DOWNTOWN CLEARWATER REDEVELOPMENT by Village Reality: Foreclosures, Bank Owned & Short Sales Specialists

	DOWNTOWN CLEARWATER REDEVELOPMENT PROJECTS Click here to see a graphic by The St Pete Times of HOT DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENTS or the 10 major projects at the Beach: Interactive tour of ten large projects
	REAL ESTATE IS LIKE A PIZZA - Nov 2006
	SHORT SALE AND FORECLOSURE: ARE THESE THE REAL DEAL?
	THE REAL INVESTMENT (not what you think!) - March 2007
	Get in the driver's seat, we are going home How to really understand this market & feel good about it
	Whatever is, you can get in Clearwater - Dec 2006 (READ ARTICLE)
	CRITICAL POWER - WHEN THE MAYOR IS ONE OF THE GUYS...
MORE LOCAL REAL ESTATE NEWS ....
Downtown Clearwater residential projects break free of a slow trend Anyone looking for serious trouble in the condominium market will have a hard time finding it in Clearwater. Clearwater gears up to market its marinas Beach Walk construction project ahead of schedule Higher hotel density may rejuvenate tourism New apartment buildings and small shops for downtown Clearwater No. 1 spot to buy a house? Try Tampa Bay That's according to Forbes magazine, which sees us bouncing back big Clearwater hires new downtown manager Prior to the County position, she was the Vice President for Government Affairs for the Clearwater Regional Chamber of Commerce. ... Hibbard romps to victory The incumbent stops a former mayor's comeback try. Tax vote opens gate to upscale hideaway Elections: Frank Hibbard, the current Clearwater mayor, wants a second term. Why we want him to stay. Ultramansions are moving ... even in this market Luxury hotel opens on Clearwater Beach CLEARWATER BEACH (Bay News 9) -- Tourists and locals have a new place to get a little R&R on Clearwater Beach. The Sandpearl Resort opened it's doors Monday. clearwater Downtown: curving up Homeowners can expect 13 percent cut in taxes Tax amendment would help all home owners and buyers Tax changes may boost home sales BeachWalk sets designs in stone Clearwater wants a facelift Four Clearwater landmarks may look significantly different in a few years under a new city plan aimed at leveraging the assets to revitalize the downtown or beach. CRITICAL POWER - WHEN THE MAYOR IS ONE OF THE GUYS... Too many beach condos for sale? Not enough, developer says Keep door open today for waterfront's future Clearwater voters say yes to boat slip project Customers lured into soft market They're offering discounted prices, free upgrades and other incentives. Stalemate over boardwalk tangles waterfront plan City leaders want to make the beach's marina district a boater-friendly destination for shopping and dining, not a waterfront neighborhood. Boat Slips proposal well received at initial meeting Project will get $1-million to begin It's Clearwater's money, but building must start by June. City: Docks self-supporting The slips also would turn a profit, Clearwater leaders say. A review is planned today. City to provide boat slip details Clearwater is devoting $60,000 to educating voters on the bayfront plan. beach development Boat slip plan gets a hearing tonight City residents will have a chance in March to vote on the much-discussed downtown boat slips project. But tonight, the City Council will have a chance to vote on a Clearwater Beach boat slips project. Condo resort is back on track Work has begun on the much-anticipated Hyatt project, a mega resort that is expected to help fill two voids on the beach: available rooms and parking spaces. Lay of the land It's a mixed view. Homes sales are hobbling. But block-and-stucco suburbs and condo towers aren't the whole real estate story in the Tampa Bay area. Theater's price tag could postpone show Developer Elias Jafif has grand plans to build a movie theater and megacondominium tower in downtown Clearwater. 'Hyatt Project' nears its start on Clearwater Beach Developers have paid $2.4-million for permits to build the condo-hotel and public garage. Ultimate houseboat A three-story, 5-bedroom, 5,000-square-foot home built in 1910 is moved by way of Tampa Bay. City lowers tax rate more than expected To accommodate the lower rate in the 2006-07 budget, the council needed to cut spending by $2.16-million. Clearwater residents get bit of relief The mayor says the city will create a "citizens task force" to examine the budget for ways to save taxpayers' money Higher buildings take city to new heights After pleas, Dunedin considers cut in tax rate Commissioners tentatively reduce the property tax rate by 5 percent. It may go lower, but not without significant budget cuts. Beach gains first hotel in years Boat-slip vote merits undivided attention Trendy future for 1100 Building on Cleveland A look at Clearwater development from the Maddux Business report Boat slips are focus of city's new plan By Mike Donila The renovations that residents will vote on are scaled back from 2004. Major hotel to join Clearwater skyline A new hotel in the heart