Lightning Owner Jeff Vinik has hired urban developers Jeff Speck and David Dixon to "build walkable urban spaces for people to live and work in" as part of a $1B vision to transform 40 acres of downtown property, according to Jamal Thalji of the TAMPA BAY TIMES. The duo will "create the guidelines that builders will use to fulfill Vinik's 'vision plan' of creating a vibrant and pedestrian-friendly space to unite the district and connect it to the water." Dixon and Speck will "lead a team of architectural designers, residential and retail planners, and transportation and traffic engineers." What Vinik wants the two urban planners to do is to "create a new neighborhood and business district from scratch." Dixon, who is also Senior Principal and Urban Design Group Leader for int'l engineering firm Stantec, will "lead the master plan team." Speck "will serve as" Consulting Design Leader. He "has his own" DC firm, Speck & Associates LLC. Vinik "brought Speck on board" after reading his book, "Walkable City: How Downtown Can Save America, One Step at a Time." Vinik "liked the book so much he bought copies for his entire staff." Dixon and Speck have "four months to come up with a plan" for the development (TAMPA BAY TIMES, 3/18).
