Music-Inspired Apartment Complex Completed in Tampa's Tempo District

Hardin Construction Co. recently completed construction of Ella at Encore, an upscale, seven-story, 160-unit apartment complex for seniors in Tampa’s (Fla.) Tempo District near the city’s downtown.

Named in honor of jazz artist Ella Fitzgerald, Ella at Encore is the first building to rise from plans to develop a mixed-use, mixed-income urban village, Encore, aimed at spurring public-private reinvestment in the area.

The project is built is pursuing LEED Silver certification.

“From the formative stages of this project, beginning with early design concepts more than four years ago, Hardin Construction Co. has teamed with Bank of America, Tampa Housing Authority, and Baker Barrios Architects to nurture and develop Ella at Encore,” said Hardin Senior Vice President Page McKee. “Seeing Ella at this juncture is a proud moment for Hardin. It is always fulfilling to contribute to such a significant and successful project, especially one that will directly improve the quality of life in our community.”

In December residents began moving into the complex, which includes a host of amenities and features such as lobby concierge service, a cinema theater, park-like courtyards, and a community garden. The complex also provides on-site health services, fitness and conference centers, a chapel, pool, shuffleboard court, and an art gallery featuring local artists.

Three floors of the building are dedicated to 262 parking spaces. +

The Tampa Bay Rays Major League Baseball team announced that it has reached an agreement with St. Petersburg and Pinellas County on a $6.5 billion, 86-acre mixed-use development that will include a new 30,000-seat ballpark and an array of office, housing, hotel, retail, and restaurant space totaling 8 million sf.

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