of Clearwater is part of a redevelopment effort. The developerhopes to break ground this fall 2 plans aim for revitalized coastline Rethinking growth in marina district Officials say a six-month moratorium on some projects in a Clearwater Beach district would help them reinvigorate the area. Sand, sun and surfing the Web This month, the Clearwater Beach Chamber of Commerce began offering free wireless Internet service at a half-mile-long "hotspot" on the beach. Dunedin set to lower its property tax rate City must educate in depth on marina With a unanimous "yes," the Clearwater City Council decided Thursday night to ask voters in November whether they want a public marina on the downtown waterfront. City to trim property tax rate, still get $52M Skyrocketing property values in Clearwater will help cover the city's higher fuel and insurance bills. Clearwater boat slips move to ballots City Council members are in agreement that adding boat slips downtown would be a way to revitalize the city's waterfront. Building boom Noise from wrecking balls and young people are starting to awaken a city once known as God's Waiting Room. If you have to ask the price, you can't afford it Will Atlanta formula transform Tampa? An Atlanta condo developerturned a gritty site near Georgia Tech into an enclave. Now it targets Tampa Bay. Go to article Tampa Bay's new address: Upscale USA More wealthy residents demand more luxury goods, from cars and couture to mansions and makeovers. Go to article Dirt rich It’s not construction costs that have driven the bay area’s soaring home prices. Turns out, it’s the ground the homes sit on that’s really valuable.Read story It's a four-bedroom, two-bath fortress ST. PETERSBURG - Television home improvement guru Bob Vila was in town last week to shoot several episodes about an affordable hurricane-ready house being fashioned from heavy gauge steel shipping containers better known for cradling ocean-going cargo. Clearwater wakes up to parking possibilities For years Clearwater city officials believed it would be possible to find a piece of land in Clearwater Beach, buy it and build a public parking garage on it. Area Beaches Still Make Splash Cleveland Street makeover to start soon Tampa Bay Newspapers - Thursday May 18, 2006 Cleveland Street was originally the heart of downtown Clearwater's shopping district, but in recent decades it was better known as the route to and from Clearwater Beach. CLEARWATER BEACH - The softening real estate market must not have made its way here yet. Alt. 19 where the residential action is More commercial properties along the highway seek residential designations, and more condos and townhomes may be on the way. Finally, work on Cleveland will start Years in the making, the streetscaping project could begin as early as next month. It is key to revamping downtown Clearwater. Project swells to 4 condo towers The Island View has grown from a tiny 39-unit development into a community of 1,500 residents with retail space. Renewal will fill city coffers, a report says Frantic growth could generate $6-million a year for improvements to the city's urban center, a consultant says. Downtown marina sorely needed in Clearwater Old-world charm, done at last Palm Harbor's Florida Avenue renewal may have hurt some downtown businesses, but now they say they are enjoying a new feel and new customers. Boat slips debate provokes leader's ire A Clearwater commissioner says an ex-commissioner may try to spread "misinformation" against a proposal. Cleveland Street work will be worth it, officials say Tampa Bay Newspapers - Thursday March 16, 2006 CLEARWATER - If the city's Downtown Communications Plan had to be condensed into four words, those words probably would be "No pain, no gain." At the March 13 City Council work session, Joelle Castelli, the ... (read more) Old junkyard to start new life Tampa Bay Newspapers - Thursday March 9, 2006 CLEARWATER - Brownfields are dilapidated, polluted and abandoned or underused industrial sites that may contain hazardous contaminants. (read more) Building toward a 'go-to' downtown A streetscape project is the next step in a plan that seeks to bring Cleveland Street back to a bustling urban setting. Developer unveils its plans for beachfront condo-hotel 10-hotel deal includes Clearwater Beach Hilton Costs change plans for bridge The mini-Skyway pedestrian bridge probably won't look like the Skyway after all; construction won't start before the year's end. Prime property change hands: A Pennsylvania company is buying up properties along the new route to Clearwater Beach, but the owners are being coy about their plans for the land Condos off to a smashing start - Station Square in downtown Clearwater Sledgehammer swings by dignitaries launch the first of several high-rise residential projects planned for downtown. Crane Makes American Debut at Clearwater Condominium Project Constructionequipmentguide.com - Friday December 9, 2005 The Terex-Bendini RT 660B is the new crane on the