It was a speech about the Florida Aquarium. It was also a primer on catalysts.
Tucker/Hall chairman Tom Hall recently spoke at the Aquarium’s 20th anniversary celebration and reminded everyone about a fact of economic and visionary life that we continue to see play out in downtown Tampa. The right project for the right reasons–even if ahead of time and needing a subsidy–is almost priceless.
Any doubts that the Riverwalk, the manifestation of a proactive city investing in itself, didn’t influence Jeff Vinik or Judy Genshaft or Judy Lisi?
The Aquarium, pointed out Hall, would beget the Channel District. The ripple effects would include the arena, the Marriott Waterside and–we’re back to Jeff Vinik again. “The Florida Aquarium changed this city,” underscored Hall.
Sometimes we need reminding.