What Is a Waterfront Worth to a City?
Curtis Hixon Park, downtown Tampa
After decades in the making, see how thoughtful development and efficient use of waterfront property allowed Tampa to emerge as one of the nation’s most in-demand cities.
“If you build it, they will come.” No, I’m not talking baseball fields like in Field of Dreams: I’m talking about creating vibrant, walkable, eco-focused neighborhoods like those along Tampa’s waterfront. The transformation of Tampa’s waterfront has put the city front and center on the world stage, earning high praise and accolades.
In the early 2000s, an evening out in downtown Tampa was uneventful, to say the least. Other than catching a show at Tampa Theatre or attending a Tampa Bay Lightning game, downtown excursions were few and far between. There was no point going downtown because there was nothing going on there. It lacked shopping, entertainment and restaurants, and therefore, it lacked people.
Sparkman Wharf along Tampa waterfront
Fast forward to 2023, and the once-lackluster downtown has done a complete 180. Downtown Tampa is booming with a contagious liveliness, energy and vibe.
How did we pull off this feat? By creating beautiful parks and inviting public spaces while building thriving communities around our biggest asset.
Downtown Tampa is now a destination for locals and visitors alike. Curtis Hixon Park hosts countless outdoor events: concerts, food festivals, arts & crafts shows, evening yoga on the lawn.
And a short stroll along the Riverwalk brings you to Sparkman Wharf, which routinely features live music, family fun nights, movies on the lawn, and watch parties for Tampa Bay’s pro sports teams.
Next door to Sparkman Wharf is the newly developed Water Street: 50-acres of homes, offices, shops, restaurants, and hotels nestled into an accessible waterfront.
Arts & crafts market on Water Street
What does a waterfront community do for a city?
Take Water Street, for example. Its first phase created 6,000 jobs and contributes to a $520M annual economic impact (roughly equivalent to hosting the Super Bowl). Numbers aside, the impact can also be measured in awards and accolades.
Forbes ranks Tampa Best Place to Live in Florida
TIME names Tampa one of the World’s Greatest Places
Money awards Tampa Best Place to Travel accolades
WalletHub names Tampa among Best Cities for Starting a Career
We hid it for decades, but our best kept secret is out. Tampa is rightfully having its moment, emerging as the dream destination we’ve always known it to be.
Carrie Rowland is an Accredited Buyer’s Representative,® Certified Probate Real Estate Specialist,® Military Relocation Professional,® Graduate of the Realtor Institute® and a Realtor-Associate at RE/MAX Alliance Group in South Tampa
