Reimagine Clearwater Main Library: A Cultural Destination

In 1911, the Clearwater Library Association opened a subscription library on the second floor of Peoples Bank on Cleveland Street. During the next few years, its use and citizen support were enough to convince the Carnegie Foundation to approve a $10,000 grant for the construction of a permanent library building. The city of Clearwater had to provide a site and promise support and maintenance. The library, situated on the corner of Drew Street and Osceola Avenue, opened to the public on Sept. 14, 1916.

Over the next two decades, the staff, collection, services and circulation grew steadily. Space was at a premium, seating was inadequate, and catalog cards were stored in cardboard boxes. The City Council approved an addition to the library building in 1939, just in time for the library to offer assistance to service members and their families stationed in the area during World War II.

By the end of the 1950s, the original Carnegie building suffered from basement flooding as well as wall and ceiling damage and a lack of parking. It could also no longer comfortably accommodate a collection that had swelled to 75,000 items. The City Council agreed to renovate the building, which was rededicated on Dec. 1, 1961.

Spurred by the population growth, the City Council approved another addition to the Main Library, which was funded in part by a large donation from Mr. and Mrs. William Adler and a grant from the Library Services and Construction Act (LSCA). It was designed by architect Joseph L. Coggan and was dedicated on Oct. 19, 1980.

In July 2000, voters authorized the city to issue bonds for a new Main Library to be built on the approximate site of the original library. The building was designed by world-renowned architect Robert A.M. Stern, Dean of the Yale University School of Architecture. It was built to serve as a cultural attraction and northern anchor of the downtown area, with gallery exhibits, special programs, and a variety of community activities. The grand opening was held May 1, 2004.

Question 1: It states in the documentation for the project that the city will provide detailed as-built plans of the library building upon request. Can we obtain a copy of the as-built plans?

Answer to Question 1: The plans can be found on the website at MyClearwater.com/Reimagine under Library Blueprints.

Question 2: It is understood that utilities are considered an operating expense, and potential operators are to provide what our operating expenses will be. If we were to lease approximately 16,000 square feet, do you have any estimates for what the utility costs are currently, per month?

Answer to Question 2: The average cost for all the utilities combined for the entire building (100 N. Osceola Ave.) from February 2024 to February 2025 is $30,006.74 per month. Of that amount, the electric bill is approximately $20,000 per month and the other utilities (for things such as water, sewer, stormwater, trash and recycling) is another approximately $10,000 per month.

Question 3: It is understood that parking at the library currently is across the street on Osceola Avenue, and we're assuming during the construction of the Hilton Tapestry Hotel, that that will be the only parking available. Will we be given a certain amount of parking spaces for staff and visitors to the museum? It is also understood that plans are in progress for a new parking facility further down Osceola Avenue. Can you provide any additional information on the parking allocation for the tenants and their public? 

Answer to Question 3: The 10 parking spots at the library will remain open to the public for library use during their normal hours of operation: even during construction. These spaces are open to the public after hours.

The privately owned lot across the street from the library is an overflow lot for library patrons and employees only.  The city does not “manage” those spaces and cannot reserve them. The spaces are first come, first serve.

The parking garage will have parking kiosks for the public to pay for parking. The city has committed some spaces for the Peace Memorial Church per the land purchase agreement. All other spaces will be first come, first serve, and will not be reserved. Tenants may purchase a monthly parking permit for the same monthly rate as other city garages at the time the garage opens. The new parking garage is expected to be under construction from August 2025 until Fall 2026.

Question 4: Can we get the as-built plans for the Clearwater Main Library Reimagine Project?

Answer to Question 4: Reference the answer to Question 1 above.

Question 5: We have noticed that a number of unhoused individuals use the building during the day - making use of the public areas, restrooms, and often spending time outside near the entrance. Does the city have any plans in place (or in progress) to support this population or manage that dynamic once the building shifts toward more mixed use? 

Answer to Question 5: The Clearwater Police Department has a comprehensive crime-prevention and monitoring program for the downtown area. The police downtown bike team regularly patrols the area and keeps in constant contact with unhoused individuals and local service providers who can help them. The police department also has a full-time social-services specialist who works with this population. An extensive security camera system and a real-time crime center help monitor these areas. Because of all these combined efforts, the related crime rate is rather low. Additionally, as downtown gets busier, the number of attendees in Coachman Park grows and a potential museum is developed, the unhoused individuals tend to move to less-populated areas. Given the assumption that areas of the potential museum or cultural space will require a ticket, this will also be a deterrent for loitering. The city and Clearwater Police Department will remain partners to monitor any issues and provide solutions where needed.

