Now completed, the building has been restored to its 1915 glory and is compatible with the history that radiates from the building. The judges embraced the preservation of this historic building. They felt it was important for Tampa and provides an excellent example of how historic preservation and attention to detail can help solidify the identity of a place, enhance its authenticity, and help the community remember its past. Congratulations to your entire team and to the City of Tampa for preserving this historic treasure!

 

- Environmental Protection

  Commission of Hillsborough County

- University of South Florida

- United States Geological Survey

Wetlands are important ecological systems that provide habitat to wildlife, aquatic organisms, and birds, as well as provide a natural filter for surface waters and groundwater systems. Wetlands accomplish this by slowing the pace of overland runoff and allowing uptake of nutrients, prior to release to surface waters, as well as controlling storm surges and flooding. The goal of this study was to identify environmental factors that may improve mitigation design, evaluation, and long-term success. Federal, State, and local EPC rules require wetland mitigation to offset wetland impacts in the form of creation, enhancement,  or preservation. The report shows that our wetland program is more than meeting the no-net-loss requirement of the Clean Water Act. It also provides practical recommendations for improving the program. This study:

• Determined the status of constructed freshwater mitigation wetlands in Hillsborough County;
• Identified methods to improve mitigation design, evaluation, and success criteria for permittee-responsible wetlands; and
• Evaluated internal and external factors, including hydrology, that may influence mitigation success over time.

The first-of-its-kind in the United States, this study allowed the EPC to evaluate which procedures and factors are necessary to promote successful, healthy wetlands and how to implement these factors into the existing program. The judges were thrilled to find out the result showed an improvement to the overall quality of sustainable wetland habitat in Hillsborough County. They applauded this benefit to the citizens' quality of life and appreciated the solid application of planning with the integration of water resources into the urban fabric.

 

- City of Tampa

  Parks and Recreation Department

- Civitas, Inc.

- Skanska

A key component of the 2012 InVision Tampa plan was the redevelopment of Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park as part of a bigger plan to revitalize the West Tampa area, with the Hillsborough River identified as the centerpiece of Downtown Tampa. In 2013, Civitas was selected to lead the design team. Through an extensive public input process, they garnered input from as many in the community as possible. Known as a park for everyone, the new Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park boasts a plethora of features. Among them...

• The River Center community center and boathouse
• A playing field for football, soccer, and lacrosse
• Two basketball courts and eight tennis courts
• The City's first two pickleball courts
• A splash pad and playground, six picnic shelters, and two dog parks
• A 2.5 acre Festival Lawn with an Event Pavilion
• A West Riverwalk connection under the Fortune Taylor Bridge
• Floating docks for rowers and docks for visiting boaters
• A River Promenade and Overlook 

Fittingly, it even has an outdoor living room complete with game tables. The new Riverfront Park has breathed new life into the neighborhood and brings people of all ages and backgrounds together to partake in a variety of cultural and recreational opportunities. The judges loved everything from the intensive public engagement to capture the history and needs of the community; to the infusion of art, history, and care for the environment; and the easy access to the Hillsborough River now available for this West Tampa neighborhood. There's nothing but Tampa pride for this new park!

 

- Florida Department of Transportation

- City of Tampa

- Tampa Downtown Partnership

As resurfacing plans for SR 60 were being prepared, now became the right time to transform Jackson Street to improve safety for all users. FDOT sought input from the City of Tampa, the Downtown Partnership, other public agency stakeholders, and the community at large to identify opportunities to provide better accommodations for pedestrians and bicyclists along the corridor. Through continued coordination and engagement, several improvements were identified and incorporated into the resurfacing project. Among them:

• A new two-way protected bicycle lane, also known as a cycle track, along Jackson Street between Ashley and Nebraska
• Upgrades to sidewalks and curb ramps
• Curb extensions and intersection bulb-outs to help calm traffic and make pedestrian crossings safer
• A new traffic signal with pedestrian crossing at Jackson Street and near the School Board building
• A road diet along parts of the corridor and new dedicated turn lanes at Tampa Street and Florida Avenue
• Installation of bicycle boxes and two-stage turn boxes at several intersections
• Reconfigured parking with a net gain in spaces
• Drainage upgrades to help reduce ponding and stormwater issues
• Plus, landscaping and other aesthetic enhancements

Recognizing that a robust, connected roadway network provides options for the movement of people and goods and is the foundation for safe and comfortable travel for all road users, FDOT's Complete Streets Program applied flexibility and innovation in planning and design to this project. The judges cited FDOT for implementing the first protected bicycle facility on the State Highway System. This investment complements the new bike lanes on Palm Avenue, the Cass Street Cycle Track, the Selmon Greenway, and the Riverwalk to provide safe mobility for cyclists in Tampa's Downtown. They loved how engineers listened to citizens and are making a huge impact on our city. Here's to more great projects like this one down the road! 

