Heritage Square Signs Deal To Purchase Armory

Published: Jul 26, 2007

TAMPA - Heritage Square at the Armory has signed a deal to buy the Fort Homer Hesterly Armory in West Tampa.

The developer has 60 days from the July 19 contract signing to complete a land survey, title work, and archaeological and environmental studies of the 10-acre property at 522 N. Howard Ave., said Mark Bentley, a Tampa lawyer representing the Armory Board of the state's Department of Military Affairs.

Heritage Square proposes a $93 million project that includes a hotel, day spa, farmers market, cafes, restaurants, boutiques, park and cultural center. The 80,000-square-foot armory building must remain intact.

Heritage Square has 50 days to find three possible locations within 15 miles of the armory for the Florida National Guard's vehicle maintenance unit. The developer also must reimburse the Guard for $830,000 in building improvements and pay an estimated $250,000 in relocation costs. The cost of a new location and facility hasn't been determined.

The Hillsborough Planning Commission must approve land use changes to allow for private redevelopment of the armory, and the Tampa City Council must approve a zoning change. No hearing dates have been set.

Jose Patino Girona