Jan 23 2013
Hardin Construction Company recently completed construction of Ella at Encore, an upscale, seven-story, 160-unit apartment complex for seniors in Tampa's Tempo District near the city's downtown.
Named to honor jazz great Ella Fitzgerald, Ella at Encore is the first building to rise from plans to develop a mixed-use, mixed-income urban village, Encore, aimed at spurring public-private reinvestment in the area.
The name Encore is a bow to Tampa's rich musical heritage.
The Ella project is built to LEED Silver-Certification standards and will pursue LEED certification.
"From the formative stages of this project, beginning with early design concepts more than four years ago, Hardin Construction Company has teamed with Bank of America, Tampa Housing Authority, and Baker Barrios Architects to nurture and develop Ella at Encore," said Hardin Senior Vice President Page McKee. "Seeing Ella at this juncture is a proud moment for Hardin. It is always fulfilling to contribute to such a significant and successful project, especially one that will directly improve the quality of life in our community."
Residents began moving into Ella at Encore in December, greeted by a host of amenities and features including lobby concierge service, a cinema theater, park-like courtyards, and a community garden. The complex also provides on-site health services, fitness and conference centers, a chapel, pool, shuffleboard court, and an art gallery featuring local artists.
Three floors of the building are dedicated to 262 parking spaces.