Partners in developing a vision plan and block-by-block strategies to reinvigorate a historic main street and promote reinvestment

Franklin Street Vision Plan

Dating to the mid-1800s, Franklin Street was once the epicenter of commercial and civic activity in Tampa, Florida—serving as one of the city’s first main streets. However, like many historic downtown areas, Franklin Street ultimately fell victim to larger economic forces in the mid-1900s which affected downtowns nationwide and caused deindustrialization and population exodus.

With reinvigoration in mind, the Tampa Downtown Partnership partnered with us to develop a vision plan. Honoring Franklin Street’s historic significance, the plan included detailed block-by-block strategies to promote reinvestment and redevelopment along the street. Despite the limitations of the COVID-19 pandemic, our engagement strategies and tools, including interactive and dynamic web and map applications, virtual stakeholder interviews, and walking tours, were met with overwhelming response. In conjunction with local economic development campaigns, we seamlessly integrated community events like reimagined public spaces and pop-up parklets to bring Franklin Street back to life.

Today, the vision plan’s recommendations serve as a catalyst for the redevelopment of this historic main street.