block in Clearwater, FL. The Residences of Windward Passage, a mid-rise condominium project is being built only 16 feet from the water's edge. (read more) Clearwater Girds For Condo Boom - from TBO.com You can almost smell that theater popcorn With Tuesday's approval by the Clearwater Community Development Board, the massive Acqua at the Downtown Plaza project is a big step closer to getting built. No wonder members of the Acqua team were high-fiving and hugging each other after the unanimous vote. Downtown project gets initial approval The City Council must still approve an agreement before construction could begin on Acqua at the Downtown Plaza. Mayor revives marina proposal Instead of expanding the beach marina, Clearwater could save money and add boat slips if voters approve a downtown marina. Clearwater Girds For Condo Boom Downtown Clearwater gains ally The nonprofit Clearwater Downtown Partnership will be a private sector advocate for redevelopment, lobbying voters as needed and working with City Hall. Downtown Clearwater Looks Up: From The Tampa Tribune Tower To Be Stripped Down, Upgraded To Condo Project Downtown Clearwater Anticipates New High Tech "007" Retail Store Project joins strategy to energize Clearwater A developer proposes two towers of condos, hotel suites, an art museum and more for the city's downtown. (Photo on the right) Hotel implosion awesome sight, new beachfront condos planned as replacement Sunday October 9, 2005 In a matter of seconds, the Adam's Mark Hotel on Clearwater Beach was reduced to rubble. (read more) Former Neighborhood Bar Becomes Business Development Center The Weekly Challenger - Sunday October 9, 2005 Isay Gulley dreamed about creating a place that would make a difference in Clearwater's Greenwood neighborhood. (read more) Dunedin clears way for upscale townhomes City leaders approve two projects. Unit prices for both will start at $600,000. Project style change suits commission Developers of the Marina condo-retail complex redraw their building to mesh better with Main Street's look. City approves bayfront development district Tampa Bay Newspapers - Thursday September 8, 2005 The City Council last week unanimously granted preliminary approval to Orlando developer Dave Clark's request to double the size of his Clearwater Cay Club, from 24 acres to almost 50 acres, and turn it into ... (read more) Finally, go! Traffic rolled over the Clearwater Memorial Causeway bridge for the first time Thursday afternoon as a caravan of city vehicles climbed eastward toward a lightning-scarred sky Plans for condo tower get city approval But the developer says market interest will determine if it follows through with the 25-story tower. Bridge to get ahead of its opening blast Because the Clearwater Memorial Causeway will already be open, the celebration will have to be short and one-sided. Architect would remake Biltmore The Orlando architect for the developers says their plans include using part of the hotel in a town center. Clearwater Girds For Condo Boom Beach condo projects advance Development teams get their first official reactions from Clearwater planners in a series of work sessions. Clearwater Bridge to open September 1st WTSP-TV Saint Petersburg - Tuesday August 2, 2005 Tampa / St. Petersburg - TampaBays10.com Tampa Bay's 10 News Main Menu Include Links From Newscasts News Weather Hurricane Guide Return to Flight Traffic Cams Traffic Pulse Sky Cams Extras Special Stories This ... (read more) 'Mini-skyway' span to beach Plans call for new building to tower over downtown Complex Would Be Tallest Clearwater Downtown - from TBO.com A huge draw, and a huge drawback Designed to stimulate Clearwater's downtown, Acqua at the Downtown Plaza would include a movie theater and a tower almost as tall as St. Petersburg's Bank of America building. Tampa Bay headlines Investors drive hot housing market Dunedin considers a pause in building Officials are concerned that future redevelopment projects will alter the character of the city. The city attorney says a moratorium would last about six months. Plan offers 'downtown atmosphere' A developer proposes turning Crossroads Mall into a mixed-used complex with a theater, apartments, offices and retail stores. Smart developers add a pinch of public space St. Petersburg Times - Sunday July 10, 2005 Some of the most visible private projects in North Pinellas have won official buy-in in part by including public spaces. (read more) Adding leafy life to concrete sprawl The makeover of some of Clearwater's streets is part of the county's 6-year-old road renovation program funded by the Penny for Pinellas sales tax. Building may go from dull to dazzling The owners of the windowless Clearwater Center office building plan on redeveloping it into 71 high-end condos with office and retail space. New plans for church site, City Hall offer win for all Developer Opus South has made some smart changes to its proposal to buy and develop the bayfront property where Clearwater City Hall now