West River Review - Spring 2022
Redevelopment Progress Update
Aerial View of Renaissance, Mary McLeod Bethune Apts, and Boulevard Towers 1, 2, 3, and 4.
We are pleased with our newest development, the Boulevards at West River, a multi-family housing development with 4 towers of 8 stories each and 2 garages. Towers 1 & 3 have 119 & 133 mixed-income units, and Towers 2 & 4 have 119 & 102 all affordable units. Tower 4 scheduled completion date is the Fall of 2022. Amenities include retail, community room, fitness center, game room, library with computer & internet access, and in-unit laundry.
Contents
- Local
- Opportunities
- Resident Highlights
- President's Message
Dear Residents,
I wish you all a joyful 2022! The years 2020 & 2021 presented unprecedented challenges to all as we battled the COVID-19 pandemic. The pervasive virus heavily impacted the economy and significantly affected everyone's cost of living. Many families were hit hard and still trying to make ends meet. We are proud to have made it through, working remotely to provide needed services to all our residents. Within the confines of the pandemic, we continue to find innovative and effective ways to serve our residents.
I am delighted to report that the project at West River is coming along. The Renaissance and Mary Bethune developments were completed in late 2020 and are now fully occupied for a total of 310 units, all affordable. Three multi-family developments known as the Boulevards are 100% complete and fully occupied, with a total of 371 units. The Boulevards Tower 4 and the Villas, with 134 units, will be completed by late 2022.
In the last few years, we completed the Tempo at Encore consisting of 203 units, mixed-use, mixed-income, multi-family development, 70% affordable, 30% market rate. We recently completed the 7,500 SF Job Training Facility at Encore for adult education and culinary training. We have also completed the Meacham Urban Farm, with an educational facility that consists of 2.1 acres with greenhouses and a farm store to provide fresh organic vegetables, fruits, eggs, meat, and more. It is a high-yielding, bio-intensive farm accessible to the surrounding Tampa neighborhoods with the intention of introducing healthy nutritious and easily available food to the community. In partnership with the Hillsborough County School District Adult Education Division, the farm will provide cooking classes, educate members of the community on healthy food choices, and offer hospitality and chef training.
I'd like to note that we also have opportunities for employment through our Section 3 program. Part of the objective of Section 3 is to help our residents obtain job training, employment and contracting prospects. It is definitely a great opportunity, and we encourage all who are interested to inquire through their case managers.
We are always deeply proud of our residents, and this month is no exception. I'd like to congratulate all our former senior residents who returned to Mary McLeod Bethune Apartments, Renaissance at West River, and the Boulevards. I extend congratulations as well to the Geraldine Barnes Awards recipient, Tajh Chatman.
The West River redevelopment is the beginning of major developments within the West Tampa community, connecting to the South Tampa commercial district. In East Tampa, we are looking forward to the prospect of the Robles Park Village redevelopment and memorialization of the Zion Cemetery. The Tampa Housing Authority stands on its commitment to bring you more exciting news in the near future.
Sincerely,
Jerome D. Ryans
President / CEO
Tampa Housing Authority - 813.341.9101
Assisted Housing Customer Service - Ext. 5001
Program and Property Services - Ext. 2150
Real Estate Development - Ext. 2630
www.thafl.com
Board of Commissioners
- James A. Cloar, Chair
- Bemetra Salter Liggins, Vice Chair
- Ben Dachepalli
- Lorena Hardwick
- Sul Hemani
- Parker A. Homans
- Billi Johnson-Griffin
Jerome D. Ryans, President/CEO
West River Review Newsletter
If you would like to review this newsletter by email, contact Real Estate Development via email.
Construction at the Villas at West River has begun and is located just north of Mary McLeod Bethune Apts. This development will be all affordable, multi-family housing of 32 units and 3 stories. Scheduled completion date is the Fall of 2022.
Canopy at West River will have 3 towers and will be constructed next to the Boulevard Towers. Towers 1 & 2 will be all affordable, multi-family housing with 112 units, 7-stories & 84- units, 5-stories; and Tower 3 will be mixed income (affordable and workforce) multi-family housing with 181 units.
Next to the Canopy will be a mixed-use development with 150 workforce, multi-family units, a National Grocery Store, and Manor West River, 332 market rate, multi-family units. A rendering of the grocery store is shown.
Opportunities
Tampa Housing Authority has long been a contributing resource for employment opportunities through the Section 3 program. Its function is to offer recipients of certain HUD financial assistance to the greatest extent possible by providing job training, employment, and contract opportunities for low or very low-income residents in connection with projects and activities in their neighborhoods. Section 3 is a starting point to obtain job training, employment, and contracting opportunities. From this integral foundation, coupled with other resources, comes the opportunity for economic advancement and self-sufficiency.
Examples of Opportunities Include:
- Accounting
- Appliance Repair
- Bricklaying
- Catering
- Cement
- Computer
- Drywall
- Electrical
- Fencing
- Florist
- Heating
- Marketing
- Painting
- Plastering
- Surveying
- Tile Setting
Contact Tina Washington, Section 3 representative, to become certified as a Section 3 resident or Section 3 business - 813.341.9101 ext. 3500.
Resident Highlights
West River families participated in a back-to-school book bag pickup. Residents were able to come by the Rome Avenue office and pick up book bags filled with school supplies and goodies to get them ready for the first day of school.
Christmas gift bags for Seniors of Mary McLeod Bethune Apts. and the Renaissance.
West River College student receives a printer with ink cartridges.
Geraldine Barnes Award Recipient Tajh Chatman.
Returning residents moving back to West River.
Resident Engagement
Case management services continue to be provided for all right-to-return residents at West River. They can help with any issues or concerns the resident may have concerning paperwork or their unit. They also work with property management to ensure services are being offered and are available to the residents. This ensures the residents remain in the direction towards self-sufficiency.
