The recent city of Tampa sponsored event at the Tampa Convention Center to bring out comments on Mayor Iorio's Riverwalk idea was truly an event to be savoured.
The hired guns from EDAW clearly showed their expertise and professionalism in lots of different ways. First, their previous projects were diverse, creative, and substantial. Second, their presentation was clear and precise without being arrogant or dictatotial. Third, when they indicated they wanted public input it seemed sincere. BUT most of all, they were informed about and prepared to dance through the maze of local issues that could send the Riverwalk up the river.
When one of the Tampa Museum of Art's riverfront site proponents took a swat at the plan, these EDAW professionals recognized the incoming attack for what it was and responded with a clear indication that the Museum was not their issue, but that their expertise would make the Museum, at whatever location, a part of the Riverwalk connectivity plan. (see more pictures from the meeting here)
With her popularity chart starting to rival President Bush's poll results, Mayor Iorio has committed herself to "creating Tampa's premier attraction."
All she needs is to: 1. keep the Art Museum backers happy; 2. keep the Kiley Park supporters happy; 3. overcome problems created by being on a navigable river with security issues and bridges of various heights, 4. have a design/concept that is liked by everyone;
AND, of course, 5. Find the $20 plus million required to make this happen.
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