The Tampa Community Redevelopment Agency board voted to advance support for 801 East Whiting after a presentation from staff and the developer.

Bee Parks, the CRA community development coordinator, told the board the project includes 22 workforce units with a 50‑year rent restriction and that the CAC recommended the $4,000,000 request. "This has a 50 year rent restriction," Parks said, noting the units would serve a mix of residents at 80% up to 140% of area median income.

Developer Craig Buzarski of Bridal Road Development and Chris Bijou (presented in the record as Christopher Bishow) said the building is complete and described an eight‑story, 104‑unit complex in downtown Tampa. Buzarski highlighted unit design choices intended to increase affordable living options in small footprints, including fold‑away Ori beds that let a studio operate as a one‑bedroom. "We can have 22 affordable units in 30 days downtown," Christopher Bishow said, emphasizing the project’s readiness to deliver units quickly.

Board members asked how the reserved units would be priced relative to market rents and who the target residents would be. Bishow said the units are targeted to medical students, Tampa General employees, hospitality workers and other downtown employees who can walk to jobs. The presentation included development sources and uses that showed roughly $36.7 million in total project cost, a $17.75 million loan, about $15 million in equity and the requested $4 million CRA contribution.

After discussion, a motion to approve the project moving forward was made by Board member Maniscalco and seconded by Board member Clendenin. The board voted in favor. The developer thanked the board and said construction and leasing operations were already underway for the market portion of the building.

What's next: staff will finalize the grant terms, document the 50‑year rent restriction and return any required contract documents to the board as needed for formal award and administration of funds.