SPP shifts offices back to Sparkman Wharf

Strategic Property Partners, the developer behind the Water Street Tampa mixed-use neighborhood in downtown Tampa, has relocated its offices to Sparkman Wharf — one of several office offerings that will anchor the $3 billion project.

The move over Thanksgiving weekend to the 245,000-square-foot office and retail project marked a homecoming for the firm, which had operated from Industrious co-work space within the 36-story SunTrust Financial Centre downtown for the past year while its permanent quarters were being outfitted.

“We are so proud of our new space and happy to be returning home to Sparkman,” says a company spokeswoman.

SPP, a joint venture between Tampa Bay Lightning owner Jeff Vinik and Cascade Investments LLC, an investment firm controlled by Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, was expected to move into 30,000 square feet in Sparkman Wharf.

The building, which features 40-foot ceilings and will also house co-work space sometime next year, had been the former Channelside Bay Plaza retail center. SPP has been transforming the property into office and restaurant space for the past year.

SPP CEO James Nozar described Sparkman Wharf’s office space earlier this year as “an entirely new working environment that is unlike anything else in the city.”

The move also comes in the wake of an award presented to Sparkman Wharf by the Tampa Downtown Partnership in early November. The business group recognized the building among its “Urban Excellence Award” winners for 2019.

The building received the “Landmark Development” award for its transformation and contribution to the city’s fabric. The awards are based on six criteria, including innovation, creativity, engagement, sustainability, advancement and impact.

Sparkman Wharf, one of a trio of new office buildings SPP is constructing as part of a first phase of its 56-acre neighborhood, is named after Tampa catalyst Stephen Sparkman.