The Tampa Housing Authority and its associated partners are pleased to announce the groundbreaking ceremony for the first building to go vertical on the ENCORE site; formerly home to Central Park Village- a public housing community that was demolished in 2005.
West Tampa-
It’s been a long time coming; but a new development scheduled for construction will change the face of downtown Tampa as we know it. The “Ella“ an elegant apartment building will be home to 160 senior citizens and is the first building to be constructed in this new District.
Named for Ella Fitzgerald who wrote the song “ A Tisket, A Tasket” while residing at the Jackson House in the Central Avenue Business District and in keeping with the rich musical heritage of the area, the “Ella” is sure to set the “Tempo” for what is yet to come!
The project is designed to USGBC LEED Silver standards and part of the design initiatives includes connecting to a central chiller plant for the Encore development. Energy star appliances, preferred parking for alternative fueled vehicles, bicycle parking, storage, shower facilities for commuters, energy efficient lighting, a community garden, high efficiency plumbing fixtures and rain water collection basins for landscaping reuse will complete the design.
Public transportation stops will be conveniently located at the corner of the building and sheltered seating is also incorporated into the building design.
We are so very proud of this day as it marks the beginning of our promise to the former residents of Central Park Village whom we told upon demolition of their former neighborhood, “We will rebuild this community and you will be among the first to return.” Our senior citizens are the most frail members of our community and we thought it important to house them first.
Congresswoman Kathy Castor, Mayor Pam Iorio, the HUD Deputy Regional Administrator and other local elected officials will be on hand for photo opportunities. PLEASE JOIN US!
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