Portion of the Tampa Riverwalk will temporarily reroute as the Tampa Convention Center capital improvement plan progresses News Convention Center, News General  As the Tampa[...]

As the Tampa Convention Center makes headway in its Capital Improvement Plan, a portion of the Tampa Riverwalk will be rerouted (starting on October 13, 2021) for the construction of 18 new waterfront meeting rooms.

The complexity of the construction work requires re-routing 400 linear feet of the Tampa Riverwalk directly behind the Tampa Convention Center facility. Featuring an abundance of directional signage, the detour around the facility will safely redirect pedestrians and cyclists around the construction area from October 13, 2021 through (expected) November 2022.

The 18 new waterfront meeting rooms will span 18,000 square feet across two levels within the Center. This addition will feature air walls for increased flexibility, a terrace for increased outdoor space, floor to ceiling windows with spectacular views, a set of new restrooms, and a second service elevator that will advance facility operations and event needs. The new flexible meeting rooms and modernization of the facility is slated for completion by June 2023. The entire 1st floor of the Center will be fully modernized with the newest innovative technology improvements.

The Sail Bar and Big Ray's Fish Camp on the Riverwalk will remain open for visitors. The TCC Marina waterfront boating activities will also remain fully operational throughout the duration of work. Athletes can continue to enjoy the portion of the property that includes the large staircase to the Flag Deck and bicyclists will still find a safe pathway around the facility. Starting in November 2021, the Cross Bay Ferry stop at the facility will also continue normal operations.

Demolition will be planned for non-event hours and construction walls will surround work areas to provide a sound barrier for noise elimination and safety. Schedule adjustments have been pre-planned to accommodate normal Gasparilla operations in January 2022.

The $38 million Capital Improvement Plan is the largest renovation project in Tampa Convention Center history and will result in better customer experience, increased efficiency, and cost savings. Previously completed projects within the overarching plan include renovated ballrooms, upgraded restrooms, additional eateries like Datz Riverwalk Café, Big Ray's Fish Camp and the improvements of The Sail Plaza.

Project renderings and a map of the detour are available for download at tampa.gov/MediaToolkit. Details of the overall capital improvement plan can be found at tampa.gov/tcc/capital-improvements/projects.