stands Developers rushing to beat July deadline Turning Clearwater Beach hotels into condos will become harder. Condo, hotel towers may rise on the beach St. Petersburg Times - Saturday May 28, 2005 A boxy beach hotel could make way for condominium and resort rooms, adding more swank to a beach already headed four star. (read more) Condos may rise on church property If built, the 25-story project, called Water's Edge, would be the tallest building in Clearwater. Winds of change buffet old beach hotel St. Petersburg Times - Thursday May 26, 2005 Born as a cottage retreat during World War I, the Clearwater Beach Hotel blossomed into the city's most celebrated beach getaway, an upscale oasis for high society. (read more) Mixed-use complexes gaining popularity There are plans for at least eight mixed-use developments, where residents won't have to drive to shop or to have fun. Memorial bridge columns rising The old cracked ones are coming down for a project originally thought ready by early 2004. It is now scheduled to open Sept. 1 Towers plan on drawing board 3 May 2005 Voters may have a say in November on the latest proposal to transform downtown Hibbard requests cut in property taxes St. Petersburg Times - Friday April 23, 2005 Mobile home parks swept up to make place for 248 new townhomes St. Petersburg Times - Friday April 22, 2005 A developer plans to build 248 townhomes at the former Tropical Breeze and Sunset Lakes sites. (read more) New condos to rise over beach St. Petersburg Times - Wednesday April 20, 2005 JMC Design and Development is again bringing a project to Clearwater Beach, this one replacing the Holiday Inn. (read more) Golf course edges toward townhomes St. Petersburg Times - Wednesday April 20, 2005 Developers received the first of several needed approvals Tuesday to replace the Countryside Executive Golf Course with up to 280 townhomes. (read more) Beachside boom town 27 March 2005 Developers are putting a skyline on Clearwater Beach, and turning up the luxury on what has been a blue-collar destination for decades. downtown clearwater & its development be part of the expansion: movie theatres, marina, new constructions etc. Flurry of development calls for review of rules March 20, 2005 Many Clearwater Beach residents and visitors have watched with concern as redevelopment washes over the island and, in their eyes, threatens to sweep away everything familiar. (read more) Two 25-story towers proposed - 25 Feb 2005 Downtown office building may go condo - 23 Feb 05 1 resort, 5 plans - 21 Feb 2005 Clearwater approves resort - 17 Feb 2005 Project is glimpse of town center - 11 Feb 2005 Banking on Old Bay's promise - 24 Jan 2005 Two developers say their projects will draw middle-income home buyers to the area north of downtown Clearwater. Trump firms up plan to tower over Tampa - 10 Jan 2005 Hyatt to rise on Clearwater Beach - December 3 2004 Townhome builders gobble up slivers - December 3 2004 Tampa Bay cost of living is below the U.S. average - November 25 2004 Clearwater Beach growing faster than expected - November 16,2004 Developer says resort would begin beach's transformation - November 12, 2004 Buyer found for Calvary Baptist campus - November 2, 2004 Church finds buyer for downtown sites - November 1, 2004 Upscale housing project beckons - Oct 18, 2004 Clearwater Beach Hyatt to be condo-hotel hybrid - October 14, 2004 Clearwater ponders beach rezoning to allow short term residential rentals - September 23, 2004 Townhomes to rise on Fort Harrison - September 19, 2004 Condo-conversion firm buys two communities - September 18, 2004 Developer says Town Lake plan in downtown Clearwater improved - September 14, 2004 Florida's taxes are among the nation's best, with exceptions - September 13, 2004 Condo-hotels debut along the beaches - September 9, 2004 Condo project may spark downtown Clearwater - September 9, 2004 Clearwater Beach bridge now set to open in a year - August 31, 2004 Clearwater approves Beach Walk financing - August 27, 2004 Real estate investors still looking to Tampa Bay - August 26, 2004 Island Estates marina to make way for high-end condos - August 26, 2004 Property values buoy Clearwater city budget - July 13, 2004 It's Florida's time to shine - July 11, 2004 Downtown Dunedin to see major changes with mixed-use project - June 24, 2004 Clearwater condo project given 90 days - April 21, 2004 Florida ranked sixth most tax free state in the US - April 7. 2004 Costs squeeze condo tower designers - May 19,2004 Downtown condo tower gains city's final approval - Feb 23,2004 Downtown Clearwater condo tower gains city's final approval - February 20, 2004 Downtown Clearwater tower okayed - January 21, 2004 Clearwater's plan has it all - December 24, 2003 Waves of change for Clearwater Beach - December 22, 2003 Townhouses catch on with home buyers - December 22, 2003 Developer hopes downtown Clearwater town homes will appeal to young residents - December 20, 2003 Clearwater site offers alternatives - December 19, 2003