TAMPA, Fla. — The Tampa Downtown Partnership is always exploring ways to unite the seven neighborhoods it serves, while also ensuring each retains a distinct identity.
Each neighborhood’s unique characteristics are now being represented through specific branding. An installation team is currently adding new signage to bike racks, trash cans, planters, and light pole banners.
Caroline Keesler, the senior marketing manager at Tampa Downtown Partnership, emphasizes that this initiative was a collaborative community effort.
“We are really excited about his project. It’s been a long time coming. We kicked off in August 2023. We started stakeholder sessions, incorporated stakeholder feedback from community members, residents, workers, historians,” said Keesler.
She adds that during those meetings, the new logos were well thought out.
“Over in Tampa Heights, they have historic bricks,” she said. “That’s their iconography.”
Music notes have been incorporated into Central Park’s brand to honor the legendary musicians who honed their skills there, putting the area on the map. Keesler states that this initiative aims to boost local pride, increase recognition of the area, and foster connectivity.
“We are making sure that people feel seen and heard,” she said.
The Tampa Downtown Partnership @Tampasdowntown
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has been exploring methods to unify the seven neighborhoods it serves, while also ensuring each has its own unique identity. Soon, residents will notice new neighborhood branding that reflects the character of each community. @BN9 pic.twitter.com/HFNawZVsgw
According to PedSafe, some scholars and policymakers view neighborhoods with a “strong identity” as those where community members engage in civic life and share a common vision for the future.
While new branding can boost identity, artist Jason Harvin, owner of Wayward Walls, believes his murals promote community engagement through social media and a strong appreciation for the arts. His latest project is located off of Jackson Street in the downtown area.
“The inspiration for the piece really came from what the partnership was looking for in the neighborhood, the Downtown Core neighborhood,” said Harvin. “As a geometric abstraction artist, I like to paint cityscape murals every so often. I've done a few, but mainly, I do a lot of shapes and design-related art. But I've never been able to have the opportunity to combine the two, the abstraction with the city mural.”
There will be seven unique murals in each neighborhood by the end of next year.
“It really helps you with a sense of place and growing a connection to the area,” said Keesler.
The project celebrates each neighborhood’s unique contributions to the city of Tampa.
To download the official brand guide, visit the Tampa Downtown Partnership link.
