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Staff updates council on West Riverwalk project, parcels and schedule; Plant Park ground-lease to come before council
Summary
Mobility staff updated council on right-of-way and easement acquisitions, interim connections where private segments are not yet in the contractor scope, and a construction schedule aiming for project completion in early 2027; a Plant Park ground-lease will be before council soon.
Mobility and project staff briefed the council on Feb. 6 about the West Riverwalk and West River multimodal network project, describing the parcels, easements and staged construction plan for segments along the Hillsborough River and nearby corridors.
Key points from staff
Staff distributed maps showing 44 parcels/easements related to the Riverwalk build project. Several segments (identified in staff materials as 5a, 5b, 6 and 7) are not part of the contractor’s funded scope and remain under separate negotiation; staff said interim connections would be built where necessary to preserve continuity if privately‑pursued segments fall on different timelines. Easements 9a and 9b (U Tampa frontage) have been approved for execution; a ground lease for Plant Park (parcel 8) is expected to come before council shortly. Staff noted prior hourly restrictions on some easements (for example at Tampa Prep frontage) have been removed; the project will include fencing and an amendment to one easement is forthcoming for council action.
Schedule and phasing
Staff said on‑land segments will be constructed first while permitting for Army Corps of Engineers approvals (for underpass pedestrian bridges and living shorelines) proceeds. Design‑build work is progressing toward 60% designs; staff told council the overall funded project aims for completion by early 2027, with Platte Street, Rome and Columbus corridors prioritized as on‑land work.
Why it matters: The Riverwalk project affects public access, school frontages, and private easements; project timing, interim connections and terms for Plant Park and U Tampa easements determine access and hours of use during construction and for events.
Ending
Council members asked for continued coordination and noted interest in future design details for Rome Avenue and Platte Street, including protected bike lanes, overlooks and place‑making features. Staff said some concessions and restroom arrangements would need further discussion with parks and economic-development staff.
