Earlier this month, my team and I traveled to Atlanta with 17 Investors to tour some of the city’s most significant redevelopment projects, the state-of-the-art QTS data center, and meet with the executive team of OrderlyMeds, which opened a major manufacturing facility here last year. Our Business Development team members also dined with key prospects considering relocation and expansion in Hillsborough County.
The Mercedez Benz Stadium, Centennial
Yards, and the BeltLine are now iconic landmarks in Atlanta. During our visit, we toured the latter two projects. Brian McGowan, president of the Centennial Yards development and former CEO of the Atlanta BeltLine, served at the Metro Atlanta Chamber during my time there. I thoroughly enjoyed reconnecting with him and hearing him share behind-the-scenes insights with our Investors about the project’s progress, which has relevance for us as we envision the redevelopment of the Hillsborough College site for the new home of the Tampa Bay Rays.
Our QTS tour was particularly useful as we contemplate data centers in Hillsborough County. Whereas most people think of these facilities going into rural or suburban areas, we saw for ourselves what a data center sited in the heart of the city looks like and how it successfully harmonizes with its urban environment. Finally, our visit to the BeltLine offered numerous lessons for Tampa’s redevelopment aspirations. My former colleague Clyde Higgs, with whom I worked in Texas years ago, is the current president and CEO of the Atlanta BeltLine. He led us through a thoughtful discussion about the challenges associated with gentrification and how to work through concerns with residents and community stakeholders to achieve a win for all.
I’m particularly grateful to our Chairman, Archie Collins of Tampa Electric, for hosting all of us for a spectacular dinner and some excellent camaraderie. Thanks to this trip, our Investors and leadership team came away with some excellent ideas for implementing the goals in our strategic plan and redeveloping the city in a thoughtful and innovative manner.
Craig
