TAMPA, Fla. (May 31, 2017) - Phase one of The Heights, one of the largest waterfront mixed-use developments in the Southeast, debuts here in September, marking the latest downtown waterfront transformation of one's America's hippest cities.

Located just north of downtown Tampa on the Hillsborough River, the epicenter of the 43-acre waterfront community which upon completion will provide 2.3 million-square-feet of urban living space is Armature Works: a once-dilapidated warehouse that was a maintenance barn for TECO streetcars and trolleys more than a century ago.

The 73,000 square foot commercial space will consist of multiple event spaces, the Heights Public Market, a co-shared workspace coined “Bay 3” as well as a rooftop bar, two signature restaurants that anchor the building including Steelbach (an upscale, southern kitchen-style steakhouse) and a national concept soon to be announced.

“We welcome this significant, long awaited project with open arms,” said Santiago C. Corrada, President & CEO of Visit Tampa Bay. “The dynamic growth of the Tampa riverfront and the Tampa Riverwalk continues, following on the heels of the success of Water Works Park and the overall development of Tampa Heights. The Heights Public Market will undoubtedly become a national and international destination for foodies.”

The Heights Public Market will include more than 15 food and drink vendors, including a premier local Cuban eatery, wine bar, taqueria, and nitrogen ice cream parlor. There will also be an interactive demo kitchen called “Show + Tell” allowing all resident chefs and vendors to teach cooking classes and host tastings.

Design-wise, the project is staying true to its century-old roots. Everything down to the fireplaces inside the historic landmark has been completely restored, including the original exposed brick walls, skylights, windows and doors -- even the wood floors have been repurposed from the original wood planks from the ceiling.

“Tampa's innate charm and appealing lifestyle is something locals have long known, but this is finally going to be what makes us stand out as a great city on a national level,” says Chas Bruck, principal at Tampa-based SoHo Capital, a private equity firm he co-founded with partner Adam Harden in 2006 that's the development firm behind the Heights. “It will truly be its own urban village that has something for everyone, all centering around one of the city's most historic landmarks.”  

Adjacent to riverside ABO- Atlantic Beer and Oyster Co. (a casual dockside seafood + craft beer spot), local outdoor adventure company Urban Kai will host various activities including kayaking and paddleboarding. Boat slips will also be available for those arriving via vessel; the community will eventually be home to The Pearl rental units + condos as well as a luxury hotel, with street-level retail at each location.

Perhaps the crown jewel of The Heights? The water tower Bruck and Harden discovered in Polk County that's a near-replica of the one that stood on the Armature Works grounds a century ago. Now landmarked for the property, its 150-foot height makes it virtually impossible not to view from any vantage point in Tampa Bay area.

Armature Works By The Numbers:

43 acres: size of The Heights  

73,444 sq-ft: size of Armature Works Building

35 feet: height of the ceilings

17,000+ sq-ft: size of total event space

4,150 sq-ft: size of open-air, outdoor courtyard

22,000: size of The Heights Public Market

16: number of local food + drink vendors inside The Heights Public Market

6,000 sq-ft: size of Bay 3 co-working space

12: number of rentable offices available inside Bay 3

2,623 sq-ft: size of “The Theater” (private event space)

10,150 sq-ft: size of “The Gathering” (private event space)

8,400 sq-ft: size of River Front Lawn

3: Number of restaurants (including a nationally-recognized eatery)

¼ mile: Riverfront access (including Urban Kai, Tampa Riverwalk + boat slips)

About The Heights Public Market:

Slated to open in the summer of 2017, The Heights Public Market (HPM) will be located inside The Armature Works building: a 70,000-square-foot former storage and maintenance facility for Tampa's streetcars that's also being repurposed to house multiple event spaces, a shared workspace, a rooftop social area and two restaurants. HPM will include an array of unique food concepts designed and operated by local restaurateurs and chefs. Signature offerings will include everything from distinctive cocktails, craft beers, fresh breads and gourmet sandwiches to the finest cheeses and charcuterie, coffee, fresh flowers as well as a pizza parlor, ramen shop and bakery. HPM will also feature Show + Tell, an interactive kitchen that will host educational cooking classes, corporate team-building activities and pop-up dinners in collaboration with The Heights Public Market tenants.

Previously announced partners in The Heights Public Market include:

• Ichicoro Ramen – A mod, casual authentic Ramen restaurant serving soulful, delicious food and beverages.

• Union by Commune + Co – A local coffee company equipped with a fleet of trikes to share the company's flagship iced coffee product, Pressure Brew, at area events.

• Fine and Dandy – A cocktail emporium focusing on package sales, craft cocktail kits and classes.

• Butcher & BBQ – A boutique butcher showcasing charcuterie and artisan cheeses.

• Ava – A pizzeria serving rustic, wood-fired pizzas, salads and assorted paninis that have been created exclusively for The Heights Public Market, with a 900-degree, Italian-made Acunto oven.

• Metropolitan Ministries “Inside The Box” – locally sourced and produced fare including cured meats, cheeses, and sandwiches as well as a speciality items grocery market and community garden.

• O Cocina Taqueria – A street-style taqueria with tacos, bowls, and sangria slushies.

• Swami Juice – A holistic take-out spot with cold-pressed juices, acai bowls, and smoothies.

• Graze 1910 – a retro eatery from Daily Eats vet Raymond Menendez serving an array of comfort food classics as well as breakfast all day

• Cru Cellars -  sommelier-driven wine bar serving over 150 bottles and wine by-the-glass as well as charcuterie boards and steak frites

Photos are available upon request.