On February 18, 2020, representatives from the Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council (TBRPC) presented a 3D model to City Council as part of a visioning exercise that they had been working on for the previous six months.  The presentation included a SWOT analysis as well as a "Rapid Redesign" model of the Gateway District which included a new site plan and incorporated green space and water features.

On July 13, 2020, TBRPC submitted a proposal which entailed two distinct but related studies for the Downtown Gateway area which will be divided into phases.  The Scope of Services for Phase I includes the rapid redesign of the parking structure with tasks including an inventory and analysis as well as conceptual planning and design. Phase II includes the rapid redesign of the Gateway District and contains a broader conceptual site plan, 3D renderings and a 3D SketchUp model for the entire planning area, as well as the City’s proposed redevelopment sites (i.e. the Main Street corridor, a new urban park, and several waterfront parcels). 

There is no fee associated with Phase I as TBRPC was recently awarded funding under the CARES Act to provide technical assistance to its member agencies to help the region’s communities recover from the economic impacts of COVID-19. Fees associated with Phase II have not yet been determined. 

Should the Board of Directors accept the attached proposal from the TBRPC, the anticipated start date for Phase I is September 1, 2020. TBRPC could provide Phase II deliverables as described in the draft scope by November 15, 2020.

A copy of the TBRPC's presentation from February 18, 2020 is also attached to this agenda item for reference.