USF Trustee's Vote to Advance New Mixed-Use Fletcher District

The University of South Florida is moving forward with plans for a major mixed-use development on its Tampa campus known as the Fletcher District. Earlier this month, the university’s trustees approved the concept, and the proposal is now heading into a 90-day review process with the City of Tampa, Hillsborough County, and other local agencies. If approved by the Board of Governors in November, construction could begin as early as next year, with a second public hearing scheduled for December 10.

The first phase of the Fletcher District will transform 27 acres into a combination of student and multifamily housing, a hotel and conference center, retail and dining options, green spaces, and a new academic building. Developers may also add an additional 20 acres of cottage-style family housing depending on early demand. The project is being structured as a public-private partnership, meaning USF’s direct financial role will be limited to the academic building and its share of infrastructure improvements.

This site has been the focus of debate in recent years, as nearby residents previously pushed back on development proposals tied to land along Fletcher Avenue containing wetlands and sandhill preserves. In 2023, USF President Rhea Law designated the Forest Preserve as undevelopable and closed the university golf course adjacent to it. The current plan emphasizes preservation by including wildlife buffers, native vegetation restoration, and stormwater management systems designed to complement the natural environment. A full traffic analysis is also underway to address concerns about congestion along Fletcher Avenue.

Reactions to the plan have been mixed. Student leaders see the Fletcher District as a “win-win” for the university and the broader community, citing the addition of much-needed housing and economic activity. Trustees have expressed optimism about the project’s potential to enhance campus life, with suggestions for public artwork and other landmarks in the green space. Local residents, however, remain concerned about flooding, runoff, and increased traffic in the surrounding neighborhoods. Some fear the project could overwhelm nearby infrastructure, though university officials say they are committed to working within all environmental and regulatory requirements.

From a valuation perspective, the Fletcher District represents a significant shift in the development landscape around USF. Large-scale mixed-use projects of this nature often set new benchmarks for rent levels, absorption rates, and market expectations. The addition of multifamily housing, hospitality space, and retail could create ripple effects across adjacent submarkets, while the public-private structure introduces unique considerations for land valuation and long-term lease structures. As details continue to emerge, appraisers, investors, and property owners alike will be watching closely to see how this project influences growth and value in the area.

Thank you for your interest. Have questions regarding the local market? Navigate the Real Estate Market with confidence, and contact us at Cliggitt Valuation for your appraisal, consulting, and valuation needs today.

Mike Cliggitt, MAI, MRICS, CCIM

813.405.1705 | 863.661.1165 - Direct Lines

findvalue@cliggitt.com

Appraisal & Valuation Markets

Questions about our blog? Contact our Director of Sales & Marketing, Sydney Avolt.

Sydney Avolt

727.403.7418 - Direct Line

sydney@cliggitt.com

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A New Ballgame: Phillies Reignite Clearwater Development Plans

