Shortly after the depression, the streetcar system
was abandoned for a more modern means of
transportation, the automobile. Tampa Armature
Works, a phosphate machinery manufacturer,
purchased the building from TECO in 1946. After
over 50 years of operation, Armature Works
eventually closed in 2006 until being purchased by
Bruck and Harden in 2013.
Armature Works is now a fully restored mixed-use
building thatbreathes new life into the historic
Tampa Heights neighborhood. In an effort to
preserve the architecture and unique character of
the original structure, developers, including Taryn
Bruck who led the interior design efforts,
committed to reuse and recycle many of the
original materials while reimagining the historic
venue. Everything from refinishing the original steps
leading up to The Theatre, to reusing the old roof
that was milled down as hardwood flooring
throughout some of the public spaces. The interior
of Armature Works features many other signature
elements including exposed brick walls, windows,
doors, an original hand washing basin and skylights
sourced from New York to be an exact replica of the
originals. Armature Works includes the
HeightsPublic Market and features 20 different local
retail and restaurant concepts including two
signaturerestaurants, Steelbach and Oak & Ola, BAR
at Armature Works, Butcher NBarbecue, Cress and
arooftoplounge, M.Bird.
In addition, Armature Works is home to a 10,000
square foot gathering space featuring two 16x9
state-of-the-art LED video boards, two prefunction
event spaces totaling nearly 9,000
square feet, a 2,500 square foot Theatre and
“Bay 3,”an 11,000 square foot co-shared
workspace. In addition, Armature Works hosts
over 500 private events and programs more
than 200 public events annually.
The surrounding area around Armature Works
includes an 8,000 square foot Pier,28 boat slips
and various green spaces. New Additions
include Urban Kai, a kayak and paddle board
shop & Stones Throw, a waterside seafood bar.
One of Tampa’s most ambitious community
projects, the Riverwalk, will extend beyond
Armature Works connecting the Heights
District and Armature Works to the downtown
core. The brand is also thrilled to be announcing
the launch of Moxy Hotel, which will further
elevate the Heights District lifestyle.