Commission approves Lions World Vision Institute building in Ybor City with conditions

The City of Tampa Barrio Latino Commission on a recorded vote approved a certificate of appropriateness for a three-story mixed-use building for the Lions World Vision Institute at 2112 East Third Avenue, allowing demolition of the existing noncontributing 1949 structure and authorizing new construction with conditions.

The commission’s approval followed a multi-part presentation by the applicant team and staff that reviewed site plans, elevations, materials and circulation; it included public staff findings that the proposal meets the Ybor City design guidelines. Ron Vila, a planner with Historic Preservation, told commissioners the application “is consistent with the Ybor City design guidelines” after staff reviewed final plans dated June 4, 2025.

The project as presented would replace the 1949 noncontributing structure with a three-story building that combines enclosed parking on levels one and two with office, lab and meeting space on the third floor and a limited rooftop terrace. Applicant representatives said the development will provide more parking than required: 58 proposed spaces where 27 were required, including five ADA spaces; civil engineer Jason Renard explained that all parking is contained within the building footprint and that stormwater would be handled in an on-site vault and upflow filter before…