By cliggittvaluation • July 31, 2025

After a pause following last year’s hurricanes, the Philadelphia Phillies have resumed discussions with the City of Clearwater and Pinellas County to revisit long-term plans for upgrading their spring training complex. While no formal proposal has been submitted yet, early conversations signal a renewed interest in reaching a mutually beneficial agreement. City Manager Jennifer Poirrier, who is leading negotiations on behalf of Clearwater, says the team appears to be taking past community feedback seriously. “The Phillies organization definitely seems to have been listening,” Poirrier said, noting cautious optimism about progress. Pinellas County Administrator Barry Burton has also been involved in the meetings, given the likelihood that the Phillies will request funding from the county’s bed tax—a tax collected on short-term lodging stays. “Our role stems from the tourism impact the Phillies bring,” Burton said. “They’ve indicated that they may request funding from the bed tax, which is why we’re part of these conversations.” Back in 2019, the Phillies requested $40 million from the county’s bed tax to fund a nearly $80 million renovation of BayCare Ballpark and the nearby Carpenter Complex. That proposal didn’t gain traction, especially as the facilities—built in 2004—were significantly newer than others that had received funding, such as the Toronto Blue Jays’ Dunedin complex. Since then, project plans have remained fluid. In 2022, the Phillies unveiled a vision for a year-round player development hub, with cost estimates reaching $300 million. Later, they introduced a proposed mixed-use development—Ballpark Village—featuring residential units, retail, and dining space. The team purchased 13 acres just south of the complex for $22.5 million in November 2023 to support this expansion. Still, a more modest stadium-focused project, with a projected cost around $65 million, seems to be the first step forward. Poirrier confirmed that a scaled-down version is the likely direction in the near term but emphasized openness to more comprehensive plans in the future. “The U.S. 19 corridor holds enormous potential for economic growth,” she said. “We’re dreaming big and keeping our minds open.” The most recent meeting between city, county, and Phillies representatives took place on July 16, with another one scheduled for Friday. While Clearwater hasn’t re-engaged its former consulting firm CAA Icon—paid over $260,000 for its past role in negotiations—it may do so again down the line. From the Phillies’ side, key personnel in the discussions include Director of Florida Operations John Timberlake, BayCare Ballpark GM Doug Kemp, and CFO John Nickolas. Timberlake has not provided public comment on the meetings. City and county representatives, including Poirrier and Burton, are also planning a visit to Philadelphia in late August, a tradition where local officials are hosted by the team at Citizens Bank Park. These visits often include dinners, games, and conversations—but no negotiation meetings are currently scheduled for the trip. The Phillies have held their spring training in Clearwater since 1947 and have built deep ties to the community. In addition to their stadium investments, the team has made philanthropic contributions, including a $1 million donation toward hurricane relief last November. As of now, no final timeline has been established for the proposal or public funding request. “I think it’s safe to say everyone wants this finalized sooner rather than later,” Poirrier said, “but there’s no definitive timeframe just yet.” Source: Tampa Bay Times Thank you for your interest. Have questions regarding the local market? Navigate the Real Estate Market with confidence, and contact us at Cliggitt Valuation for your appraisal, consulting, and valuation needs today. Mike Cliggitt, MAI, MRICS, CCIM 813.405.1705 | 863.661.1165 - Direct Lines findvalue@cliggitt.com Appraisal & Valuation Markets Questions about our blog? Contact our Director of Sales & Marketing, Sydney Avolt. Sydney Avolt 727.403.7418 - Direct Line sydney@cliggitt.com

Casual Eatery & Game Room, 1983, to open in former Datz and Dough in South Tampa

By cliggittvaluation • July 25, 2025

A well-known corner of South Tampa is getting a new lease on life. The property at 2616 S. MacDill Avenue —formerly home to the popular eateries Datz and Dough—is undergoing a complete transformation led by Three Oaks Hospitality. The new concept, 1983, is scheduled to open its doors in mid-August. Three Oaks, the hospitality and development group behind successful Tampa Bay ventures like Armature Works, The Pearl, Ciro’s, Steelbach, and Ro, acquired the site in 2023 and has since begun a creative reimagining of the space. The 150-seat restaurant will introduce a sports-forward, social dining experience with an upscale 1980s-inspired aesthetic. The adjacent Dough space will become a retro arcade, paying homage to iconic video games of the past—think Pac-Man and Galaga—while the restaurant itself will offer a menu that ranges from sushi and salads to French dips and classic wings. The design will incorporate vintage sports memorabilia and a preppy flair reminiscent of 1980s fashion and culture. The project’s name, 1983, reflects the birth year of twin brothers Charles and Kyle Bruck, co-founders of Three Oaks. One thing that isn’t changing? The landmark marquee sign out front, which locals may remember for its witty one-liners. It’s being preserved and will continue to feature playful messages as a nod to the building’s legacy. This revitalization adds to the continued momentum of redevelopment along the South MacDill corridor, a high-visibility commercial stretch in one of Tampa’s most established neighborhoods. Source: Tampa Bay Times Thank you for your interest. Have questions regarding the local market? Navigate the Real Estate Market with confidence, and contact us at Cliggitt Valuation for your appraisal, consulting, and valuation needs today. Mike Cliggitt, MAI, MRICS, CCIM 813.405.1705 | 863.661.1165 - Direct Lines findvalue@cliggitt.com Appraisal & Valuation Markets Questions about our blog? Contact our Director of Sales & Marketing, Sydney Avolt. Sydney Avolt 727.403.7418 - Direct Line sydney@cliggitt.com

Is Brightline Finally Coming to Tampa?

