$6 million Franklin Street revitalization project earns city approval

Franklin Street is set to shine again! Tampa’s City Council unanimously approved the Franklin Street Vision project, allocating a $6 million investment to revitalize the historic corridor connecting three vibrant Downtown neighborhoods.

The project blends Franklin Street’s rich history with modern upgrades, aiming to revive the lively, community-centered atmosphere that once made it the heart of Tampa.

Unlike typical city-funded initiatives, the investment comes directly from Downtown’s Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) budget—funds generated Downtown and earmarked to remain Downtown. This ensures the general city budget remains unaffected while enhancing Downtown Tampa.

Revitalizing Tampa’s open-air shopping hub

Spread across three years, the $6 million initiative aims to create a vibrant space where Tampa’s historic charm meets modern design. The Tampa Downtown Partnership’s efforts earned strong support during the recent CRA meeting, marking a significant step for the area’s future.

While the timetable for construction and completion will be finalized in the coming months, one thing is certain: Franklin Street is “on the fast track to becoming the buzzing hub Tampa deserves,” according to a release.

Franklin Street, once the heartbeat of Tampa and home to the iconic Tampa Theatre, was a bustling open-air shopping destination. Now, the Tampa Downtown Partnership is working to restore its energy, attract small businesses, and merge Tampa’s history with its future.

Bringing back the city’s former Main Street

“Franklin Street was the main street of Tampa,” said Karen Kress, Senior Director of Transportation and Planning for the Tampa Downtown Partnership. “We’ve brought together voices from across the community to ask, ‘How can we bring back that energy? How can we support and attract small businesses? And how can we elevate Tampa’s amazing history and bring it into the future?’”

The revitalization plan includes infrastructure upgrades and initiatives to help small businesses thrive. “This is a major win for Downtown Tampa,” added Kenyetta Hairston-Bridges, President and CEO of the Tampa Downtown Partnership.

Balancing progress and preservation

This effort goes beyond modern upgrades. A survey of over 170 historic properties highlights the value of preserving Tampa’s architectural gems. By leveraging incentives like tax credits, property owners can save money while maintaining the historic character of their buildings.

To support these preservation efforts, the Tampa Downtown Partnership is hosting the Economics of Historic Preservation Workshop to provide tools and insights for funding opportunities and preserving Tampa’s history while creating vibrant spaces for the future.

A preservation workshop in Tampa

The workshop, presented by the Tampa Downtown Partnership with support from Hillsborough County, offers attendees insights into leveraging grants, attracting investors, and learning from local success stories.

Key Highlights:

• Unlocking Funds: Learn about grants and incentives at the city, county, state, and federal levels.
• Developer Insights: Gain knowledge from the creator of Le Méridien Hotel on attracting syndicators and investors.
• Real-Life Stories: Hear preservation success stories from local building owners.

Event Details:
Tuesday, November 19
1:30–4:30 p.m.
Historic Hillsborough Masonic Lodge
504 East Kennedy Boulevard, Tampa

Register now to reserve your spot and join the effort to celebrate Tampa’s past while building its future.

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