City of Tarpon Springs, Florida 324 EAST PINE STREET P.O. BOX 5004 TARPON SPRINGS, FLORIDA

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1 City of Tarpon Springs, Florida 324 EAST PINE STREET P.O. BOX 5004 TARPON SPRINGS, FLORIDA COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY MEETING AGENDA ITEM Meeting Date: October 20, 2015 Subject: Discussion for consensus on issuing RFP for redevelopment of vacant lot at 144 E. Tarpon Ave. (former Forbes property.) Recommended Action: Obtain consensus to issue RFP. Summary Explanation / Background: The City sold the site to the CRA in The same year, the CRA issued a Request for Proposals for development of the parcel. No formal proposals were received. In 2013, a developer expressed interest and the CRA and developer entered into a two-year lease agreement for the development of a mixed-use project with first floor commercial and second floor apartment units. The project was not successful, and in August 2015 the CRA and developer mutually terminated the lease agreement. Since the initial RFP, the economy has improved and Downtown Tarpon Springs has attracted several new businesses and residential developments. Four new restaurants have opened or will open by early 2016 (Johnny s Fillin Station, Olive the World Bistro, Blazin 28 Pizza, Tuscan Sun Italian Bistro); two new bakery/cafes (Cinnamon Swirl and Sweet L s); two craft breweries (Silverking and Saint Somewhere); and new retail stores (Unique Finds, CCC Timeless Treasures, One Amazing Find, and Replay Amusement Museum). Two new residential projects, Santos Isles and EcoVillage, are bringing residents who live Downtown. In addition, the City has invested in new public amenities including a Fitness Park, Splash Park, Dog Park, and Pinellas Trail enhancements. The new developments and improved economy greatly enhance the redevelopment opportunities for the site and create an environment to issue a new RFP. Staff Recommendation: Staff recommends issuing an RFP for development proposals for the property at 144 E. Tarpon Ave. Attachment: Draft Scope of Services for RFP 1

2 Section I Scope of Services Introduction The City of Tarpon Springs, population 24,000 and founded in 1887, has a rich, vibrant history that has been preserved throughout the years. The City in its early years earned the phrase The Venice of the South, as wealthy Northerners discovered its beauty and warm waters of the many bayous and quickly settled Tarpon Springs. Downtown developed with the arrival of the Orange Belt railroad and the construction of the Train Depot. The discovery of rich sponge beds brought the arrival of Greek sponge divers from the Dodecanese Islands in the early 1900s and Tarpon Springs became known as the Sponge Capital of the World and today its fascinating history is preserved along the Sponge Docks, one of the top tourist destinations in the county and statewide. The historic Downtown along Tarpon, Hibiscus, Safford, and Ring Avenues has grown into a retail destination with art galleries, eclectic boutiques, home décor, antiques, breweries, and restaurants, many still housed in vintage 1900-era historic buildings. The former Train Depot has been renovated and now serves as the City s Welcome Center and is maintained as a museum by the Tarpon Springs Historical Society. The Pinellas Trail winds through Downtown, and intersects Tarpon Avenue at Safford Avenue, bringing cyclists, walkers, and outdoor enthusiasts to the area. In the past five years, the City has made extensive investments into the public infrastructure in the near Downtown area, including: Reconstructed Lemon Street and added extensive landscaping. Achieved jurisdiction of Tarpon Avenue from the Florida Dept. of Transportation, and embarked on a major streetscaping project, including vintage light poles, brickwork, benches, trees, flowers, banners, and more. Constructed safety upgrades to the Safford/Tarpon intersection along with additional streetscaping along Tarpon Avenue. Developed the North Safford Recreation Corridor to form a pedestrian link between Downtown and the Sponge Docks using the Pinellas Trail as a focal point. The $1.2 million project included: o Resurfacing the Trail with extensive tree planting and landscaping, brick croswalks, new park benches and trash receptacles, sidewalks, median plantings, brick retaining walls, and irrigation systems. o Developing a Fitness Park with outdoor exercise equipment, workout mounds, fitness lawn, bike aid station, and connection to the Pinellas Trail via a wooden boardwalk with extensive wetland enhancements and plantings. o Creating a Dog Park with tunnels, bridges, hills, water splash area, and benches and shade canopies for adults. The park features separate sections for small and large dogs. 1

3 o Constructing a Children s Splash Park featuring Tarpon Springs-themed spray features. The park inlcudes restrooms, changing rooms, benches, a picnic pavilion, and jungle gym play area. An active Merchant s Association, in partnership with the City, stages numerous downtown activities and events throughout the year. We proudly welcome and encourage you to visit the City website at www. ctsfl.us. The Merchant s Association website can be found at The City is offering a unique opportunity by seeking developer request for proposals for the development of a ½ acre site located in the heart of Historic Downtown Tarpon Springs at an address formerly known as 144 E. Tarpon Ave. Currently a vacant parcel of land, the site once housed a general store built circa The building was eventually razed by the City in The City is seeking qualified developers to partner with the City in redeveloping the site. Laying the Foundation Demonstrating Commitment Tarpon Springs is dedicated to the revitalization and success of its Historic Downtown. The City has taken several actions over the last few years to demonstrate its commitment to its central business district. 1. Commissioned the Tarpon Springs Walkability Report which provides a vision for practical, sustainable land development and growth. TARPONSPRINGSFinalWalkabilityReport.pdf 2. Commissioned Special Area Plan and SmartCode a. Hired Renaissance Planning Group to draft Special Area Plan and Form-based development code. b. Conducted numerous Focus Groups to engage residents and businesses in the effort. 3. Adopted in March 2011 Special Area Plan and Transect-Based Infill Code for the Sponge Docks and Community Redevelopment Area. SpongeDocksInfillSmartCodePlan.pdf 2

