Downtown Tampa apartments planned

TAMPA — Developers are planning to build 235 apartments in a 21-story building on Harbour Island in downtown Tampa.

The project is a joint venture of Forge Capital Partners and Intown/Framework Group, both based in Tampa. Forge Capital is a private equity firm with $400 million under management. Intown/Framework principals Greg Minder and Phillip Smith have developed other residential projects including Element and Skypoint, both located in downtown Tampa; Meridian Lofts in the nearby Channel District; and 4310 Spruce and Varela, both currently under construction in the Westshore business district.

Construction on the Harbour Island building is scheduled to start later this month and be completed by early 2016. The project does not yet have a name and prices were not disclosed.

“Harbour Island is recognized as one of Tampa's most distinguished and most desirable places for people to live due to its central location, proximity to downtown and vast waterfront,” says Minder in a statement. “Harbour Island epitomizes a high-end, master-planned community.”

Most of the units will enjoy sweeping views of the surrounding waterfront and Tampa's dynamic downtown. Features include a modern, contemporary decor and amenities comparable to those offered by a luxury hotel such as an infinity-edge pool and a private, on-site fitness center.

The development team includes Reese Vanderbilt & Associates, an architectural firm; Kimley-Horn and Associates, civil and landscape engineers; and an affiliate of Batson-Cook Residential named Multi-Family Construction, which is the project's general contractor.

BBVA Compass, which last year opened an office in the Westshore business district, is providing the debt financing. The balance of the capital for the project is being provided by Forge and its affiliates. Sums were not disclosed.