By cliggittvaluation • July 21, 2025

Tampa residents have been waiting for high-speed rail service—and it’s starting to look like that dream could eventually become a reality. Brightline, the private passenger rail company already operating in South Florida, is officially making moves toward a Tampa expansion. The company recently requested $400 million in bonds to fund new stations and tracks across Florida, with Tampa named as one of the next planned stops. That funding would help push forward rail infrastructure connecting Tampa to Orlando and beyond. So… when can we actually expect to ride? The Not-So-Soon Timeline According to Hillsborough County Transportation Planning Organization executive director Johnny Wong, we might still be waiting another decade. Yep—ten years. Wong’s projection is based on information from a former Brightline executive, now with the Orlando Economic Partnership, who noted that Brightline will need to lay new rail along I-4 before the Tampa link becomes a reality. And since I-4 is currently undergoing a massive expansion that could take up to 20 years to complete, rail construction might not begin for a while. That said, there’s some hope. Governor DeSantis and the Florida Legislature have shown interest in speeding up the I-4 project, which would naturally help accelerate Brightline’s expansion timeline as well. Why Now? Ever since Brightline opened its Orlando station in 2023 (connecting to Miami), the buzz around a Tampa extension has only grown. With Central Florida’s population booming and I-4 getting more congested by the day, many are pushing for a faster, less stressful travel alternative. Last year, Mayor Jane Castor even floated 2029 as a possible opening year for the Tampa station. And with the recent bond request and local support—including a unanimous vote from Tampa City Council to allow Brightline to proceed with financing—the wheels are certainly turning. But There’s a Catch While Brightline has ambitious plans, the company is facing some financial headwinds. It fell about 30% short of its projected ridership last year, carrying roughly 2.8 million passengers. That drop came after eliminating popular $10 commuter passes, though those have since been brought back—and early signs show ridership recovering in South Florida. Despite operating at a $63 million loss last year and carrying $5.5 billion in debt, Brightline continues to grow. And Tampa appears to be next in line. Where Will the Station Go? A final location hasn’t been publicly announced, but city officials have hinted at a site in Tampa’s “greater downtown area,” possibly stretching from Ybor City to the Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park area. In May, Hillsborough County asked residents how they would get to the future station, and the majority said they’d drive or use ride-share services. That means the city will likely need to build a parking structure and invest in safer pedestrian and bike-friendly infrastructure. Respondents also voiced a desire for more public transit near the station, which could reignite conversations about expanding the TECO Line Streetcar into Tampa Heights. What If Brightline Doesn’t Make It? Even with the financial risks, there’s a silver lining. If Brightline lays the rail but later backs out, the infrastructure could still be used by another operator—think Amtrak or even a local transit authority. As Wong put it: “If we have assets for trains to go through Tampa to Orlando, I don’t see why there wouldn’t be competitors in that space.” Source: Tampa Bay Times Thank you for your interest. Have questions regarding the local market? Navigate the Real Estate Market with confidence, and contact us at Cliggitt Valuation for your appraisal, consulting, and valuation needs today. Mike Cliggitt, MAI, MRICS, CCIM 813.405.1705 | 863.661.1165 - Direct Lines findvalue@cliggitt.com Appraisal & Valuation Markets Questions about our blog? Contact our Director of Sales & Marketing, Sydney Avolt. Sydney Avolt 727.403.7418 - Direct Line sydney@cliggitt.com