Mixed-use development lands boutique grocer as first retail tenant

TAMPA — Westshore Marina District, a 52-acre, mixed-use district in south Tampa being developed by Fort Lauderdale-based BTI Partners, has signed a deal with its first retail tenant: specialty grocer Duckweed Urban Market.

Opening in early 2020, Duckweed, according to a press release, will occupy a 3,000-square-foot space in the development. Upon completion, Westshore Marina District — located at the intersection of Gandy and Westshore boulevards — will offer a total of 70,000 square feet of retail and restaurant space.

“Our relationship with Duckweed marks an important milestone for Westshore Marina District,” states Noah Breakstone, BTI Partners’ CEO and managing partner, in the release. “We have taken a blank canvas and envisioned a thriving mixed-use, waterfront community for Tampa/St. Pete residents to enjoy. Today, we are seeing the results of our team’s vision, smart planning and diligent execution. We are excited to see Westshore Marina District become a vibrant community that will be able to incorporate a waterfront lifestyle.”

The Westshore Marina District store will mark the third location for Tampa-based Duckweed, which also operates at 803 N. Tampa St., in downtown Tampa, and 111 N. 12th St., Suite 1102, in the Channel District. 

“Duckweed is a great example of the type of retailers we are attracting to Westshore Marina District,” states Britney Mroczkowski, BTI Partners’ vice president of retail development, in the release. “Duckweed in downtown Tampa has been a complete success and we want to bring that experience to our community."