4 4. Invested more than $1 million to reconstruct Lemon Street with extensive landscaping. Lemon is located one street south of Tarpon Ave. and is home to artist Christopher Still s studio and Silverking Brewery. Lemon Street Before and After 5. Reconstructed and Streetscaped Tarpon Avenue. a. Joint project with FDOT to reconstruct street with bump-outs, streetscaping, vintage lighting, and burying overhead power lines. Tarpon Avenue streetscape, includes brick pavement, benches, planters, flowers, decorative lighting, and banners. 3

5 6. Constructed safety enhancements and additional streetscape to the intersection of Tarpon and Safford Avenues. 7. Purchased a blighted property in 100 block of E. Tarpon Avenue and renovated it into a parking lot with restrooms and small park area. Before and after of vacant lot converted to a parking lot and restrooms, located across the street from the subject property. 8. Developed the North Safford Recreation Corridor along the Pinellas Trail, providing amenities for a pedestrian-friendly linkage of Downtown with the Sponge Docks. The $1.2 million project included resurfacing and extensive landscaping/streetscaping of Safford Avenue, sidewalks, and brick pavement; the creation of a Fitness Park, Dog Park, and Splash Park, restrooms, a picnic pavilion and play area. 4 Safford Ave./Pinellas Trail improvements, Splash Park, Dog Park, and Fitness Park.

6 9. Purchased and razed the building that is the subject of this RFP. Current view of site looking south Private Investment 5

7 These strategic initiatives and the City s investment into its city center is attracting new businesses that are creating day and nighttime foot traffic. Downtown now is home to two craft breweries: Silverking and Saint Somewhere (coming in 2016). New restaurants include Johnny s Fillin Station, Olive The World Bistro, Blazin 28 Wood-Fired Pizza (opening Dec. 2015), and Tuscan Sun Italian Restaurant (coming in 2016). Two new bakeries/coffee shops include Cinnamon Swirl and Sweet L s Bakery (opening Nov. 2015). These new establishments join long-time favorites Currents, Tarpon Tavern, Toula s, and Bayou Cafe. New eclectic boutique stores have replaced several antique stores, including Mad Hatter General Store, One Amazing Find, Unique Finds, and CCC Timeless Treasures. Art galleries, the Historic Train Depot museum, and the Greek Orthodox Cathedral all add to the ambience of Downtown. A new Downtown residential housing development, EcoVillage, is in the planning and approval stages and is the first new residential project within the city center. The project consists of 12 townhomes and two single family homes. Numerous and special events are held through partnerships among the City, Chamber of Commerce and Merchant s Association. Events include Oktoberfest, Snow Place like Tarpon Springs, Zombie Run, Fine Arts Festival, Hippie Fest, Arts & Crafts festivals, Wine Walks, and more. Property Summary Detail 6

8 The City is seeking a creative, qualified firm to acquire the CRA-owned property and develop the site, with retail/restaurant/residential/office uses. Other relevant details include: 1. The intent of the redevelopment is to increase the intensity of commercial activity in Downtown, complement existing uses, and retain the historical significance of the corridor. 2. The site is currently served with adequate water and sewer with no storm sewer detention and retention requirements. 3. The site was appraised at $85,000 in The lot size is approximately 50x162, with a land area of 8,100 SF. 4. The property is zoned T5B for mixed use within the Downtown Special Area Plan (SAP). The SmartCode provides great flexibility for new development including up to two-stories permitted and three stories by conditional use with zero setback lines to encompass nearly 10,000 sq. ft. (Reference Table 5B(vi) of the SmartCode for additional information). 5. Flood zone location is X, which is not a special flood hazard area. 6. Commercial rents in the area are typically under $12 PSF on a gross basis (tenant paying rent and utilities). 7. Parking Exemption: Additional parking is not required pursuant to Table 4E(ii) of the SmartCode provided adequate public or private paid parking can be demonstrated within a 5 minute walk during Site Plan Review. 8. The site has full access, front to back, to Tarpon Avenue and Court Street. Parking is abundant, including on-street parking on Tarpon and Court, and three public parking lots located at the southwest corner of Court and Safford, the southwest corner of Orange and Safford, and the southeast corner of Tarpon and Alt. 19, along with a small pocket parking lot across the street from the site. City Vision The site once housed a historic landmark building and the City has a desire to see a new building constructed that keeps with the vintage look of the Downtown. The City has in its possession a marble face block that was salvaged from the original identifying the building as the G.E. Noblit building and would like to see the piece incorporated into the building design. Other relevant priorities include: 1. Construct a building with unique design characteristics that take into account the historical integrity of the Downtown, original 1906 building, National Register of Historic District, and City of Tarpon Springs Historic District Design Guidelines. 2. The property has front-to-back access from Tarpon Avenue to Court Street. The primary frontage is Tarpon Avenue. Court Street can also be considered for front access. 7

9 3. The SmartCode encourages development utilizing the entire site. A two-story building is permitted by use providing opportunity for second floor development. A third story is permitted by conditional use. The City realizes that demographics and market studies will play a key role in determining the appropriate uses that will be successful at the site. The SmartCode and flexible zoning allow mixed uses including retail, restaurant, residential, and offices. The original G.E. Noblit building. It housed a hardware store and bakery on the first floor and residential apartments on the second floor. The face block from the original building is available for incorporation into the new structure. Resources: SmartCode SpongeDocksInfillSmartCodePlan.pdf 8

10 Tarpon Springs Historic Design Guidelines nreviewguidelinesmanual.html 9