TAMPA — The Tampa City Council voted to approve funding and related administrative steps to support an ArtSpace affordable artist housing project in Ybor City, after residents and arts organizations urged action during public comment.

Supporters told council the project would provide affordable live-work space for local creative workers who otherwise risk being priced out. Public commenters included Lucas Koski, vice president at ArtSpace Projects, and Michelle Smith, executive director of the Tampa Arts Alliance, both of whom urged council for predevelopment funding and partnership.

The council’s consent-vote packets included items 53 and 54, which the council took separately at request of members. Councilman Escalco moved approval of item 53, seconded by Councilman Hertek; the motion passed after a roll call vote. Councilman Escalco moved and Hertek seconded item 54; that motion also carried. Council members who spoke in favor pointed to years of neighborhood and nonprofit work to sequence land commitments, feasibility work and fundraising that back the project.

Why it matters: Project backers say the building would create more than housing — live/work studios and community amenities they say will sustain cultural workers and neighborhood economic activity. Tampa Arts Alliance and local donors have committed land and seed funds, leaving a remaining funding gap that ArtSpace says predevelopment money would help close.

Supporting details: Lucas Koski told the council, “This project would provide much needed affordable live work space for Tampa artists and creative sector,” and described ArtSpace’s national track record. Tampa Arts Alliance executive director Michelle Smith said the proposed building “will affordably house at least 60 artists across multiple industries, providing them with both a home and a workplace.”

Council process and next steps: The council approved the consent items authorizing the city’s next actions with the project and the nonprofit fiduciary. Staff said additional agreements and typical development approvals remain, and those will come back to council as required by city procurement and land-use rules. Supporters said they expect to proceed to schematic design and fundraising with ArtSpace and the Tampa Arts Alliance.

A closing note: Supporters described the project as part of long‑term cultural and economic development for Ybor City; council members said they want to follow the project’s milestone schedule and confirmed the city will return required contract documents for council approval when appropriate.