked first for a downtown Tampa riverwalk.

By BABITA PERSAUD
Published January 25, 2005

TAMPA - The firm accused of design flaws on the Lee Roy Selmon Crosstown Expressway is the frontrunner to build a proposed 2-mile downtown pathway along the Hillsborough River.

City officials from several departments heard pitches from URS Corp., Fort Lauderdale-based EDSA and San Francisco-based EDAW.

All had extensive experience building downtown riverwalks, but after three hours of presentations URS, an engineering firm with offices in Rocky Point, emerged on top.

"URS is a strong team," said Lee Hoffman, the city's Riverwalk manager.

URS already has worked on part of the trail near the riverfront Cotanchobee Fort Brooke Park, said Hoffman, and the firm has been involved in the revitalization of downtown for years.

"I love this city, and I'm committed to it," said Keith Greminger, vice president and director of planning and urban design at URS. In his presentation, Greminger spoke about his involvement in downtown, including helping to plan the annual Dragon Boat Races, which bring hundreds to downtown.

But what really sold the URS pitch was its teaming with Thomas Balsley Associates. The New York design firm is the lead in designing the waterfront park behind the new Tampa Museum of Art.

"There is something to be said for one consistent voice," said Wendy Ceccherelli, Tampa's arts and cultural affairs director.

Tom Balsley, who flew to Tampa for the presentation, said his firm even has experience working with the Trump Organization on a $62-million park and residential project in New York.

Balsley tossed many suggestions out at the meeting for Tampa's Riverwalk, including the use of a dog park.

A five-member steering committee of city officials ranked the firms that made pitches Monday in this order: URS, EDAW and EDSA.

The recommendation will go to Mayor Pam Iorio, who will make the final decision.

Fees were not discussed in Monday's meeting. Hoffman said cost will be negotiated later.

Iorio allotted $1-million this year for the Riverwalk project.

[Last modified January 25, 2005, 01:20:09]