Strategic Property Partners has announced plans for a new entertainment district proposed for downtown Tampa, adding a mid-sized live music venue, hotel, retail space, and structured parking to the Water Street Tampa master-planned development. The privately financed project is planned for a vacant parcel on Channelside Drive, directly across from Amalie Arena, between Morgan Street and Jefferson Street.
The proposal calls for a purpose-built district anchored by a 3,500-seat live music and performance venue, intended to serve touring artists that currently fall between small clubs and large arenas. Strategic Property Partners plans to partner with Vinik Sports Group to operate and manage the venue, integrating it into the broader event programming ecosystem surrounding Water Street Tampa.
Credit: Courtesy of Strategic Property Partners.
The site sits within walking distance of the Tampa Riverwalk, the Tampa Convention Center, and nearby hotels and residential neighborhoods, and is positioned to function as a westward extension of Water Street Tampa and Ford Thunder Alley.
In addition to the performance venue, the district is planned to include a 250-room hotel, approximately 100,000 square feet of retail, dining, and entertainment space, and more than 1,000 parking spaces intended to support both the district and nearby event activity.
Credit: Courtesy of Strategic Property Partners.
“Water Street Tampa was designed to evolve, and this entertainment district is the next step in completing the larger vision,” said Josh Taube, CEO of Strategic Property Partners. “Water Street Tampa today is a dynamic neighborhood with waterfront, public spaces, residences, retail, hotels, and offices all connected through a walkable experience. This project activates the western edge of the neighborhood by adding an entertainment energy through live music and cultural experiences; strengthening WST as a preeminent destination.”
According to the development team, the venue is intended to address a gap in downtown Tampa’s live performance infrastructure by providing a flexible, mid-capacity space that complements larger facilities in the region. The goal is to accommodate emerging and mid-tier performers while expanding the range of events that can be programmed downtown.
Credit: Courtesy of Strategic Property Partners.
“Fans will see more shows, more often, and with greater variety,” said Steve Griggs, Chief Executive Officer of Vinik Sports Group. “This district will strengthen the entertainment ecosystem surrounding the arena, forging the live entertainment center of Tampa Bay. A venue of this size provides much needed flexibility for booking more artists and world-class shows to our region.”
The project is also expected to extend activity along Channelside Drive by linking the new district more directly with Ford Thunder Alley and the arena, creating a continuous entertainment corridor that operates beyond event nights.
“This Water Street expansion moves Tampa forward as a top entertainment destination,” said Tampa Mayor Jane Castor. “It strengthens tourism and creates new experiences for residents and visitors, all within steps of the Riverwalk and Convention Center.”
Strategic Property Partners has indicated that groundbreaking is targeted for 2027, pending final planning, approvals, and permitting.
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