BLC Recommends City Council Approve Mediated Design, Parking Changes for 4‑Story Ybor Avenue Project

The Board of Landmark Commission on Tuesday recommended that Tampa City Council approve a mediated settlement revising earlier approval for a multi‑story apartment project in Ybor City, after the council previously overturned the commission’s certificate of appropriateness.

The settlement would keep the previously approved architectural details while moving all required parking on‑site—largely under the building using hydraulic lifts—reduce portions of the building’s height and step back upper levels along Fourth Avenue to lessen massing, and require screening of parking visible from the alley, the commission heard.

The matter began when the commission’s March 26, 2024 certificate of appropriateness for new construction on parcels at 1715 East Fourth Avenue, 1707 East Fourth Avenue and 1411 North 17th Street was overturned by City Council on Aug. 1, 2024. Council found the original design inconsistent with the city code, the Ybor City design guidelines and the Secretary of the Interior’s standards, citing excessive height and massing and uncertainty about off‑site parking arrangements. The property owner then requested relief under a state alternative dispute process referred to in the hearing as FLUDRA; the parties entered mediation before a special magistrate in…