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Renewal Inches Closer

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By JOYCE McKENZIE

The Tampa Tribune

Published: July 5, 2008

TEMPLE TERRACE - TEMPLE TERRACE - City officials and the development partners leading Temple Terrace's downtown revitalization project are in the final stages of approving the project's site plan.

Ram Development Co. and Pinnacle Realty Advisors have agreed to conditions the city considers necessary to seal a deal that would transform a rundown 20.36-acre strip mall southeast of Bullard Parkway and 56th Street into a mix of office, restaurant, retail, residential and civic-cultural elements, City Manager Kim Leinbach announced last week during a special city council meeting.

"We've made some pretty good progress," said Ram spokesman Bob Skinner.

Ram/Pinnacle has agreed to earmark a 22,000-square-foot parcel that the city might purchase or an arts and education center. The city must give its notice of intent at least 30 days before closing.

The developer also has consented to incorporate the same Mediterranean-New Urbanism design on the east elevations of the buildings as those facing west. Corporate logos may be included on tenants' signs, which must be uniform in color, size and lettering.

The city staff is willing to waive code regulations to accommodate the developers' request to place a monument sign at each of the project's five entrances and to install one wall sign on each side of the buildings.

The two parties concurred that the poles and light fixtures should be coordinated with those selected for the 56th Street streetscaping project.

Skinner said tenants Burger King and Sweetbay Supermarket have consented to the project's conceptual plan, including its new entrances and alterations to the common areas and parking spaces.

"Burger King has even taken an interest in relocating, but either way it shouldn't slow down the project," said Skinner, who also noted that Ram/Pinnacle is in lease negotiations with two big-box tenants.

A public hearing and final city council vote on the site plan is scheduled for 8 a.m. Tuesday in the council chambers at city hall.

Reporter Joyce McKenzie can be reached at (813) 865-4849 or jmckenzie@tampatrib.com.

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