A Closer Look
Drew Park/Airport is located in western Tampa, generally situated between Tampa International Airport and Raymond James Stadium. The neighborhood can be traced back to 1928 when its namesake Drew Field Municipal Airport was officially opened. The neighborhood surrounding Drew Field, now Drew Park, served many military uses during World War II. Since then, it has been the site of residential, industrial, commercial, educational, and other institutional uses. It is also adjacent to the Tampa International Airport, the largest and most heavily used airport in the region.
With its proximity to Tampa International Airport, Hillsborough Community College, professional sports and recreational facilities, and major employers, Drew Park/Airport is ideally positioned for private investment. As one of the few remaining areas in Tampa with affordable industrial land and space, the area continues to attract new residents and businesses.
The North Himes Complete Street project provides for complete streets and safety improvements for North Himes Ave and West Columbus Dr to West Hillsborough Ave. The $15.9 million Lois Avenue infrastructure and streetscape project has transformed the function and appearance of the major gateway through Drew Park. These improvements, in combination with the upcoming completion of the Drew Park Strategic Action Plan update, are keeping redevelopment momentum moving forward.
Some of Tampa International Airport’s largest and most impactful construction projects are approaching completion after more than two years of construction on Phase 2 of the Airport’s Master Plan expansion. Phase 2 ultimately helps the Airport accommodate up to 34 million passengers.
- Raymond James Stadium – A multi-purpose stadium used for football, concerts, and other events. It is home to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers of the National Football League, as well as the NCAA’s South Florida Bulls football team.
- International Plaza and Bay Street – A dominant shopping mall and dining destination in Tampa, located adjacent to the Tampa International Airport. The Plaza is an enclosed shopping mall anchored by Dillard’s, Neiman Marcus, and Nordstrom.
- Hillsborough Community College, Dale Mabry Campus – The largest and oldest HCC Campus, consisting of over 500,000 square feet of classroom, laboratory, and office space. Hosting over 48% of HCC’s enrollment.
- Tampa International Airport – Adjacent to the sub-district, TPA is served by 20 major air carriers, 4 regional airline, and 3 air cargo carriers; and is the hub for Silver Airways.