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Business 2005

New Port Richey: On the cusp of an unlikely makeover

Multimillion-dollar developments give the city a chance to reshape its reputation and economy, officials say.

By MELIA BOWIE
Published February 13, 2005

NEW PORT RICHEY - A few years ago New Port Richey was an aging city with big dreams and an unlikely chance of realizing them.

Now the city is poised to welcome the largest redevelopment project in its history.

Construction begins this year on Main Street Landing, a $30-million, two-phase residential and retail complex at the city's downtown entrance.

Envisioned by native son Peter Altman - a former city mayor and Pasco County commissioner - the project will be built and backed by Gainesville developers Ken and Linda McGurn.

It will feature owner-occupied townhomes and condos going for $300,000 to $585,000, with boat slips, upscale shops and restaurants.

But more than that, the project offers an opportunity to reshape New Port Richey's reputation and economy, local officials say.

"I'm overjoyed to see New Port Richey is not a has-been town," council member Tom Finn said in November at a preconstruction party for the development.

High-end housing is slowly replacing deteriorating rental homes, say city leaders who point not only to Main Street Landing but to projects such as Sea Forest Beach Club Townhomes west of U.S. 19.

That project, by Partners of Pasco LLC, is valued at more than a $30-million investment, city officials have said. About 200 three-story townhomes complete with elevators and posh amenities are being built at the site with early sales prices ranging from $150,000 to $200,000.

And as residential development gets a kick start, so too does New Port Richey's slumbering business community.

West of U.S. 19 in New Port Richey, the Southgate Shopping Plaza gained a new look thanks to a $6.7-million renovation effort by the plaza's owner.

Also in 2004, city leaders passed or amended ordinances that will make it easier for bed and breakfasts to open in the city and for restaurants to add outdoor dining.

About 53 businesses have taken advantage of sign and facade improvement grants, which enable them to spruce up the exterior of their shops, since the programs were started in April 2002. Meanwhile, more than 450 homeowners have taken advantage of residential improvement grants.

"I just think the overall renovation improvements ... they've just been so visible in a city that's been sitting dormant for so long," said Caprena Laliberte, New Port Richey's redevelopment officer.

Demolition already has begun for Main Street Landing - Shangrila Hair salon was removed in 2003.

An aging apartment complex is slated to be torn down early this year.

Popular lunch and dinner spot Juan's Black Bean Deli is also slated to be demolished, as will Tonnie's Florist shop and a neighboring Internet cafe.

Juan's deli and the flower shop will reopen at Main Street Landing when construction is completed. Until then, plans are to open interim locations along U.S. 19.

[Last modified February 8, 2005, 16:43:07]