The Ybor City developer, Darryl Shaw, is moving forward with plans to revitalize a portion of downtown Tampa's industrial waterfront, and his vision for this project is truly transformative. Named Ybor Harbor, the development will encompass 33 acres south of Adamo Drive, east of Channelside Drive, and west of North 19th Street on the Ybor Channel.

This project is unique in that it will include public access to a portion of the downtown waterfront that has long been restricted. Shaw plans to work with Port Tampa Bay to coordinate piers, boat slips, and floating docks that will be open to the public, as well as a boardwalk lined with restaurants and entertainment concepts. Additionally, there will be parks throughout the neighborhood, and Shaw also plans to make improvements to the Lee Roy Selmon Expressway greenway that runs along the northern edge of the property.

Ybor Harbor is seeking approvals for a maximum of just over 6 million square feet of commercial development, including residential units, hotel rooms, and office and retail space. Shaw's vision for Ybor Harbor is to create a vibrant neighborhood, enhance connectivity, and bring the public to the city's cherished waterfront. The developer, Darryl Shaw, is the co-founder and former CEO of BluePearl Veterinary Partners and one of the largest landowners in Ybor City. He is partnering with Washington, D.C.-based Kettler to develop Gas Worx, a mixed-use development spanning more than 50 acres between Ybor City and the Channel district.

The development is being done in phases, allowing for the preservation and relocation of maritime jobs and the project has the support of Tampa Mayor Jane Castor, who stated in a statement, "I am excited to see a vision for Ybor Harbor that continues that work and further activates our natural environment." One thing I want to make clear is that, there is no baseball stadium in the plans Shaw filed Thursday, this project is solely focused on creating a new neighborhood and revitalizing the waterfront.