"Build it, they will come"

From the Tampa Tribune: Empty Storefronts Filled With Hope And Promise.

Although Channelside Drive, the Arts District and the Franklin Street corridor have begun to show some retail stirrings after years of stagnation and promises, few would agree that downtown Tampa has yet to show its potential as a vibrant urban center for shopping, dining and entertainment.

Retail expert Lee Nelson, a senior associate at CB Richard Ellis in Tampa, said restaurants and shops will "flock" to the newly built space. But it will take years - not months - for the vacancies to be filled.

"Retailers have to have customers," she said. "Until those condos are full of people, the retail will not come. Then it will be vibrant and exciting."

Yes, "then" it will be vibrant and exciting. Meanwhile, you expect the people to come there on what exactly? Faith?

New York's Fifth Avenue, London's Oxford Street and Chicago's Magnificent Mile have nothing to fear from downtown Tampa.

I would think not! Has this guy ever even walked down either of the three? Places like these don't just arise overnight, and they sure as hell don't arise due to some "marketing plan".

Same goes for all the cities planning "art districts". You can't plan these things!

Enjoy the Section 8 in a few years!