VINIK-CASCADE TEAM HIRES KIMMINS CONTRACTING FOR INFRASTRUCTURE WORK

Article from the Tampa Bay Business Journal

Strategic Property Partners has selected a Tampa contractor for its roadway reconfiguration and infrastructure work.

SPP, the real estate company controlled by Tampa Bay Lightning owner Jeff Vinik and Cascade Investment LLC, said Wednesday that Kimmins Contracting Corp. has been chosen from five firms that responded to a request for qualifications that went out in January.

The work, approximately a $35 million project, represents the first significant construction within the SPP district, a $2 billion mixed-use neighborhood on the southern fringe of downtown Tampa.

A portion of the costs will be funded from downtown Tampa’s Community Redevelopment Area funds. CRAs have a state designation that allows them to use locally generated money to fund projects within the CRA.

“With the Kimmins team in place, Strategic Property Partners can move forward with our plans to reshape the street grid and put into place the necessary infrastructure to support a unique and urban neighborhood that showcases Tampa’s waterfront,” James Nozar, SPP CEO, said in a statement. “The streetscapes are the foundation for what will become attractive, vibrant public spaces for the community to experience.”

Kimmins Contracting President Joseph Williams declined comment Wednesday morning.

In 2014, Kimmins had $37.93 million in local revenue and 214 local employees, according to data submitted to the Tampa Bay Business Journal.

The project is slated to begin this summer, pending city council approval. Here’s a breakdown of what it includes, according to SPP:

Conversion of Channelside Drive from Meridian to Jefferson Street from a one-way, eastbound only roadway into a two-way roadway
Extension of Old Water Street north from Channelside Drive to Cumberland Avenue, creating a new north-south connection throughout the district

The addition of new on-street parking and bike lanes
Streetscape enhancements including wide sidewalks for pedestrian experience as well as outdoor dining and gathering opportunities, improved lighting, new water, sewer, stormwater and IT infrastructure.

Ashley Gurbal Kritzer
Reporter
Tampa Bay Business Journal