Developer enters first phase of $350M+ Clearwater project

A developer is moving forward on the first step towards a massive overhaul of the area surrounding the Clearwater Marina.

Local engineering firm Kimley-Horn and Associates Inc. Rodney Riley, principal and CEO of RSR Capital Advisors, filed a stormwater application this month for the development of a 64-unit condominium building at 708 N. Osceola Ave. 

The new residential project, located behind the existing Bayview Condo community, is part of RSR’s plans of turning nearly 20 vacant lots into what the group is calling the Clearwater Marina District– a connected walkable community with modern offices, residential with a mix of luxury and affordable housing, retail and a boutique hotel. 

Riley previously said the luxury waterfront condos by the Seminole Boat Ramp would be the first segment to come online for the master-planned development. 

The 0.92-acre residential site was previously developed with multifamily buildings. 

The houses that were demolished at 708 N. Osceola Ave., Clearwater. GoogleMaps.

The proposed six-story condo project will entail the construction of a stormwater management system, according to the application filed in the Southwest Florida Water Management District. 

An aerial site plan of the luxury condos shows amenities such as a pool, a golf simulation lounge, a fitness center, a lobby and reception area, and a clubhouse with a sectioned-off conference room. 

The site plan for the future condo. Image: Kimley-Horn and Associates Inc.

RSR said it would work with the Community Redevelopment Area agency in the North Greenwood area, located just east of the Clearwater Marina, to ensure the plans align with the CRA’s goals. When the plans were unveiled last year, the RSR team said they intended to host a series of public engagement sessions.  

The office building would also be part of the first phase, which was planned to be completed by the end of this year or in early 2024. 

Meanwhile, the heart of the proposed community would be at the site of the Historic North Ward Elementary School, a city-owned property that has remained permanently closed. 

There will also be affordable housing at another property tailored toward nurses, police and others who want to live and work in the same city. 

RSR is also working with South Florida-based BC Architects.