Timing, we’re often reminded, is everything.
If you’re Mayor Bob Buckhorn and you believe in the synergistic value of modern mass transit, it’s still a frustrating slog. Some buses and a street car amenity for convention attendees is not nearly consolation enough.
If you’re mayor and you believe the Rays should be playing in a Tampa stadium, the legalities and politics and code words are beyond irksome.
And if you’re mayor and the governor is Rick Scott, it means periodic photo ops with one of your least favorite public officials. But you smile, forget for the moment that you ever wanted that gun-free zone for the GOP convention and take one for Team Tampa, because Scott can still help, especially in a re-election year. Think: Tampa Gateway Center at TIA.
On the other hand, what a time to have Jeff Vinik as your city’s patron saint. Not your basic Northeast relocatee.
It started with Vinik’s $170-million purchase of the Tampa Bay Lightning four years ago from Oren Koules and Len Barrie. That wasn’t an upgrade; that was a godsend.
The then-owner of Boston-based Vinik Asset Management would soon put up $40 million of his own money to rehab the Forum just in time for that internationally-noted 2012 convention–not just for hockey and concerts.
And, as we’ve recently seen, he now owns the in-dire-need-of-resuscitation Channelside Bay Plaza, as well as the lease to the Forum and two dozen empty acres around the home of his hockey team. He has committed to spending at least $10 million on Channelside to shore it up in time for hockey season–before proceeding on what could be a “LA Live”-like revitalization.
Within the last fortnight, Vinik rezoning applications have indicated plans to build a 200,000-sq.- ft. office building and a 400-room luxury hotel/condo in proximity to the Forum. The former has prompted tenant speculation involving the telecom firm Syniverse, a global player in wireless networks that is currently headquartered in New Tampa.
Can you say economic synergy and jobs of the future?
Mayor Buckhorn told the Tribune that he thinks this is the beginning of what will hopefully be a “massive and transformative development in the Channelside area.” This is no mayoral hyperbole.
In addition, there is also Vinik the philanthropist. He has, most notably, made a 7-figure contribution to help accelerate the reincarnation of the cultural relic that is Fort Homer Hesterly Armory into the multi-purpose Tampa Jewish Community Center on N. Howard Avenue.
Moreover, Vinik has done more than invest here. He and his wife Penny relocated from Boston and live in South Tampa, where they have become major players in Tampa’s arts community.
It’s one thing to invest–and re-invest–wisely. It’s what smart business people do. But nothing beats a visionary investing in his own community.
Just ask Mayor Bob.