A day ahead of his annual "State of the City" address, Tampa mayor Bob Buckhorn, along with Tampa Housing Authority officials, broke ground Thursday on a new senior housing facility in the West River area.
- The Renaissance at West River a $46 million facility
- Buckhorn: "Riverfront revitalization has been a bright spot"
- Buckhorn will deliver speech tomorrow from new riverfront park
With a cost of $46 million, "The Renaissance at West River" is the latest piece in the city's efforts to revitalize the West River area near downtown Tampa.
"It will be an entirely new neighborhood," Buckhorn explained. "The folks that used to live here in somewhat pretty rough conditions will be allowed the opportunity to come back to much better conditions."
Buckhorn went on to say Tampa has faced several difficult things recently, including Hurricane Irma and the Seminole Heights serial killer, but he said the riverfront revitalization has been a bright spot.
"I think over the next five years this city is going to be transformed in ways we don't even know," said Buckhorn.
The mayor will be giving his speech at the new Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park, which is scheduled to officially open on Saturday.
The park, which represents the city's largest investment in green space in its history, is also located along the west bank of the Hillsborough River.
Residents said they can't wait to use it.
"i like to see all the changes. There's a lot happening. Every time I come down here, there's something new," said Sidney F. Revels.
Other projects slated for the West River area include public housing and new retail space.