The old Army Navy Surplus Market building on N. Tampa St. was purchased by the city in 2020. Empty lots and parking spaces will transform into a bustling district between Tampa's core and historic Ybor City. Public groups control most of the land: about 68% according to Tampa Downtown Partnership studies. James Lima, who studies city growth, points to Tampa's rising status. It's the corridor between downtown and Ybor," Copher said.