ZooTampa Announces $125 Million Riverwalk North Expansion Project

Plans for a massive waterfront project will transform the area near Lowry Park and Seminole Heights. The $125 million "Riverwalk North" aims to connect Tampa's main spots through the Hillsborough River.

"We anticipate the first phase of this will be about $125 million," said Mark Haney, Chief External Relations Officer at ZooTampa, according to Tampa Bay 28.

A 13-acre city lot will turn into fresh attractions. Water taxis will zip between sites. "You could actually, theoretically take a water taxi from the Florida aquarium, stop at the Children's Museum, and then end up at the zoo," Haney said.

The buzz has drawn new shops to the area. Blind Tiger Coffee Roasters snapped up space next door. So did Bamboozle restaurant. Both want to serve the mix of zoo guests and locals.

Blind Tiger's owner Roberto Torres picked his spot with care. "So before the zoo, they can grab their coffee on the way in, depending on what time, because everything revolves around the children's nap time, if you are between two and seven," Torres said.

Bamboozle Heights moved from downtown. Owner Lynn Pham likes the area's charm. "My home is here, and a lot of my customers from downtown, their homes are here. So it was such an easy decision to make," Pham said.

The growth means more jobs: 400 workers now keep the zoo running. Guests can watch live feeds of hurt manatees getting better at the upgraded care center.

"People would never come to Tampa just to come to the zoo. Now we're seeing visitors who are coming to Tampa just to go to Zoo Tampa," Haney said.