Blake and Tate Casper purchased the historic Stovall House on Bayshore Boulevard with plans to create an impeccably-designed, historic, membership-only social club on the property that would be the first of its kind in Florida. A rezoning classification was necessary to realize their vision. While the project had pockets of support that ranged from Tampa’s most respected and well-known families, preservation groups, and a select group of neighbors who understood the concept, a formal opposition group was organized and actively lobbying Tampa City Council to vote against the rezoning request. Walker was engaged to dispel misperceptions about their plans and enlist project ambassadors with a coordinated community and public relations effort, in conjunction with supportive materials, to help demonstrate the vision and opportunity for Tampa and change public perception ahead of the Tampa City Council hearing, where it was ultimately approved.

Objectives

• To increase community support for the project and approval from Tampa City Council for the rezoning request

Strategy

Walker was retained to develop and execute a strategic, comprehensive community and public relations plan to help demonstrate the project vision and opportunity for Tampa that would ultimately lead to the rezoning approval. In addition to establishing a series of key messages, talking points, and ambassador endorsements, Walker also developed a vision video about the project that dispelled misperceptions, presented the credibility of the development team, and positioned The Stovall House as a future asset for both the neighborhood and City at large.

Services

• Project Narrative
• Public Relations
• Community Relations
• Vision Video

Success

The project was approved by Tampa City Council and construction is nearing completion, with an opening planned for early 2021.