TAMPA, Fla. — Plans to redevelop Tampa's first enclosed shopping mall are officially underway.
On Thursday, Tampa City Council approved a permit allowing the Ohio-based owner of WestShore Plaza, WPG, to redevelop the space as a mixed-use property.
In a statement, WPG said they plan to transform the property into a "vibrant mixed-use development that will cater to the evolving needs and desires of the Tampa Bay community. Potential plans include entertainment, retail, dining, office, wellness, medical, hotel and residential components among others, appealing to a wide range of visitors."
The major remodel applies to almost the entire 52-acre space, except for the Macy's and its parking lot.
Lisa Callahan, VP of Development for WPG, told city councilors in March, "We want to bring something that's new and fresh, walkable. We want to bring it into the now, but still maintain all the qualities it had before of being a community gathering place."
The redevelopment would center around a large public plaza and include more than 1,700 housing units.
With the redevelopment, some neighbors are concerned about increased traffic. Beach Park Neighborhood Association representatives were at the Tampa City Council meeting in March to express those concerns.
However, mall representatives say mitigating traffic is a top priority and they will continue to work with the neighborhood leaders and FDOT to address concerns about congestion.
According to WPG, the redevelopment project will likely be completed in phases. There is no definitive timeline for construction yet.