Tampa Bay architects have said that development is slowing a bit. That might be objectively true — especially when you consider the absolute avalanche of new builds over the past five or so years — but there's still plenty of projects springing up across our slice of the Gulf Coast.

We can prove it:

Rays share definitive documents for new ballpark

Tampa City Council might be voting on the Rays stadium deal this Thursday, Aug. 27. Prior to the meeting, the team's leadership also shared "definitive documents" for the new ballpark, including a "framework for advancing a new state-of-the-art ballpark, the surrounding mixed-use district, and the public-private partnership between the Rays, Hillsborough County, and the City of Tampa."

The plans also promise more financial contribution from the Rays, a reduced public contribution from the MOU, cost overrun protections, no new taxes, protected public safety funding, and a 35-year non-relocation commitment, according to a release. So, how much would the team spend? The Rays would put forth $1.37 billion, plus overruns, Hillsborough County would spend $796 million, and Tampa would pay $80 million.

Construction continues on the section of the West Riverwalk that runs along the University of Tampa campus. | Image via the City of Tampa

West Riverwalk

The rumors (widely shared news stories) are true. Construction on the West Riverwalk is chugging along. What's the latest? Right now, the nearly 2,000-ft slice alongside the University of Tampa is under construction. Leaders say it should open by the end of the year — if the stormy weather permits.

USF expansion

A new era begins soon for The USF Health College of Nursing. The 42,000-sqft expansion opens this Friday, Aug. 15, featuring new College of Nursing-Tampa General Hospital Nursing Simulation Center, new clinical training spaces, and flexible learning labs.

Tampa International lounges

America's best airport — at least in our eyes — might be getting another swanky lounge. A United Airlines might be in the works for Airside A, the Tampa Bay Business Journal reported. And that's not all, another common-use lounge could open within Airside C. Either way, lounges are a key proposed capital project for TPA's fiscal year 2027. A reminder: The currently under construction Airside D will also boast two lounges.

Largo’s Rainbow Village affordable housing

Newstar Development is partnering with Pinellas County Housing Authority to build four new apartment towers with a sum 400 units. That includes 120 affordable apartments for families making between 30% and 80% of the area median income.

Stetson Law Tampa campus sells

What's next for Stetson University's Tampa Heights property? Bromley Companies recently announced plans to partner with the college to revamp their Tampa Law Center + bring a hotel, apartments, and restaurants to the property, according to the Tampa Bay Business Journal. The developer — which is the same team behind Midtown Tampa — is planning on starting construction next year.

Westshore Plaza redevelopment

A local developer just bought the once-hopping mall for more than $130 million. Third Lake Developers "intend to move forward with redevelopment plans that were initiated by a previous potential buyer that walked away from the deal," according to the Tampa Bay Business Journal.

New Kolter projects

The developer behind Saltaire + One St. Petersburg is working on two new Sunshine City projects. First up, the bright orange old Fit2Run — which was recently torn down — will be replaced with a luxury condo tower, the Tampa Bay Times reported. The brand is also planning to build condos on the former Hilton Bayfront property, with plans to submit proposals later this year.

PIE Expansion

St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport's planned expansion is a no-go. Earlier this week, the airport's new director announced that the plans will be re-scoped, according to the Tampa Bay Business Journal.

The $110 million budget will be reallocated to renovate the existing facilities like adding on gates with jet bridges.

South Hillsborough homes

An Arizona-based real estate company wants to build 130 townhomes in the rapidly-growing Sun City Center community. Alliance Residential Co. recently submitted the plans to Hillsborough County, the Tampa Bay Business Journal reported.

But, it's not a sure thing yet. Right now, the land is zoned for agricultural use, so it would require rezoning approval.

Ybor Harbor progresses

Construction recently started on the long-awaited Ybor Harbor project. Heavy machinery is onsite to set up the foundation of the new mixed-use development, according to Tampa Tomorrow. A reminder: Developer Darryl Shaw's plans feature 800+ hotel rooms, 4,750 new residential units, and a public waterfront with boat docks and piers.

Sky Town update

The Skyway Marina District just keeps growing. Altis Cardinal recently filed plans to get started on Phase 3 of Sky Town, Tampa Bay Business Journal reports. What's included? This installment of the St. Pete project includes 380 units, plus amenities, shopping, and a restaurant.

A look at the finished Canopy at West River Phase Two project. | Rendering via

The Canopy at West River

Mayor Jane is dusting off her hard hat to toast the West Riverwalk's latest project, The Canopy at West River's opening today. The complex's four towers boast a collective 384 new affordable homes in the Cigar City's West River redevelopment.

Priced for locals earning between 22% and 80% of the area median income, the one-to-four bedroom units also boast access to community and game rooms, a business and fitness centers, EV charging stations, and one day soon, a future NFL Alumni Obstacle Course. The complex replaced the longtime North Boulevard Homes public Housing project, which was torn down in 2017 due to poor conditions.

And it's far from the last opening you'll see in the near future along the less populous side of the Hillsborough River. In case you missed it, the overall West Riverwalk Project recently scored $250,000 in additional federal funding, bringing its total commitment to more than $24 million, according to the City of Tampa.

Hi Hospitality Group is leading the project. | Rendering via Central Park St. Pete

Central Park St. Pete is finally open

Sunshine City residents no longer need to cross the Howard Frankland for that Armature Works-esque night out. The long-awaited Central Park St. Pete finally opens its doors this week — well, part of it, that is.

Palm Avenue Deli and Constellation Burger are the first of the five-story's 14 concepts to make their debut. Next week, Strawberry Fields and Central Bar (with its self-serve beer wall) enter the villa. But there's obviously plenty more to come.

USF’s Center for Advanced Medical Learning and Simulation

What’s next for USF’s Center for Advanced Medical Learning and Simulation? Leaders are in the “very early” stages of potentially redeveloping the 90,000-sqft facility in downtown Tampa, according to the Tampa Bay Business Journal.

Roche Bobois St. Pete Tower

You might’ve spotted these hot pink buildings while cruising through the Burg. Valor Real Estate Development drenched four vacant downtown buildings in shades of fuchsia to advertise the incoming Roche Bobois St. Pete Tower, according to the Tampa Bay Times. The buildings will be torn down to build a 29-story condo tower.