» The long-awaited Riverwalk project linking Tampa Heights and the Channel District is building momentum as funding, developers and design work begin to come together. Riverwalk Development manager Lee Hoffman says preconstruction activity has already begun on what will be the southern entry plaza for the 2.4-mile swath of green space, mixed-use development and educational and social activities along the Hillsborough River in downtown Tampa.

» Ybor City is making inroads as a prime location for urban living as it seeks to shed some of its "party central" reputation. The historic neighborhood welcomed the completion of a condo/commercial building, Las Ybor Cityhomes, earlier this year. The five-story building has 12 residential units and one commercial unit.

» Swedish furniture retailer IKEA plans to build its third Florida store, a 353,000-sq.-ft. facility on 29 acres near downtown Tampa by 2009. The chain is slated to open stores this fall in Sunrise and Orlando.