Changing the Channel(side): Sparkman Wharf
As Tampa builds and rebuilds, the old Channelside Bay Plaza is no exception. In late July, Tampa-based real estate development company Strategic Property Partners unveiled plans to transform the space into a creative mixed-use redevelopment near Water Street Tampa called Sparkman Wharf. The name comes from the region’s first congressman, Steven Sparkman. He secured the federal funding to dig the deep-water channels to downtown, creating Port Tampa Bay and allowing larger ships to come closer to downtown and historic Ybor City. Sparkman Channel, found on the east side of Harbour Island, also bears his name. The concepts in the plaza’s dining garden are:
- Gallito, a street taco concept from Rooster & the Till’s chef Ferrell Alvarez
- Montados, featuring Spanish tapas and sangria from Mise en Place’s Marty Blitz and Maryann Ferenc,
- SaltBlock Hospitality’s Boat Run Oyster Co., featuring fresh oysters from Cedar Key, Florida
- BT in a Box, French-Vietnamese fusion from chef BT Nguyen
- The Corners Pizza, a Detroit-style pizza passion project from Ichicoro’s Noel Cruz and chef Anthony Messina
- edison’s swigamajig, seafood and craft cocktails from chef Jeannie Pierola
- Flock and Stock, a traditional American roadside spot with burgers and chicken from Dave Burton
- Foundation Coffee
- Whatever Pops, fresh fruit ice pops and bowls
In addition, Sparkman Wharf will feature Fermented Reality, a craft beer garden. Currently under construction by Tampa-based contractor EWI, the grand opening of the dining garden, beer garden, and recreational lawn is planned for October 2018.
Sparkman Wharf
615 Channelside Drive
Tampa, FL 33602
Check out our other What’s New story from TAMPA Downtown here.
