Tampa Pendry: Luxury Rises from Tampa’s Most Infamous Lot
For decades, a high-profile lot in downtown Tampa sat vacant—not because of lack of interest, but because of one failed development after another. Some locals began to call it “cursed.” Others chalked it up to bad timing, bad luck, or bad planning.
Now, that narrative may finally be changing with the arrival of the Tampa Pendry, a luxury hotel and condominium project backed by one of the most respected hospitality brands in the country.
💥 The Backstory: Tampa’s So-Called “Cursed Lot”A Series of Unfulfilled Promises
The site at 100 South Ashley Drive, directly on the Hillsborough River, has long been a hot piece of Tampa real estate. But despite its premium location, it's gained a reputation for being Tampa’s most cursed development site—thanks to a string of highly publicized projects that never made it past the planning phase.
Trump Tower Tampa (2005–2008)
This was the first big-name project announced for the site. Backed by Donald Trump’s name (but not his money), Trump Tower Tampa was to be a 52-story luxury condo tower in Downtown Tampa.
Sales launched, ground was broken, and excitement was high—until the 2008 financial crisis hit. The project was abandoned, lawsuits followed, and investors lost money. The foundation was filled in, and the lot returned to grass.
Riverwalk Place / Tampa Tower (2015–2019)
Years later, the site was chosen for an even bolder vision: a mixed-use skyscraper called Tampa Tower, later renamed Riverwalk Place. This was to be Tampa’s tallest building, a glittering glass tower over 50 stories tall featuring:
Luxury condos
- Office space
- Street-level retail
The project gained momentum, renderings were released, and hype built throughout the city. But by 2019, internal disputes, financing challenges, and market shifts brought it all to a halt—before construction ever began.
Has Anything Ever Been Built There?
Despite its location, this lot has never hosted a permanent structure. It has historically served as a parking lot, event space, and staging area—but never a completed building. The repeated failures only deepened its “cursed” reputation.
🏗️ Enter: The Tampa Pendry
A Brand with the Power to Deliver
Now rising from the very same lot is The Tampa Pendry—a project backed by Pendry Hotels & Resorts, a division of Montage International. Unlike its predecessors, the Pendry has the reputation, capital, and operational experience to bring this long-empty site to life.
The 37-story tower will feature:
- 220 luxury hotel rooms
- 207 private condominium residences
- World-class amenities, including a rooftop pool, spa, and dining
- Direct access to the Tampa Riverwalk
Construction is already underway, with pre-sales open and completion targeted for 2026. Contact us for more details or to book an appt
🌆 Why This Location Still Matters
Despite its “cursed” past, the location has always been one of the best undeveloped parcels in the city. Situated at Ashley Drive & Brorein Street, it offers walkable access to:
- Curtis Hixon Park
- Straz Center for the Performing Arts
- Tampa Riverwalk
- Tampa Museum of Art
- Sparkman Wharf & Water Street Tampa
- Amalie Arena
For a city booming with growth, tourism, and investment, this corner lot is finally being realized to its full potential.
🧿 Is the Curse Finally Broken?
While locals may still joke about the bad luck tied to this land, the Tampa Pendry is backed by a proven brand with a track record of success in Los Angeles, New York, San Diego, and West Hollywood.
With construction progressing and luxury buyers lining up, it looks like the curse is finally lifting—and the lot may soon become a symbol of downtown Tampa’s evolution, not its stagnation.
📣 Final Thoughts: A Landmark Moment for Tampa
The Tampa Pendry isn’t just another building—it’s a statement. It’s the first real progress on this long-stalled lot and may become one of the most iconic towers in the city’s skyline.
👉 Whether you're a real estate investor, architecture buff, or luxury buyer, keep an eye on this one. Because the story of Tampa’s most infamous lot is finally getting a happy ending. To search for a Downtown Tampa Condo, or your next dream home, click here