Question 6: We’re not a museum, planetarium, or performing arts institution. We’re a creative engineering firm specializing in interactive light and sound experiences. I just wanted to confirm, would we still be eligible to apply? 

Answer to Question 6: As long as you meet the Respond Requirements, feel free to submit a proposal.

Questions from April 11, 2025:

Question 1: How much noise is produced by The BayCare Sound?

Answer to Question 1: The Clearwater Main Library is located directly adjacent to The BayCare Sound, a state-of-the-art amphitheater in Coachman Park. During concerts, rehearsals, sound checks and at other times of operations noise from The BayCare Sound can be very loud and can be heard inside the library building.

Question 2: How much space would the city of Clearwater need to maintain within the building for the library?

Answer to Question 2: The city is open to proposals for a minimum of 10,000 square feet for museum and cultural development within the library building.

Question 3: What is the area at the northwest corner of the library parcel property used for? This area is located west of the loading dock, north of the terrace, and is adjacent to Drew Street. Can this area be developed?

Answer to Question 3: This area is used for utility storage and equipment and cannot be developed.

Questions from May 9, 2025:

Question 1: How much space is available for redevelopment in the library building?

Answer to Question 1: The city of Clearwater is accepting proposals for a minimum of 10,000 square feet and is open to proposals utilizing up to the entire 90,000+ square-foot building. Any proposal involving the full building would require a public referendum due to the ordinance requiring the facility to maintain a library function.

Question 2: What happens to the remaining library space if only part of the building is used in a proposal?

Answer to Question 2: If only a portion of the building is proposed for cultural or museum use, the rest of the building would continue to serve library or city operational functions, per city ordinance.

Question 3: Can the building be used outside of normal library operating hours?

Answer to Question 3: Yes, proposals may include after-hours use. However, structural modifications and security measures would be required to separate tenant space from library functions.

Question 4: Is the rooftop available for public or private rental use?

Answer to Question 4: The rooftop was previously used for events but is no longer available for public rental due to staffing and safety constraints. It may be included in a redevelopment proposal if proper access and operations are addressed.

Question 5: Are restrooms available on the rooftop level?

Answer to Question 5: No, restrooms are not available on the rooftop. Guests must access facilities on other floors.

Question 6: Will the Clearwater City Council remain located in the library building?

Answer to Question 6: No. The Clearwater City Council is currently meeting in the library but will relocate to the new City Hall once construction is complete in August 2026.

Question 7: What is the construction timeline for the adjacent Hilton Tapestry Hotel project?

Answer to Question 7: The Hilton Tapestry Hotel, located directly south of the library, will be under construction from May 25, 2025, through March 27, 2027. The project includes a rooftop restaurant and underground parking.

Question 8: Will site plans and logistics for adjacent developments be posted online?

Answer to Question 8: Yes, site plans and downtown logistics maps will be posted at www.myclearwater.com/reimagine and included as part of the Q&A section.

Question 9: Is there additional parking planned to support future tenants?

Answer to Question 9: In addition to 50 public spaces provided by the Hilton Tapestry development, the Osceola Parking Garage project (350+ spaces) is expected to begin construction in late 2025.

Question 10: Was the library affected by hurricane damage?

Answer to Question 10: The Clearwater Main Library in downtown was not impacted by the hurricane. However, the Clearwater Beach Library was significantly damaged and is undergoing reconstruction with updated waterproofing and mitigation features.

Question 11: Is the digitization lab still functioning?

Answer to Question 11: Yes. The library offers free digitization services for media including VHS tapes, cassettes, and print formats. Staff assistance is available.

Question 12: Will there be additional public tours of the library?

Answer to Question 12: No, additional public library tours will be offered. However, the public areas of the library can be viewed during regular library hours.

Question 13: What is the estimated economic impact of this redevelopment?

Answer to Question 13: No official economic impact projections were shared during the tour, but proposals should consider how redevelopment could contribute to foot traffic, cultural vibrancy, and downtown activation.

The city of Clearwater (the “city”) invites museums, planetariums, or performing arts institutions to partner with the city in transforming any portion, including the majority of the Clearwater Main Library into a destination experience for Tampa Bay area residents and visitors. The Clearwater Main Library is a five-story, 92,332-square-foot venue located at 100 N. Osceola Ave.

