Westshore Plaza to make a comeback with new redevelopment plan
TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — It was the most modern and popular shopping mall of its day. Now, more than 55 years later, the owners of WestShore Plaza want to demolish the South Tampa mall and build something very different in its place.
The Tampa City Council gave a green light to the plan, which will replace Westshore with a mixed-use development, including 1,700 residential units plus office and retail space.
Residents have raised concerns about the possibility of increased traffic that could come with more people driving on roads that are already crowded.
Councilwoman Lynn Hurtak worried the plan didn’t create enough housing.
“Big point to talk about, the fact that you’re not increasing density and intensity, I would say, that in the change from 2020 to 2024, density and intensity is absolutely what we need,” Hurtak said.
“Wpg, has submitted new plans to the city for a transformation of its property into a vibrant mixed-use development that will cater to the evolving needs and desires of the Tampa bay community,” WestShore Plaza’s owner said in a statement.
Architect Rony Martinez said he likes the idea of more housing, but would like some assurances first.
“As long as it serves the public and it produces jobs, and it doesn’t take away from the general population,” Martinez said.
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