In 2022, Strategic Property Partners, the developer behind the emerging Water Street Tampa neighborhood, opened an innovative residential development offering residents a new lifestyle option in downtown Tampa. Asher, the latest residential rental property in the transformative, 56-acre live-work-play neighborhood was selected as a 2023 winner of the CoStar Impact Award for multifamily development of the year by a panel of local industry professionals.
Designed by Morris Adjmi Architects, the studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments bring what the developer describes as a modern, industrial aesthetic to the 22-story building with oversized windows lighting interior spaces during the day and providing unmatched evening views of the Tampa skyline. Asher’s collection of apartment homes overlooks the resort-style amenity deck located on the seventh floor.
In addition to traditional apartments, fully furnished apartments are located on the first six residential floors for those looking for more flexible living arrangements. SPP partnered with national hospitality operator Method Co. to manage these units as the first Florida location of Method's high-design extended-stay concept, Roost Apartment Hotel. Roost Tampa provides a completely new hospitality and residential experience in the Tampa market, with the Roost concept combining the service and convenience of a boutique hotel with apartment-style living.
A rare feature for a rental development, Asher also hosts a custom art collection curated by Adjmi’s team. Over 40 pieces showcase works by national and international artists and are on display throughout the building’s lobby and shared spaces.
About the project: Blending the comfort and practicality of an apartment with the amenities and concierge services of a boutique hotel, Roost Tampa offers an elevated hotel option for those looking for a longer-stay option in Tampa. The move-in ready units include fully equipped kitchens, modern appliances and furniture. The partnership between Asher and Roost Tampa allows residents to experience the building’s lifestyle for as short-term or long-term as they would like, an important factor as extra flexibility resonates strongly with today’s renters.
What the judges said: "An architecturally unique urban infill project with resort-style amenities located in a transformational large-scale development in Water Street that changed the composition of downtown Tampa. The custom artwork collection is also an uncommon amenity for a private development which makes me think of Tom James' western art collection at Raymond James Corporate headquarters prior to his opening the museum in downtown St. Pete," said Owen LaFave, Pinellas County Market President for The Bank of Tampa.
"I live in Water Street and that building was so well done. Its addition to the Water Street submarket continues to grow the scale of the community and its elegance," said Julia Silva, managing director for JLL.
"The Asher residences in Tampa are absolutely remarkable — a true triumph of architectural innovation that has set a new standard in the city's apartment market. Designed by the renowned Morris Adjmi Architects and developed by Strategic Property Partners, this building is a masterpiece of design, functionality, and sustainability," added a third judge anonymously.
They made it happen: The Strategic Property Partners team behind the development of The Asher includes Jessica Barnes, vice president of asset management; Lee Schaffler, chief portfolio officer; Michael Greene, vice president of construction; Liza Berger, senior manager of marketing; and Brad Cooke, senior vice president of development.
