The area is expected to remain commercial and for retail after a council vote.
TAMPA, Fla. — There’s still foot traffic at Britton Plaza today, but some regular shoppers hope what comes next will bring new energy.
The acquisition of the historic shopping center in South Tampa by Brixmor Property Group was announced late last year, sparking curiosity among local business owners and residents about its future.
On Thursday, Tampa City Council members approved a request to rezone a part of the property, which was still designated as residential, to commercial.
A promise to remain as retail was well received by some due to concerns over already congested areas of Tampa from housing.
Shoppers like Karen McKinney said she hopes to see new stores in the plaza that are also affordable, especially for those who live near MacDill Air Force Base.
“Mid-priced stores so that people around here can afford them because not everyone here lives in a mansion,” McKinney said.
Over the summer, Brixmor released conceptual drawings based on comments received from the public. A survey of 500 residents was conducted in March.
“In May, we shared community feedback and conceptual drawings with prospective retailers to help gauge interest, and we are encouraged by the positive feedback,” a spokesperson stated.
No specific tenants have been named at this time.
Britton Plaza is a historic shopping center in South Tampa. It was sold to Brixmor last November. The 30-acre site, was built in 1956.
“Brixmor owns and operates approximately 360 retail centers across the country — centers where retailers and communities connect and thrive,” states the company on its website.