Located in downtown Clearwater, the Main Library boasts waterfront views to the west and rests on the eastern border of Coachman Park, an $84 million venue completed in 2023. The 25-acre park boasts a variety of amenities, including a 4,000-seat amphitheater operated by Ruth Eckerd Hall, large lawn area, splashpad and playground. Immediately to the south of the Main Library will be the Harborview Hotel, a Hilton Tapestry property that will seamlessly blend retail and environmental conscientiousness into Coachman Park. The Main Library offers street frontage to the north along Drew Street, and to the east along Osceola Avenue.

Responsive concepts will estimate the portion of the Main Library desired by the respondent. The city intends to enter into one or more ground leases with museums or other cultural partners interested in activating a minimum of 10,000 square feet within the existing building via exhibits, amenities, or dining.

Please note that while the city is receptive to interior redesign, including modifications to the interior floorplan and layout, the shell of the Main Library will remain intact.

The city of Clearwater is part of the Tampa-St Petersburg-Clearwater metropolitan area, commonly known as Tampa Bay, which is the 17th-largest metropolitan area in the United States, with a population of 3.1 million. The Tampa Bay region is home to a plethora of cultural and recreational establishments, with more than 4.06 establishments for every 10,000 persons, and these cultural amenities continue to grow.

The city of Clearwater stretches from the tranquil waters of Tampa Bay to the pristine shores of the Gulf of Mexico, offering a unique blend of urban energy and coastal relaxation. Clearwater is renowned for its natural beauty, diverse housing options, abundance of recreational options, and exceptional business opportunities. It’s a semi-tropical paradise that provides a safe and welcoming environment for families, with excellent schools and a wide variety of activities for all ages. Whether you’re here on vacation or making Clearwater your home, it’s easy to see why so many visitors end up staying. Clearwater is a place where you can truly have it all.

Famous for its world-class, white sandy beaches, Clearwater consistently ranks among the best in America. Just steps away from the beach, visitors can enjoy the state-of-the-art Clearwater Marine Aquarium, home to a variety of marine life and popular conservation efforts. Sports fans also flock to the city as the Spring Training home of the Philadelphia Phillies.

For those who appreciate culture and the arts, Clearwater offers a wealth of entertainment options. Ruth Eckerd Hall, the Bilheimer Capitol Theatre, and The BayCare Sound at Coachman Park host a variety of concerts, theater performances, and events throughout the year from local and national talent. Downtown Clearwater is a charming, pedestrian-friendly area filled with delicious dining spots and unique boutiques, all just a short walk from Coachman Park. Set on the picturesque shores of the Clearwater Harbor Marina, the new Coachman Park features lush green spaces, a world-class music venue, and a range of exciting amenities perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you’re relaxing in the park or attending a live event, it’s clear that Clearwater offers an exceptional quality of life.

The city is also home to a flourishing arts scene adding to its cultural fabric. Clearwater’s arts community continues to grow, offering creative opportunities for artists and audiences alike. Bringing your institution to this inspiring city is an opportunity to connect with a dynamic and ever-expanding audience, while becoming an integral part of a community that celebrates artistic expression and culture.

From its stunning beaches to its lively downtown, Clearwater is a city that shines with endless possibilities, making it the perfect place to visit, live, and thrive from bay to beach.

The Clearwater Main Library is in the heart of downtown, adjacent to the city’s downtown marina and the waterfront park. It is one of five library locations in the Clearwater Public Library System. The Main Library is zoned “Downtown” which allows a wide range of uses. The city wishes to utilize the Main Library for museums, performing arts, cultural uses, a planetarium, or similar amenities, all of which are allowed. While restaurants and cafes are also permissible, the city would only consider these as secondary uses.

The city is not entertaining offers currently to use the site for residential development, another hotel, or office space.

Gross Floor Area

• Includes all enclosed spaces measured to the exterior wall dimensions.
• Total over 4 floors: 89,391 sq. ft.
• Roof terrace: 2,941 sq. ft.
• Total over 4 floors plus roof terrace: 92,332 sq. ft.

Net Floor Area (Usable Space)

• Excludes non-usable spaces such as wall thickness, interior walls, stairwells, elevators, and mechanical areas.
• Determines allowable occupancy and functional use of the building.
• Breakdown per plan set as measured by city staff:
  • First Floor: 16,144 sq. ft.
  • Second Floor: 15,409 sq. ft.
  • Third Floor: 17,717 sq. ft.
  • Fourth Floor: 3,524 sq. ft.
  • Roof Terrace: 2,941 sq. ft.
  • Total Usable Space: 55,735 sq. ft.

