Buzz among relocating business grows for Ybor’s edgy style
Most of us know this brick-built, cigar-laden haven of greater Tampa as an atmospheric bar-and-restaurant Latin quarter ready to host Guavaween and other trendy distractions.
But Ybor City is also catching more buzz as a mecca for a surprisingly diverse range of businesses. In recent years, companies from downtown Tampa, the West Shore and Channel districts, South Tampa and other locations have scanned the metro horizon for new digs. Many chose to relocate in Ybor.
Many of those Ybor transplants are “creative” companies like advertising and marketing firm ChappellRoberts (an Ybor pioneer more than seven years ago) or video production specialists like Tampa Digital and Tricycle Studios or design and engineering players like Wilson Miller/Stantec.
When ChappellRoberts’ Ybor lease was up last year, the firm looked for new space in only one location: Ybor. “The energy, creative vibe and diversity inspire our team,” says CEO and owner Colleen Chappell. “Our team believes Ybor gives us our creative edge.”
