TAMPA HYDE PARK

[smiley]

Well, here is a general Hyde Park thread. Psot 'em if you got 'em.

I love infill:

Upscale project to flavor Old Hyde Park

Officials say the townhomes and condos are in keeping with the village's urban feel and hopefully will attract more customers.

By STEFANIE GREEN

Published June 25, 2004

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A $15-million condominium and townhouse project is going up on the edge of Old Hyde Park Village.

The Valencia, developed by Hamilton Jones of Gaspar Properties Inc., includes a seven-story building with 24 condos and an adjacent building with five three-story townhouses. It will be on Dakota Avenue, behind Sunrise Cinemas, formerly Madstone Theaters, in the Old Hyde Park Historic District.

"We have been looking for a site within the historic district and historic in nature," Jones said. "It's such a great spot."

Construction of the 1920s, Mediterranean Revival-style project is scheduled to begin this fall and last one year. The colors, construction materials and accents, such as barrel tile roofs and wrought iron trim, were selected to blend in with the surrounding neighborhood.

The city's Architectural Review Commission approved the site and design about three months ago, Jones said.

Jones is also known for redeveloping the Palace of Florence apartments on Davis Islands and is part of a team that submitted designs last week for the old federal courthouse downtown. So far, demand for the Valencia has been high, he said.

"Just by word of mouth and an advertisement, we already have 15 to 20 people interested," Jones said.

Units will range from about 1,600 to 2,100 square feet, with penthouses up to 3,300 square feet. Each will have private balconies or terraces, covered parking, 10-foot ceilings and hardwood floors.

Pat Westerhouse, general manager of Old Hyde Park Village, said the project will be a boost to the shopping complex and surrounding neighborhood.

"I think it is a great plan, and it will add more urban sites to Old Hyde Park and, hopefully, more customers," Westerhouse said. "It continues on with the urban feel here in the historic district."

Prices range from $399,000 to $750,000, with penthouses starting at $1-million. An on-site sales center at 607 S Dakota Ave. will open next month. For information, go to www.valenciahydepark.com

- Stefanie Green can be reached at 226-3303 or [email protected]

http://www.sptimes.com/2004/06/25/C...ect_to_fl.shtml