Tampa, Fla. (Nov. 5, 2019) – The Ybor City Development Corporation (YCDC), in partnership with the City of Tampa Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) and HCP Associates, was recently given its second award for the “More in Ybor” campaign. The campaign won an award of excellence in the community engagement category at the Hillsborough County Planning Commission’s Annual Planning & Design Awards, which recognize planning and design projects that contribute to a better quality of life in our community.
The “More in Ybor” campaign was launched in January of 2017 and focuses on changing the perception of Ybor from solely being “Tampa’s Entertainment District” to showing that the area offers much more. The campaign aims to attract developers, entrepreneurs, corporate executives and potential residents to Ybor City’s historic district. The goal is to promote the business and living opportunities in Ybor City, and how the walkable historic neighborhood is ideal for relocating, expanding or launching a business, or residing.
“We’re very proud of how the campaign is working to change the perception of Ybor and show that there is more to our historic district than entertainment,” said Courtney Orr, Manager of YCDC. “We’ve been able to attract more businesses and residents, and every week we’re getting inquiries from businesses who want to move to Ybor.”
The multi-faceted campaign is reaching a variety of unique target audiences through a website, economic development brochure, social media platforms, annual photo contests, a leadership video series, and a quarterly electronic and print newsletter, which all tout the attractiveness of Ybor City’s business and residential community.
A priority of the campaign is to keep the cultural heritage of the district at the forefront through showcasing long-time residents as well as business owners, who have lived and worked in Ybor their entire lives. In some cases, the history spans generations, and the campaign works to capture the enthusiasm and love of the district to showcase it to the outside communities and business owners considering a move or expansion to the area.
In the time that the “More in Ybor” campaign has been running, more than 30 new businesses, including corporate headquarters, startups, tech firms, consumer retail, restaurants, residential, commercial, and a new boutique hotel, have opened in the district. Some of the new businesses are: Tucker Hall, a public relations and communications consulting firm; Barterhouse, a restaurant and lounge; Chill Bros. Scoop Shop, a homemade ice cream shop; Do Really Inspirational Projects (DRIP), an art institution; and Ybor Beverage Company, a coffee and wine shop.
For more information on Hillsborough County’s Planning Commission and the awards, visit www.planhillsborough.org.
About the Ybor City Development Corporation (YCDC)
Ybor City, only one of two nationally recognized landmark districts in Florida, has a unique background and diverse cultural heritage. The district is flourishing with culturally inspired architectural buildings and an eclectic mix of businesses and restaurants. Over the past 20 years, the district has undergone significant economic development and investment while also maintaining its historic charm. Ybor City Development Corporation works to stabilize the district by securing the future of its historic structures and community and is a catalyst in rehabilitating deteriorated properties with architectural merit, creating jobs, and improving the district’s overall livability. Their mission is to enhance Ybor City’s development, redevelopment and economic revitalization. For more information about YCDC, visit yborcityonline.com.