 

- DDA Development

- Gracepoint

- Place Architecture

 

- Booth Design Group

- Place Architecture

- SoHo Capital

- Civil Landmark Engineering

- EWI Construction

Armature Works is a fully restored, mixed-use locally designated historic landmark that breathes new life into the Tampa Heights neighborhood. With its unobstructed view of the Hillsborough River, the two-story brick structure was reinvented as a premier community destination with innovative eateries, the Heights Public Market, reimagined event spaces, and an expansive co-working space. Totaling 73,000 square feet, the building and adjacent public spaces are a destination for residents of the neighborhood and the region, as well as for tourists. Incorporating several unique outdoor public spaces, there's a large plaza with seating for three hundred, games and activities like chess and checkers for children of all ages, as well as an extension of the Riverwalk with a kayak and canoe launch. Strategically placed seating lets those enjoying the Riverwalk take a break and grab a bite to eat. New arcades added to the building provide shaded walkways and gathering spaces. An interior courtyard with open seating can be rented for private, corporate, and social events. The unique, rehabilitated building with rustic exposed brick and state-of-the-art audio visual technology has seven unique event spaces that can hold from ten to more than one thousand guests.

While preserving the history of Tampa, Armature Works moves forward in a unique, positive, and successful manner. The judges felt the project team had their finger on the pulse of what a redevelopment catalyst needs to be in today's real estate and economic development markets. They applauded the vision and sensitivity that went into adaptation of this historical building into the very cool, and very busy space, it has become.

 

- Harvard Jolly Architecture

- Bandes Construction

- Hillsborough County

 

- City of Tampa

  Parks & Recreation Department

- Hillsborough County

- AECOM

- Courtney Campbell Causeway

  Scenic Highway Corridor

  Advisory Committee

 

- Hillsborough County

 Economic Development Department

 

- Port Tampa Bay

- Renaissance Planning

- Capstan Consulting

- Bermello Ajamil

 

- Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority

- Ajax Paving Industries of Florida, LLC

- Wade Trim, Inc.

A series of four parks on previously underutilized right-of-way beneath the Lee Roy Selmon Expressway, the Pocket Parks are built between Ashley Drive and Meridian Avenue along a 1.7 mile, 15-foot wide multi-use trail. The award winning Selmon Greenway provides pedestrian and bicycle access throughout the downtown area with connections between the Ybor City, Channel District, Amalie Arena, Tampa Convention Center, and the Central Business District. Transportation infrastructure represents the largest share of public space in a city and has historically been forgotten for use as communal places. The Pocket Parks increase park space in Downtown, while enhancing safety and comfort of Greenway users seeking shade during the day, light at night, benches, bicycle racks, or just to enjoy the landscaping. Art and historical monuments, cooperatively developed with input from diverse community stakeholders, help foster a relationship between Greenway users and Downtown's cultural and social venues.

The judges viewed the Pocket Parks as a fundamental reimagination of how transportation infrastructure can contribute to a community's identity and sense of place. They praised THEA for softening the hard streetscape and for altering the traditional conception of transportation infrastructure by going above and beyond to create a community asset enjoyed by diverse users.

 

- The Heights Shuffleboard Society

- Allegedly Design

Enhancing the local social scene and strengthening bonds within the community, SHUFFLE is the first of its kind in Florida. Located on North Tampa Street along a designated bike lane and near four HART bus routes, where else can you enjoy the most iconic of our state's cordially competitive recreational activities in the air-conditioned comfort of a public house as unique as the surrounding neighborhood and its residents? An adaptive re-use of an existing Disabled American Veterans Hall that sat vacant for years, SHUFFLE represents important revitalization re-establishing the local district in contrast to a rash of tear-down and rebuild projects homogenizing the distinct old-Florida character of the neighborhood. The project team sought approval from Tampa City Council for a 44% reduction in required parking and wet zoning approval prior to submittal for building permit plan review. They got by with a little help from friends, neighbors, and community leaders working in partnership to present a unified vision. SHUFFLE opened to the public in March of 2018 and has quickly become a regular hang-out for patrons of all ages, backgrounds, and social status.

