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Firms join forces to pitch Central Park project

While they work on a joint proposal to rebuild the old housing project, other firms seeking the job don't plan to give up.

By KEVIN GRAHAM
Published July 13, 2005

TAMPA - The first and second picks among developers competing to rebuild the Tampa Housing Authority's rundown Central Park Village announced Tuesday that they will work together on a joint proposal to submit this month.

Michaels Development, a New Jersey company rebuilding Belmont Heights Estates in east Tampa, received the highest marks by a selection committee in May. The committee, made up of representatives from the Housing Authority, the city and Hillsborough County, ranked its top three choices after receiving six responses in its search for qualified developers.

Creative Choice Homes ranked second. Based in Palm Beach Gardens, Creative Choice boasted its familiarity with the region and access to funding. The firm listed Kiran Patel as its finance partner. The local doctor and philanthropist recently pledged $18.5-million to the University of South Florida.

Ranked third was A Better Place Group, headed by Bill Bishop and Don Wallace. Both men served as key players in Civitas, the for-profit developer that had a failed attempt in 2003 to build a 157-acre community in place of Central Park Village, just north of downtown Tampa.

"We're proceeding as planned," Deanne Roberts, spokeswoman for the Bishop and Wallace proposal, said after Tuesday's announcement. "Our team already has four experienced, national players in the industry. So, we're preparing a great proposal."

The Tampa Housing Authority declined to comment about Michaels Development and Creative Choice Homes' joint venture, called the Creative Michaels team.

"The Tampa Housing Authority really doesn't have anything to do with the project as of yet," said spokeswoman Lillian Stringer.

The Creative Michaels team sent a letter Monday to the Housing Authority stating its intentions.

Jack Weir, senior vice present for Creative Choice Homes, said Creative Michaels plans to put together a "multifaceted plan" that will include cultural, recreational and educational components.

"It will really be a good thing for the city," Weir said.

He said Creative Choice Homes decided to partner with Michaels Development because of its reputation. Michaels Development, Weir said, has extensive housing authority experience that made it attractive.

Creative Michaels will submit its proposal to the selection committee on July 27 and make a formal presentation Aug. 9.

[Last modified July 13, 2005, 00:08:08]