The city will provide detailed as-built plans of the library building upon request.

By utilizing the existing Main Library, respondents will enjoy substantially reduced design and construction costs. In addition, the successful respondent(s) will have no responsibility for ad valorem taxes during the term of the lease.

The city’s Community Redevelopment Agency (“CRA”) or its Downtown Development Board (“DDB”) may consider limited grant funding to partially offset certain costs associated with renovating or modifying the Main Library to fulfill its full potential.

Visit St. Pete – Clearwater is Pinellas County’s tourism development arm. To the extent that the project enhances visitors’ experience in Pinellas County, and attracts additional visitors to the area, the project may be eligible for tourism development funds. Please note that the city does not control these funds; therefore, the viability of the respondent’s pro forma should not depend on funding from this source.

The Hilton Tapestry hotel, with an expected completion date in the end of 2027, will include a 169-space, all-valet parking garage. Parking will generally be available at market rate. Additional opportunities may exist to partner with The DeNunzio Group, which recently paid market rate for the parcel on which the hotel will be located. The city also has the 255-space Garden Avenue Parking Garage located two blocks east of the Main Library.

In addition, the city is finalizing the design of a 380-space public parking garage on Osceola Avenue, two blocks south of the Main Library. Completion of the garage is anticipated in 2026. Currently, there are more than 2,000 parking spaces available within walking distance of the Clearwater Main Library.

The Main Library is located one block east of the Clearwater Harbor Marina, a primary launch point for the Clearwater Ferry. The Clearwater Ferry offers regular service to and from Clearwater Beach, allowing visitors to the Main Library to easily visit the beach and vice versa. The Clearwater Harbor Marina is home to 126 boat slips, with 12 slips available for transient boaters.

Finally, the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (“PSTA”) is finalizing its design of a new intermodal center to be located at 710 Court St., less than one mile east of the Main Library. The city can partner with PSTA and the successful respondent(s) to create a transit schedule that accommodates passenger demand to and from the Main Library.

The city of Clearwater (the “city”) invites museums, planetariums, and performing arts institutions to partner with the city in transforming any portion, including the majority of the Clearwater Main Library into a destination experience for Tampa Bay area residents and visitors. The Clearwater Main Library is a five-story, 92,332-square-foot venue located at 100 N. Osceola Avenue bearing the Parcel I.D. No. of 16-29-15-43956-000-0010. Located in downtown Clearwater, the Main Library boasts waterfront views and is adjacent to Coachman Park.

Responsive concepts will estimate the portion of the Main Library desired. The city intends to enter into one or more ground leases with museums or other cultural partners interested in activating a minimum of 10,000 square feet.

The city invites responses from partners with experience in developing, operating, or renovating existing structures for cultural uses. The city welcomes concepts that include restaurants or cafes as secondary uses. This private-public partnership will be structured as a long-term ground lease between the successful respondent(s) and the city.

For further information about this request for development concepts, contact Purchasing@MyClearwater.com. Proposals may be submitted here beginning on May 21, 2025 and until June 20, 2025 at 10 a.m.

Submissions will be made by following these steps:

1. Applications will be accepted beginning May 21, 2025, and must be submitted by June 20, 2025, at 10 a.m.
2. Click here to submit your proposal.
3. Complete the online form with “Your Information”
4. Use the drop-down arrow to select “Clearwater Main Library Reimagine Project”
5. Drag and drop your files into the “Upload Files Here” box
6. Once complete, hit “Submit”

NOTE: After submission of documents, retracting them requires sending an email from your company to the address specified under the respective documentation on the city’s website. Retractions are only permitted for open solicitations.

The city invites responses from partners with experience in developing, operating, or renovating existing structures for cultural uses such as museums, performing arts, interactive exhibits, or a planetarium. The city welcomes concepts that include restaurants or cafes as secondary uses.

This private-public partnership will be structured as a long-term ground lease between the successful respondent(s) and the city.

Respondent teams must clearly and completely address each of the following areas in response to be eligible for selection:

1. Cover Letter. Responding teams should prepare a cover letter summarizing the proposed concept(s) and the experience of the assembled team. This letter should also identify the primary contact person for the respondent organization.