The judges wanted to hang out at this cool community establishment. They loved the community support and inventive reuse of this historic building.

 

- University of South Florida

- USF Student Government

- USF Facilities Management,

  Campus Planning

The USF Student Memorial was conceived and funded by the USF Student Government as a tribute to the lives of students who passed away during their time of enrollment or during time of military service. Students were fully engaged throughout the process, from concept to site selection through construction. The site is in a shaded area along a sidewalk with a row of colorful Crepe Myrtle trees connecting the new mixed use Village and the Marshall Student Center. Water is an important feature of the memorial. The fountains actively symbolize life, while masking the noise of nearby traffic. The water then flows along a five-foot tall black granite inscription wall toward the reflecting pool, symbolizing the passing of life. The water then enters the quiet reflecting pool, where it becomes calm and restful, representing eternity. The engraved granite wall provides a lasting tribute that, sadly, continues to be updated annually. The curved seat wall defines the opposite edge of the plaza and a colorful landscape provides a soft edge to the surrounding natural environment of mature Live Oaks, completing the serene space where one can reflect that life is precious and fleeting.

The judges were touched by the peacefulness of this beautiful park and memorial that eternalizes the spirit of the students whose lives ended far too soon. They loved this thoughtful tribute, how engaged the student body was every step of the way, and the semicircular composition that provides a quiet respite to pause, rest, listen, and remember amidst a very busy campus.

AuthentiCITY was the product of a Spring 2018 Studio Course at the University of South Florida, comprised of graduate students in Architecture, Community Design, and Urban and Regional Planning. Lead by faculty project manager Taryn Sabia, twelve students, including Hanna Shaffer, worked with the Tampa Downtown Partnership to inventory and analyze how public and open spaces are used and relate to one another. The data was synthesized to produce priority spaces and design guidelines to enhance connectivity and livability in the Downtown Tampa area. This was an impressive planning project and a great experience for these students. Hanna's twelve teammates will also receive award certificates.

The Hillsborough River Interlocal Planning Board and Technical Advisory Council recognized City of Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn for his leadership and dedication in the protection of the health and well-being of the Hillsborough River.

The Mayor has a crystal clear understanding of the value of a healthy river on water supply, recreation, and economic development. He is a tireless advocate for the Hillsborough River and its importance as the centerpiece of Downtown Tampa. There's so much to talk about... from the implementation of living shorelines to new stormwater technologies that are better for aquatic flora and fauna as well as water quality. And then, there's the award-winning Riverwalk and new parks with features like boat slips, kayak launches, a public boathouse and docks...

• With six mayors in the making, the Tampa Riverwalk was completed under Mayor Buckhorn's leadership on the east side of the river, and planning has begun for a Riverwalk on the west side of the river;
• The West River Master Plan was created as a collaboration among the City of Tampa, Tampa Housing Authority, and local stakeholders to create more livable housing choices at all levels of affordability, improve streets, and increase access to the River;
• The Mayor secured funding for the major redevelopment of Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park, a waterfront jewel for our community;
• Back on the east side of the River, there's the stunning Water Works Park, and through a public-private partnership, Ulele Restaurant was developed and Ulele Springs was restored;
• The Mayor's River of Green and Riverfest Events beckon people to enjoy the waterfront and everything Downtown Tampa has to offer;
• Mayor Buckhorn has reimagined the river from the edge of downtown to its center, literally lighting up the River with decorative lighting on the City's bridges and skyline to reinvent the nighttime atmosphere along the beautiful Hillsborough River.

Vice Chair of the Hillsborough River Board, Temple Terrace City Council Member Andy Ross said, "The River Board and Technical Advisory Council applaud Mayor Buckhorn. We thank you and look forward to enjoying the results of your stewardship of the Hillsborough River, and the health and prosperity that brings, for generations to come."

