Tampabay: Ybor complex gets first okay

TAMPA -- The architect behind a controversial nightclub complex proposed in Ybor City cleared a major hurdle by gaining preliminary approval of the design Tuesday.

The Barrio Latino Commission, which oversees the design of buildings in the historic district, voted 5-2 in favor of the $20-million structure. The commission, however, reserved the right to make more changes.

"Naturally, we're very, very excited," said architect Ken Kroger. "It's some vindication."

Kroger has fought criticism that his design, which evokes a steamship, doesn't fit in with Ybor City's Spanish-style buildings.

The commission told Kroger last month to make significant changes to the proposed building, planned for Seventh Avenue and 15th Street where Blue Ribbon Grocery once stood. It will hold nightclubs, bars, restaurants, shops and offices under one roof.

Kroger turned the most distinctive aspect of the design, a blue conical skylight, into a square. He also changed the appearance of a 240-foot-long balcony by incorporating raised handrails.

In casting dissenting votes, Chairman Kenneth Ferlita and Vice Chairman Jill Collins said they still were not comfortable with the design, particularly the planned facade of the back of the complex, which features steel frames.

Collins said she wanted a more traditional building that reflects a historic period for the city.

"I think this is just a major stretch," Collins said. "If it's a rubber band, it's snapped and is on the other side of the room. I still am a believer that it should be a snapshot in time."

Kroger took risks on the project, envisioning a contemporary structure that still reflects its historic surroundings. He argued that his design fully meets Tampa zoning codes and guidelines for the historic district.

"History is about the continuum of change," he told commissioners during a 45-minute presentation. "It's imperative that we recognize new buildings with the contemporary stamp of today."

Commissioner Ken Garcia agreed.

"When (new structures) try to look like old buildings, they become a theme park," he said. Kroger, he added, "took a very different path here."

Kroger invited three architects to the meeting to speak in support of the project.

Among them was Jim McLean, an adjunct professor for the University of South Florida School of Architecture, who praised the design. "To replicate is not to grow," McLean said. "To the contrary, it is to stagnate."

Three people spoke out against the project, including Marilyn Weekley, a South Tampa resident who presented commissioners with more than 500 signatures protesting the design.

She called the project the "Tampa Titanic" and said many residents won't realize the architectural mistake until it is too late.

"Ybor City should be renamed to "eclectical collection of architectural fantasies,' " she said.

One of the project's most outspoken critics did not attend the meeting because of a conflict. Patrick Manteiga, publisher of the weekly La Gaceta, said he plans to review a videotape of the meeting to see if he has any grounds to appeal the commission's vote.

"I'm disappointed," he said. "I think they should give the go-ahead on a project they can see, not one they will continue discussing. I believe things like that are like blank checks."

-- Phuong Nguyen can be reached at (813) 226-3403 or nguyen@sptimes.com.

Back to Tampa Bay area news
Back

Contact the Times | Privacy Policy
Standard of Accuracy | Terms, Conditions & Copyright

Special Links

Mary Jo Melone

Howard Troxler

Headlines
From the Times
local news desks