Revitalizing Neighborhoods: SoHo

[Metro Jacksonville]

Revitalizing Neighborhoods: SoHo



Metro Jacksonville's takes a look at the market-driven revitalization of Tampa's SOHO to see what we can learn and apply towards the redevelopment of our own urban core pedestrian friendly commercial districts.

Full Article
http://www.metrojacksonville.com/article/2011-jan-revitalizing-neighborhoods-soho

[tufsu1]

The second picture is less than a block from my first place in Tampa (an apt)....I moved there in late 1999, just as the SOHO district was beginning to explode....and yes, I originally moved there for the vibe....but within a few years, it became a bit too "South Florida showy" for me....that said, Bella's is still one of my favorite restaurants.

An interesting note is that the area was in competition with the City's desire for Ybor to become a "more upscale" dining and entertainment area....and then a few years later International Plaza opened and Westshore Plaza added upscale dining.....all of these areas have hurt the nightlife potential of downtown Tampa a great deal.  

[DemocraticNole]

I live about 4 blocks from Howard Avenue and absolutely love it here. There is so much to do within walking distance: restaurants, bars, grocery store, movie theater, gym, shopping etc. If I didn't drive to Westshore for work, I could easily survive without a car.

The lack of transit in this area has more to do with the rich more established residents than lack of a city plan. Many of the wealthy (at least many that I have talked to) don't want transit brought into the area because they are fearful that it will make it easier for criminals from poorer parts of the city to get there. This is much the same ridiculous argument that kept MARTA out of Cobb and Gwinnett Counties.

[urbanlibertarian]

The lack of transit in this area has more to do with the rich more established residents than lack of a city plan. Many of the wealthy (at least many that I have talked to) don't want transit brought into the area because they are fearful that it will make it easier for criminals from poorer parts of the city to get there. This is much the same ridiculous argument that kept MARTA out of Cobb and Gwinnett Counties.

Only poor people walk or use mass transit.

[thelakelander]

Its really convenient to carry a stolen 60" flat screen tv on a train because no one else will notice.

[tufsu1]

Only poor people walk or use mass transit.

apartments are also bad....they are inhabited by criminals!