Reimagined
Great places are built on strong foundations. Close proximity to businesses, schools, amenities and transportation enable opportunities. Housing, jobs and services bring life. But it’s the people who create real value and a sense of community.
West River’s pioneering heritage is being transformed into Tampa’s next great destination. Modern-day residences, offices, shops, restaurants, and riverfront recreation will make it a new central gathering place for the entire Tampa community to enjoy.
Making West River Tampa a Reality
Related Group – Master Developer Partner
Partner Established in 1979, The Related Group is Florida’s leading developer of sophisticated metropolitan living and one of the country’s largest real estate conglomerates. Since its inception, the privately held company has built, rehabilitated and managed over 100,000 condominiums, rental and commercial units. The firm is one of the largest Hispanic-owned businesses in the United States with a development portfolio in excess of $40 billion in 40 years.
The Related Group has earned international status for its visionary designs and development of luxury condominiums, market-rate rentals, mixed-use centers and affordable properties – often in emerging neighborhoods that impact the lives of all demographics. The Related Group has redefined real estate by diversifying both its products and buyers, expanding internationally while also sponsoring public art installations that enhance cities’ global culture and streetscapes.
TIME Magazine named Founder, Chairman and CEO of The Related Group, Jorge Pérez, one of the top 25 most influential Hispanics in the United States. Currently, The Related Group has over 70 projects in varying phases of development.
Tampa Housing Authority – Master Developer Partner
Incorporated in 1939, the Tampa Housing Authority is the premier provider of affordable housing in the Tampa Bay area with subsidized rental assistance to approximately 14,251 families throughout the Hillsborough County area. Additionally, we are the State of Florida’s and the U.S. Virgin Islands HAP Program Administrator, managing over 43,000 Project-based Rental Assistance Vouchers. Our Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program and has been recognized as a “High Performer” for the past 11 years by United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
Eighty-one (81) years providing affordable housing in the Tampa Bay community is laudable on its own; add to that, the exceptional interaction with other organizations and the ability to work together for the common good as one reason why the Tampa Housing Authority has been recognized as Outstanding Housing Authority in the State of Florida, three times within the last five years.
Partnerships continue to be the key to our success! As affordable housing providers, we rely on development partners such as The Related Group to provide additional opportunities for the families we serve. Together we can leverage each other’s resources for a larger reach and greater impact on our communities.
We are proud to add that we manage 3,067 Affordable (PH and RAD) units in 18 housing communities, as well as 2,533 units of mixed-finance and mixed income housing including a 76-bed, 5-star Assisted Living facility.
A Pioneering
Madame Fortune Taylor Bridge Opens
The Madame Fortune Taylor Bridge connects West Tampa to downtown Tampa
The Ellinger Cigar Factory Moves to Hillsborough River
That spot is now home to Howard W. Blake High School, Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park and Tampa Preparatory School 
City of West Tampa is Incorporated
The site of the West Tampa City Hall is now the home of Freedom Park 
University of Tampa Spartans Play First Football Game
It was played at the historic I. W. Phillips Field on North Boulevard 
Clara Frye Memorial Hospital for African Americans is Built
Today, the ninth floor wing at Tampa General Hospital is named in her honor 
North Boulevard Homes Opens
534 units were built between Main and Spruce Streets, North Boulevard and Rome Avenue at a cost of $2 million 
Howard W. Blake High School Opens
It replaced the Don Thompson High School in Tampa Heights and was for African American students, teachers and staff 
George Edgecomb Becomes Hillsborough County’s First African American Judge
The namesake of the county courthouse, George Edgecomb, grew up in North Boulevard Homes 
Vocal Group, Faith, Hope & Charity, Record Three No 1. Hit Songs
Zulema Cusseaux, Albert Bailey and Brenda Hilliard record The Hustle, To Each His Own, and Walk Away From Love 
Relocation Begins
Between May 20, 2015, and August 30, 2015, 40 families moved from North Boulevard Homes and Mary Bethune Homes into homes of their choosing 
The Tampa Housing Authority Selects The Related Group for the West River Project
As part of a larger vision to transform 120 acres on the west side of the Hillsborough River between I-275 and Columbus Dr. 
Demolition Completed
Work crews demolished the last remaining 1940s-era apartment building in the North Boulevard Homes public housing complex 
Renaissance at West River Breaks Ground
A 160-unit senior housing building marking the start of the West River development 
Renovations of Mary Bethune Apartments Begin
The transformation of the former North Boulevard Homes and West River continues 
Work Begins on Boulevard Towers
First phase of development will include 371 apartments and 6,300 square feet of retail 
Renaissance Anticipated Opening
Fall of 2020 - The six-story Renaissance will help make the West River a focal point of the city’s continued redevelopment 
Mary Bethune Anticipated Opening
Fall of 2020 – The renovated apartments will feature a new fitness center, community center, clubhouse, media room, and outdoor amenities 
Boulevard Tower I, II, and III Anticipated Openings
Each tower will have its own fitness center, library with free computer access, game room, and community spaces 
Boulevard Tower IV Anticipated Opening
The fourth and final multifamily tower that includes affordable and mixed-income housing will be ready for families