2. Development and Operational Plan. Teams should include a description of their vision for redeveloping the site or sites. At a minimum, respondents must include the following:

a. Project Narrative. Respondents should describe the concept, the approximate or estimated square footage (which can be expressed as a range), and one or more renders, illustrations or diagrams to assist in articulating the concept. The inclusion of visual representations is required. The narrative should also indicate the manner or goals for integration with or compatible synergy with Coachman Park and the Hilton Tapestry.

b. Design and Construction Responsibility. The city encourages responses that propose a reverse build-to-suit, in which the tenant selects and hires the design and construction professionals. The city’s role will be limited to permitting and reasonable design approval. However, the city will consider a proposal contemplating a city-led, build-to-suit if the tenant agrees to appropriate contractual provisions that protect the city’s investment. Respondents should specify their preference regarding build-to-suit or reverse build-to-suit.

c. Estimated Project Schedule. Respondents should estimate or indicate their preferences and goals in terms of the timeframe in which to renovate the Main Library and commencement of a ground lease.

d. Operational Plan. Respondents should describe their approach to staffing and operating the facility within a publicly owned building.

e. Requested Lease Term. The City Charter authorizes ground leases up to sixty-five (65) years in duration, with an opportunity to renew for up to thirty (30) additional years. The requested term, including renewal options if requested, should be specified in the development plan. 

3. Financial Plan. Teams should provide detailed pro forma cash flow projecting the first decade (10 years) of operation. The pro forma must include, at a minimum:

a. Private Capital. The city seeks a strong and financially stable partner that is able and willing through equity, private donations, or tenant issued debt to invest in the leased premises. The respondent’s maximum capital contribution, which should be separate from the proposed monthly lease amount and any operating expenses, should be identified in this category, as well as the source of funds supporting the capital contribution.

b. Projected Revenues. Respondents will be allowed to charge admission at market rates to the public and retain all revenues. Recognizing that tickets can be customized, the respondent should nevertheless estimate the total revenue expected from ticket sales and the estimated number of tickets the respondent reasonably expects to sell per year.

c. Monthly Lease Payable to the City. The fixed amount, including annual escalation, the respondent offers to pay the city in exchange for leasing the requested premises.

d. Operating Expenses. The estimated cost to the tenant in operating the premises for the intended usage. All expenses should be estimated by and identified by category, e.g. utilities in one category and staffing in another.

e. Conditional Public Funding Sources & Use of Incentives. If public funding is requested, this description should include an estimate of the total dollars requested and the purpose(s) to which those dollars will be applied. Any additional or indirect incentives should also be specified here.

f. Construction Costs. Respondents should include a professional conceptual estimate of all construction and interior redesign costs.

NOTE: Museums and other institutions will retain creative control of all artwork.

All respondents responding to this Call for Development Concepts do so at their sole expense and risk. The city assumes no financial or other obligation to respondents who respond. The city will not be liable to any broker, consultant or other entity acting on behalf of any respondent for any fee or payment relating directly or indirectly to its proposed concept.

Non-Confidentiality

All concepts, qualifications, correspondence, and records made thereof, are public record and handled in compliance with applicable state and local laws.

Selection Process

The city will evaluate proposed concepts in accordance with the requirements as well as any interviews, references, or other supplemental information provided. The selection process will include:

1. Submission Review: Submissions will be reviewed by a five-member selection committee of city staff to determine whether the respondents concept fulfills all submission requirements and meets the minimum threshold requirements listed below.

2. Invitation to Interview: The selection committee may, in its sole discretion, create a short-list of finalists. The selection committee may also, in its sole discretion, invite one or more respondents to interview with the committee.

3. Committee Recommendation: Each member of the selection committee shall independently rank the respondents, with the preferred respondent being ranked numerically as “1.” The selection committee’s recommendation(s) shall be shared with the City Council.

4. City Council Discussion: Respondents are invited to present to City Council on [insert date]. in City Council Chambers, in which respondents will have the opportunity to present their concept, approach to partnerships, timeline, development team, and financial plan.

5. Final Decision: The City Council will make a final selection in favor of one or more respondents. If any aspects of a proposal are not acceptable to the city, the City Council may direct city staff to negotiate or draft alternative terms that accomplish the city’s objectives. The project(s) will begin once the respondent(s) and the city have signed a ground lease. At any point prior to executing the ground lease, the city or the respondent(s) may terminate negotiations at will.