Developers hope tower is a sure thing

A significant Tampa waterfront luxury condo project, the last unclaimed parcel on Bayshore Boulevard specifically entitled for a high-rise tower, recently picked up a big victory: the Tampa City Council unanimously approved the plans for what's projected to be a 24-story tower with 71 luxury units.

The project, at 3401 Bayshore Blvd. in the former Colonnade Restaurant, also now has a name, Shore Club Tampa. The developers are Sarasota-based Ascentia Development Group and Batson-Cook Development Co. Ascentia has led developments across Florida, including the Beau Ciel condo tower in Sarasota and the Aria residential project on Longboat Key, while Batson-Cook has partnered with developers throughout the Midwest and southeast and delivered projects worth more than $2 billion.

Ascentia and Batson-Cook closed on a joint venture to buy the property in April for $6.2 million, Hillsborough property records show. The Colonnade opened in 1935, and was initially a hangout joint for area teenagers, with burgers, fries and Cokes. The menu later expanded to seafood, and the restaurant became a popular spot for lunch, dinner and family events.