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Neighborhood report

Stretch of Franklin reopens, reconnects

Downtown rekindles a relationship with Tampa Heights at a time when both are poised to boom.

By SHERRI DAY
Published December 16, 2005

In a few years, city leaders predict that downtown Tampa will bustle with new businesses, streams of pedestrians, restaurants and thousands of residents.

Planners envision the public accessing the area by foot, car and public transportation.

City leaders took the first step toward making those hopes more concrete this week when they reopened Franklin Street between Fortune and Scott streets.

The $1-million project reconnects downtown with Tampa Heights. Workers also removed a concrete barrier that had shut off the intersection of Franklin and Royal streets.

Years ago, Franklin Street was a vital artery between downtown and Tampa Heights, one of the city's first suburbs. The street was accessible to motorists and pedestrians and served as a popular streetcar route. The street closed in the late 1970s to make way for the Park Trammell state office building, which took over Franklin for its parking lot. The construction of Interstate 275 further isolated Tampa Heights from downtown, neighborhood leaders said.

The street's return will boost both areas, city leaders said.

"This is another very important piece to making our downtown a livable downtown and a neighborhood," said Mayor Pam Iorio, who joined city leaders in a ribbon-cutting ceremony Monday. "It's exciting to be a part of that. The great communities are ones that do connect people."

Tampa Downtown Partnership chairman John LaRocca and president Christine Burdick praised the street openings.

For Tampa Heights residents, the Franklin Street reopening improves access to downtown at a time when both areas are poised for massive development.

If plans materialize, Tampa Heights will soon house two 60-acre developments: the Heights along the Hillsborough River and a 4,000-unit community that will replace Central Park Village. Plans also call for at least three large condominium developments on N Franklin Street, including the Arlington and the Residences of Franklin Street.

"It only makes sense to connect us back together," said Lena Young-Green, president of the Tampa Heights Civic Association. "We're really excited about it."

City transportation manager Roy LaMotte said his department plans to increase pedestrian safety and convert several one-way streets into two-way roads.

Madison Street will likely be one of the first conversions. Work should begin in March, LaMotte said.

- Sherri Day can be reached at sday@sptimes.com or 813 226-3405.

[Last modified December 15, 2005, 10:05:12]