After all the frustrating subplots, from bankruptcy to bad blood, we have finality. Thanks to an 11th hour bankruptcy court settlement, we are where we hoped we would ultimately be. Jelly-side up.
Jeff Vinik is officially the new owner of Channelside Bay Plaza. If wherewithal, track record and vision mean anything, then Channelside finally got lucky.
The key to any redevelopment of the Channelside area lies in a master plan. Where does CBP fit in the synergy of the area, which is an extension of downtown? Who brings a deep-pocketed, “Channelside Live” vibe-vision for the major makeover that must happen at CBP–in the context of the Aquarium, the St. Pete Times Forum, conventioneers, cruise passengers, condo-community residents and those two dozen areas of undeveloped land?
Who has already filed plans to build a 400-room hotel next to the Forum? Who has gone beyond smart investment and enlightened self-interest with a self-funded, $40 million renovation of The Forum?
Vinik, rapidly becoming the patron saint of downtown Tampa, went on the record last year on what he envisioned. He’s not into ad hoc renovations.
“We’re dreaming big,” he stated. “I want a thriving center of energy down here in this district. We see a huge amount of potential.”