The Dikman Company is fortunate to be located in the heart of what Tampa residents know as ‘SoHo’, or South Howard, in historic Hyde Park. Hyde Park dates back to the 1880’s when railroad financier Henry B. Plant built the first bridge across the Hillsborough River at Lafayette Street (now John F. Kennedy Blvd.). Over the past several years, we watched this area, like all others, become crippled by the economy. Today, however, we are glad to report that the area is buzzing with new business and especially new apartment and hotel construction activity.

Near the corner of Swann and Howard, the epicenter of SoHo’s busy nightlife, Post Properties is underway with its construction of 231 apartments and 10,000 square feet of retail space. Apartments are said to average about 880 square feet in size and are scheduled for completion in early 2014.

A few blocks north of Kennedy Boulevard, NoHo Flats, a campus of over 300 apartments, is under construction for the Pollack Shores Real Estate Group.  The apartments will cater to the young professionals that are drawn into downtown Tampa by its offices and the surrounding nightlife.

At 319 Bayshore just south of the Platt Street Bridge, Crescent Resources is constructing a $68  million dollar, 500 unit apartment complex called Circle Bayshore. The amenities at the Spanish Eclectic-styled development include a two-story health club and a resort-style swimming pool. Apartments will have private balconies and full-sized washers and dryers.

Closest to The Dikman Company’s office and across the street from Bern’s Steakhouse, the 137 room Epicurean Hotel is also nearing completion.  The hotel, one in Marriott’s Autograph Collections, will be one of 34 in their high-end boutique resort collection. The resort will give gourmands and business travelers a luxurious food-themed dining and lodging experience, as well as a neighborhood bistro, spa, and bakery to visit. Construction is scheduled for completion prior to the 2013 holiday season.

With the economy digging out of a hole, housing starts are booming and people are beginning to feel more confident with their spending. It is good for us here at The Dikman Company to be in a place where we can physically see the return of confidence and the positive momentum that is also building along side these new construction projects.

Please feel free to send your comments and suggestions to info@www.dikman.com.