Developer zeros in on Tampa

TAMPA — One of the largest multifamily development firms in the Southeast, the Altman Companies, plans to target Tampa for new apartment complex projects.

Joel Altman, chairman of the Boca Raton-based firm, says new projects are expected to start construction in Tampa in 2013. The firm also plans to start construction on an apartment community in Austin, Texas, next year, according to a release.

Altman, in the release, said rents are recovering and occupancies are high on the firm's existing inventory of rental properties. He also said the current national shift from traditional home ownership to rentals is “being seen in all markets we're in.”