GOAL: The design of new buildings shall be compatible with surrounding buildings and public spaces to create a positive image for the Central Business District. 

Click on any picture within this document to view larger graphic

Consider such elements as:

• The forms of adjacent and nearby structures.

• The established line of setbacks of adjacent buildings.

• The rhythm established by the repetition of standard facade widths in new designs.

• The pattern, locations, and treatment of windows entryways and other features of adjacent buildings.

• The materials, finishes and textures of the surrounding buildings.

• The style of architecture and the design and patterns of decorative features of surrounding buildings.

• The landscaping elements of the surrounding buildings.

A range of appropriate architectural styles that reflect Tampa's Subtropical climate is encouraged, so long as the results are visually compatible with the surrounding area.

Design new structures to create transitions in form between adjacent or nearby buildings or open space by considering:

• Designing new structures to create a transition in scale by the terracing of structures at or near the waterfront to prevent a canyon like effect.

• Design new structures to create transitions in form between adjacent or nearby buildings or an open space.

• To provide visual interest, view corridors, and reduce wind acceleration, long massive development projects which exceed one city block in length (210 feet) shall be discouraged.

• New structures shall be designed to provide sun access to public areas and open spaces by designing buildings that incorporate tower set-backs as height increases above the base of the building (first two or three stories).

Parking structures shall be designed to contribute positively to the aesthetic quality of downtown and pedestrian activity through the use of innovative landscaping and screening elements by:

• Parking structures should include pedestrian oriented uses on the first floor.

• The design of parking structures should utilize landscaping elements or designs features to soften the facades as well as screen the views of vehicles from buildings and from the streets.

• Encourage architecturally integrated and enclosed parking.

Examples of undesirable parking garages

• Automobiles are not screened from view. Building lacks character.

• Monotonous screening of automobiles. Building presents an undesirable wall at street level.

Building Mass:

• The impact of building mass to the pedestrian can be less overbearing if setbacks are incorporated above street level.

New buildings shall be designed to be compatible with human scale by giving special attention to the first two or three stories by:

• Maintaining the cornice line of adjacent existing buildings, where applicable.

• Maintaining the line of storefronts at the property line.

• Prohibiting large expanses of opaque or blank building walls.

• Introducing variations in facades that present a large expansive wall plane but discouraging building encroachments into the street ROW.

• Use landscaping elements to create a positive image where large expanses exist, and variations in the facade plane are difficult to achieve.

• Integrating business identification signs with the building facade in such a way that signs contribute positively to the overall image.

• New buildings shall be designed to be compatible with human scale by giving special attention to the first two or three stories by designing storefronts to have maximum visibility by maintaining 70% transparency in the facade planes of the Franklin Street Mall District and significant pedestrian corridors; and a 50% minimum or greater/transparency in other areas of the CBD.

• New buildings shall be designed to be compatible with human scale by giving special attention to the first two or three stories by providing architectural emphasis to entrances and lobbies.

• New buildings shall be designed to be compatible with human scale by giving special attention to the first two or three stories by maintaining the distinction between the upper and lower levels.

• New buildings shall be designed to be compatible with human scale by giving special attention to the first two or three stories by considering designs that reduce the barriers between the indoor and outdoor spaces.

• New buildings shall be designed to be compatible with human scale by giving special attention to the first two or three stories by considering the use of cover, such as awnings, to enhance the appearance and increase pedestrian comfort along major pedestrian corridors.

• The width of building canopies or awnings should be considered in order to allow trees to grow without obstruction.

• New buildings shall be designed to be compatible with human scale by giving special attention to the first two or three stories by providing privately owned public space and outdoor public art.