Armature Works

Food Hall + Event Space | Tampa, FL

Armature Works is a gathering place nestled on the Hillsborough River. The former train trolley is now a 73,000 sf food hall, event space, and home to three independent restaurants.

ARCHITECT: PLACE

LOCATION: TAMPA, FL

AREA: 73,000

REVITALIZING A NEIGHBORHOOD

Just a mile from downtown Tampa, in the early 1880s, Tampa Heights was considered the first of Tampa's suburbs. With Oak-tree shaded streets and sprawling three-story residences with wrap-around porches along Central Avenue, Tampa Heights was home to many of the city's first doctors, judges, and business owners.
As the population aged, the neighborhood changed and at one point had the lowest percentage of homeownership in the city.
Yet, when the famed Tampa Riverwalk extended down into the neighborhood, a crumbling building emblazoned with Tampa Armature Works was ready for revitalization. Originally the TECO trolley car maintenance and service warehouse, ownership saw the diamond in the rough and called upon Ellison Construction to help make their vision a reality.
The existing structures were extensively renovated. With a focus on honoring and elevating the building's historical feel, the new elements blend seamlessly with the existing structure. Filtered natural light bathes the main hall from the skylights above. Instead of obscuring the existing walls' character- the original markings and brick are displayed - telling the story of the history of the space that came before. The original vault on-site serves as the wine cellar in Steelbach, the first full-service restaurant at Armature Works. And, in the spirit of a true adaptive reuse project, a crane mounted near the ceiling was cleaned and secured, hanging 30 feet above visitors in the Height Public Market.

BREATH TAKING EVENT SPACE

The event spaces at Armature Works are unmatched in the Tampa Bay area. Armature Works has several options for event space allowing the clients to curate their experience for their guests. From the smallest space, the Social Hall to the largest, the Gathering, planners can take their guests through the property - even being able to incorporate the popular West Lawn that allows guests to come and go by water.

The industrial yet refined vibe of the event spaces has made Armature Works one of the most sought after wedding and events destinations in the Tampa Bay Area.