High-Rises and Mixed-Use Growth Transform Tampa Bay’s Urban Core
As we move through 2025, the skylines of Hillsborough and Pinellas counties are rising fast. Driven by demand for urban living, evolving consumer behavior, and the lure of live-work-play environments, the Tampa Bay region is experiencing a commercial and residential development boom centered on high-rise and mixed-use projects.
Hillsborough County: Tampa’s Skyward Transformation
Gasworx: Building the Bridge Between Ybor and Downtown
The Gasworx mega-development continues to gain momentum. Located between downtown Tampa and Ybor City, this 50-acre mixed-use district will ultimately include multiple residential towers, over 500,000 sq ft of office, and more than 150,000 sq ft of retail. With 140-unit mid-rise buildings currently under construction, future phases will likely include towers that define Ybor’s new skyline, with full buildout planned through 2027.
Ybor Harbor: A New Waterfront District
Directly south of the Gasworx development, Ybor Harbor is a bold proposal to transform 33 acres of former industrial land along the waterfront into a high-rise mixed-use neighborhood. Plans call for residential and office towers, a waterfront promenade, hotel space, and retail—all connected by pedestrian and bike infrastructure. With a location bridging Channelside, Port Tampa Bay, and Ybor, this project is poised to redefine the city’s waterfront identity.
Water Street Tampa Phase 2: Going Higher
One of the most successful urban redevelopment efforts in the Southeast, Water Street Tampa is expanding with new towers, including what is expected to become the tallest residential structure in the district. This next phase adds density, extends the street grid, and further knits the area into surrounding neighborhoods like Channel District and Ybor. Infrastructure for the new towers is underway, with vertical construction anticipated by early 2026.
WestShore Plaza Redevelopment: A Suburban High-Rise Makeover
The WestShore business district, Tampa’s largest suburban commercial zone, is undergoing a major facelift with the redevelopment of WestShore Plaza. Plans include replacing aging retail space with high-rise residential towers, modern office space, and walkable streetscapes with retail and dining. Positioned near Tampa International Airport and Midtown, this project is reshaping WestShore into a true urban village and high-rise alternative to downtown.
Pinellas County: St. Pete’s Soaring Urban Profile
400 Central: Defining the Skyline
Downtown St. Petersburg’s skyline is getting a signature landmark with 400 Central, a 46-story mixed-use tower that will be the tallest on Florida’s Gulf Coast. Offering luxury condominiums, retail, office space, and panoramic views, it sets a new bar for urban living in the region.
The Nolen and Orange Station: Elevating St. Pete’s EDGE District
Projects like The Nolen (23 stories of luxury condos) and Orange Station at the EDGE are reshaping the city’s western downtown. Orange Station combines residences, office, retail, and public space in a walkable district that exemplifies the trend toward integrated high-density development.
Transit-Oriented High-Rises on the Rise
St. Pete is seeing increased activity near SunRunner BRT stations, with mid-rise and high-rise residential projects popping up along the route. This growth reflects a broader regional push for transit-oriented development across both counties.
Outlook: Vertical Living, Regional Integration
The explosion of high-rise and mixed-use developments across Hillsborough and Pinellas counties marks a major shift in the region’s identity. What was once a landscape dominated by suburban sprawl is being reshaped into densely populated, transit-friendly, walkable communities. With projects like Ybor Harbor and WestShore Plaza’s reinvention, the future of Tampa Bay is not just outward—but upward.
