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Old Seminole Heights

Reviewers recommend a tweaked Starbucks

A panel advises the City Council to approve the coffeehouse if it faces Central, not Hillsborough, and reworks parking.

By SHERRI DAY
Published April 8, 2005

Unhappy with site plans for a proposed Starbucks in Old Seminole Heights, Tampa's Architectural Review Commission voted Monday night to approve the project if planners make several changes.

In a 6-2 vote, commissioners said they would recommend that the City Council accept the project's zoning application if planners rework the parking layout and change the building's orientation to neighboring roads. The review panel also wants to be able to address Starbucks' plans for a 73-foot sign.

The coffee shop would sit at the northeast corner of Hillsborough and Central avenues, a site formerly used as a gas station.

Designers want Starbucks to face Hillsborough to accommodate a drive-through window and attract traffic from Interstate 275. Commissioners said the building would blend in with the neighborhood's historic flavor more if it faced Central.

"It was an approval with conditions, or denial if they're not going to look at the conditions," commission administrator Del Acosta said.

Monday's meeting was the second time Starbucks planners came before the ARC. In March, commissioners asked them to look at several of the same issues raised this week. The project will go before the City Council on Thursday.

Project planner Linda D. Pearson said her firm and Landmark Investments, the developer, have already made several concessions.

Plans for the 1,800-square-foot Mediterranean-revival style building include an outdoor seating area near Central Avenue and another lounge area in front of the store. At the neighborhood's request, the developer agreed to put up a sign at Central and Hillsborough avenues that welcomes the public to Old Seminole Heights.

Pearson said she was not surprised by the ARC decision but expects the proposal to fare better before the City Council. Starbucks officials have said they would not proceed if the City Council does not approve the current plan.

"The City Council is a political body, and they also have the ability to look at the big picture," said Pearson, noting that the project would spur economic development and provide a neighborhood gathering place. "Seminole Heights is a neighborhood that has arrived. Starbucks is looking forward, with great anticipation, to being at this location."

Pearson derives much of her confidence from Seminole Heights residents, who have long supported the project. At the public hearing Monday, several residents tried to sway the commission's vote. Having a Starbucks, some said, would serve as a status symbol and show that the neighborhood has arrived.

"I'm for it," said Bill Duvall, immediate past president of the Old Seminole Heights Neighborhood Association. "I'm not married to this site plan, but I'm for it."

Rich Miller, who moved to Seminole Heights two months ago, also welcomed Starbucks' plan.

"Do we want more used-car lots and hooker motels going up on Nebraska and Florida avenues?" he said. "I would rather have a Starbucks."

Randy Baron, the neighborhood association's president, said he was slightly confused by the ARC decision. But he pledged to take the neighborhood's campaign to the City Council.

"Maybe in a few months we can all sit around and laugh at this over a latte," Baron said.

With City Council approval, the coffee shop could open by fall.

[Last modified April 7, 2005, 08:55:10]