Heights Public Market, My New Favorite Hangout
I have found a new place to eat, people watch and enjoy part of the Riverwalk in Tampa. I had been reading about the transformation of the old Armature Works building for about a year, but missed the Grand Opening. I finally made the trip to Tampa Heights to check it out a couple of weeks ago.
History
The old red brick building has quite a history. Built in 1910, it was originally a repair and storage facility for the Tampa Electric streetcars. After the streetcar system was shut down it became a phosphate machinery manufacturing warehouse and was named Tampa Armature Works. It was abandoned years later and recently bought by two forward thinking developers, Chas Bruck and Adam Harden.
Renovation
The developers envisioned and created a mixed use space that would leave as much of the original structure and industrial features as possible. Parts of the original roof became the hardwood floors and the exposed brick walls were cleaned, sealed and left unpainted. The windows, doors and skylights are original. An old crane remains holding an iron lifting hook and electric motors are mounted on the wall. The result is a 22,000 square foot food hall with a rustic beauty that is both modern and antique.
Vendors
Fourteen local vendors and a full service restaurant occupy the space which is now dubbed The Heights Public Market;
Graze 1910
Zukku Sushi
Cru Cellars
Fine and Dandy
Ava
Butcher n Barbeque
Union by Commune + Co
A. W. Merchantile
Ichicoro Imoto
Swami Juice
Surf and Turf
Inside the Box
Astro Ice Cream Co
Hemingway's Cuban Classics
Steelbach, which is described as a "Southern Inspired" full service restaurant is there for those who want that experience.
What I Ate/Drank
So far, I have only sampled food and drink from three of the vendors, Hemingways, Swami Juice and Graze 1910. My favorite is currently Graze and their Graze Burger, a big juicy hamburger with caramelized onions and maple bacon which I washed down with a glass of champagne. Delicious! Prices, by the way are moderate. My burger with a side of tots was $9 and the champagne was $6. I plan on sampling all the other vendors on future visits.
Why I Love It
I am a history geek and vintage clothing collector so I enjoy any building with a history. The developers incorporated the best of modern convenience in the lay out and design while keeping the character of an old industrial building intact.
Seating is sprinkled throughout the hall and the courtyard and in the recreation area on the side facing the water. You can choose from tables and chairs, stools at the window ledge facing the water, an open bar area on that side of the building or comfy couches and chairs in various locations. Free water machines dispense sparkling, room temp. and cold water. Recycling bins are incorporated into the trash receptacles.The place is kept very clean as are the bathrooms which actually smell good! The outside recreation area features tables with umbrellas, a patio seating area, and a row of Adirondack chairs for relaxing facing the water and the Riverwalk.Bike racks are plentiful and there are giant chess games for fun.
This area draws families with kids and dogs from the nearby Tampa Heights neighborhood that is undergoing revitalization.The dogs and kids can play while their parents enjoy a drink and conversation. I love sitting by the window watching all the action. It is a really laid back casual gathering place with great food and drinks. If you haven't been yet, put it on your list.
History
The old red brick building has quite a history. Built in 1910, it was originally a repair and storage facility for the Tampa Electric streetcars. After the streetcar system was shut down it became a phosphate machinery manufacturing warehouse and was named Tampa Armature Works. It was abandoned years later and recently bought by two forward thinking developers, Chas Bruck and Adam Harden.
Renovation
The developers envisioned and created a mixed use space that would leave as much of the original structure and industrial features as possible. Parts of the original roof became the hardwood floors and the exposed brick walls were cleaned, sealed and left unpainted. The windows, doors and skylights are original. An old crane remains holding an iron lifting hook and electric motors are mounted on the wall. The result is a 22,000 square foot food hall with a rustic beauty that is both modern and antique.
Vendors
Fourteen local vendors and a full service restaurant occupy the space which is now dubbed The Heights Public Market;
Graze 1910
Zukku Sushi
Cru Cellars
Fine and Dandy
Ava
Butcher n Barbeque
Union by Commune + Co
A. W. Merchantile
Ichicoro Imoto
Swami Juice
Surf and Turf
Inside the Box
Astro Ice Cream Co
Hemingway's Cuban Classics
Steelbach, which is described as a "Southern Inspired" full service restaurant is there for those who want that experience.
What I Ate/Drank
So far, I have only sampled food and drink from three of the vendors, Hemingways, Swami Juice and Graze 1910. My favorite is currently Graze and their Graze Burger, a big juicy hamburger with caramelized onions and maple bacon which I washed down with a glass of champagne. Delicious! Prices, by the way are moderate. My burger with a side of tots was $9 and the champagne was $6. I plan on sampling all the other vendors on future visits.
Why I Love It
I am a history geek and vintage clothing collector so I enjoy any building with a history. The developers incorporated the best of modern convenience in the lay out and design while keeping the character of an old industrial building intact.
Seating is sprinkled throughout the hall and the courtyard and in the recreation area on the side facing the water. You can choose from tables and chairs, stools at the window ledge facing the water, an open bar area on that side of the building or comfy couches and chairs in various locations. Free water machines dispense sparkling, room temp. and cold water. Recycling bins are incorporated into the trash receptacles.The place is kept very clean as are the bathrooms which actually smell good! The outside recreation area features tables with umbrellas, a patio seating area, and a row of Adirondack chairs for relaxing facing the water and the Riverwalk.Bike racks are plentiful and there are giant chess games for fun.
This area draws families with kids and dogs from the nearby Tampa Heights neighborhood that is undergoing revitalization.The dogs and kids can play while their parents enjoy a drink and conversation. I love sitting by the window watching all the action. It is a really laid back casual gathering place with great food and drinks. If you haven't been yet, put it on your list.
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