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Construction materials shortage delays Avenue, developer says

By STEPHANIE HAYES
Published June 9, 2006

WESTCHASE - Speaking of the Avenue ... what's up?

The first phase of the 11-acre mix of shops, offices and restaurants was supposed to open in February across from Westchase Elementary on Linebaugh Avenue. You only have to drive past to see that it didn't happen.

Developer Alan Charron said it has been hard to come by certain building supplies.

"Just across the board, it's just hard to get particular supplies for any new construction," he said.

For instance, Charron said contractors may even have to look out of state for the type of palm trees they want.

Still, he said, construction is coming along well. The town center fountain is installed, and the rest of his company's construction on the first phase should be done in the next few weeks. Then it's up to individual businesses to do their thing before opening.

"Some of the tenants are already under construction," he said. "Quizno's is under construction, Tijuana Flats is under construction. Some of them are still in the permitting stage."

Other tenants will include Impact Martial Arts, Blanchard Antiques, T-Mobile, Coldstone Creamery, World of Beer, Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate, Zen Sushi, Martinizing Dry Cleaning, Tranquility Day Spa and Salon, Tropical Smoothie Cafe, Planet Beach Tanning and Mangia Bene Ristorante Italiano.

Charron said there are still some office spaces available for lease or purchase.

[Last modified June 9, 2006, 08:50:32]