Joe Waggoner is a transportation leader and the CEO of the Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority. When he began his tenure, THEA's future was uncertain. Under his leadership, THEA has transformed into an independent, self-sustaining toll agency. Improvements like a 2017 bond rating of A+ ranked THEA among the top-ranked credit performers, allowing them to do more transportation projects. 100% funded by toll revenues, not tax payer dollars, current work projects include the Selmon Extension that will provide a vital link for commuters driving between Brandon and the beaches and a critical outlet during hurricane evacuations.

His focus on innovation, combined with his legislative and business savvy, have enhanced the way transportation initiatives take place in our region. The Selmon Expressway became the first all-electronic roadway in the State of Florida, improving safety while simultaneously reducing emissions. He has been instrumental in obtaining a USDOT grant to make Tampa Bay one of only three places in the country to be a test bed for connected vehicle technology. By the end of this year, THEA will have equipped ten buses, ten streetcars, and the cars of up to 1,600 volunteers with this exciting new technology, making Downtown Tampa a much safer, smarter place to walk, ride, and drive.

In addition to more effectively moving freight and people in our region, Joe Waggoner is also deeply committed to our local community.  He has championed community enhancements like:

• Honoring Deputy John Kotfila, Jr. with a Memorial Dog Park along the Greenway;
• Making multi-modal safety projects like the Selmon Greenway happen, connecting the City's Riverwalk and THEA's Meridian Avenue Trail;
• And, helping start the Tampa Bay Chapter of the Conference of Minority Transportation Officials.

If you recall, Lee Roy Selmon asked one thing of his Expressway Authority - to find a way to help and mentor the young people at the University of South Florida - well, Joe has been making good on this commitment through mentoring and developing the Selmon STEM Scholarship program. Each year scholarships are given for paid internships and books for USF Engineering students. Materials and sponsorships are also provided so middle and high school students can participate in the USF Engineering Expo Bridge Building Competition.

Planning Commission Chair, Derek Doughty said, "It is my distinct pleasure tonight to recognize a great community leader whose vision and efforts continually strive to improve our standing here in Tampa Bay. Please join me in a well-deserved thank you to Joe Waggoner, for driving transportation innovation, safety, education, and equity in the Tampa Bay region!"

Since becoming President in 2000, Dr. Judy Genshaft has catapulted the USF System to national and international prominence in every key institutional area, including student success, research and innovation, fundraising, and economic development. In June, the Florida Board of Governors looked at USF's achievements in academics and research and unanimously voted to designate the University of South Florida as a preeminent state research university, winning USF more than six million bonus dollars.
 
But this award is focusing on President Genshaft's incredible leadership as a planner with a View of Growth since 2000 at USF. During her tenure, she's overseen approximately $1.7 Billion in construction projects. Planning for growth, on the Tampa campus alone, has produced more than seven million gross square feet of redevelopment and new construction. There are 16 new Academic and Research Buildings. Athletic and Campus Recreation facilities abound with Bull pride, and are making wellness choices convenient for students. President Genshaft's focus on improving the Campus Context has enhanced safety and the student experience in many ways, including: multiple sustainability certifications and achievements; shade trees and landscaping; parks and public art; much-needed Parking Structures, expanded Bull Runner Shuttle service, and the Share-a-Bull Bikeshare program.

A dozen USF Health and Medical Buildings now educate and save lives, both on and off campus. Not far from the Center for Advanced Medical Simulated Learning in Tampa's Downtown, USF is Growing into the Future with the new USF Health - Morsani College of Medicine and Heart Institute scheduled to open next year, as the anchor tenant for Tampa's new Water Street redevelopment.

Back on campus, five Student Residence Areas have been built, including a $134 Million new mixed-use student housing village, which is the largest public-private partnership to be completed in State University System history. It soon will include a first-of-its-kind campus Publix. Other Student Support Facilities, like the Marshall Student Center, are student central and the heartbeat of a vibrant campus.

Planning Commission Executive Director, Melissa Zornitta, AICP, said, "Dr. Genshaft has made a tremendous impact planning for growth and economic development for the University System. Not only has her leadership provided USF students and faculty with state-of-the-art resources, but also, has played a key role in elevating the economic vitality of the Tampa Bay region and State of Florida. All this planning and building to accommodate growth has been going on while preparing the next generation of talent to make Hillsborough County a top community to live, work, and play... Thank you, Planner and President, Judy Genshaft!"