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Local firm leads trio to design Riverwalk
One of three firms vying to build the downtown Tampa pathway, designed the elevated Crosstown and has a Tampa office.
By BABITA PERSAUD
Published January 25, 2005
TAMPA - URS Corp. may be accused of design flaws on the elevated Lee Roy Selmon Crosstown Expressway, but Tampa city officials think the firm is perfect to create a 2-mile pathway along the Hillsborough River downtown.
City officials from several departments, including parks and recreation and public works, heard pitches from three design firms Monday.
All had extensive experience building downtown riverwalks.
Fort Lauderdale-based EDSA talked about having a "story" throughout the path.
San Francisco-based EDAW, which worked on Disney's Celebration, wanted to make an attraction out of the riverwalk and incorporate local artists.
But after three hours of presentations, URS, an engineering firm with offices in the Rocky Point area of Tampa, emerged on top.
"URS is a strong team," said Lee Hoffman, the city's Riverwalk manager.
URS has worked on a portion 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 URS's 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.
Dog walkers, he said, bring "everyday use" to the riverwalk.
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 alloted $1-million this year for the Riverwalk project.
EDAW, although not ranked first, will still be involved in the redevelopment of Tampa's downtown.
It has teamed with HDR Engineering of Tampa to enhance Ashley Drive.
[Last modified January 25, 2005, 01:20:09]
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