Published on February 19, 2025
The city of Clearwater invites museums, planetariums, or performing arts institutions to partner with the city in transforming any portion, including the majority of the Clearwater Main Library into a destination experience for Tampa Bay area residents and visitors. The Main Library, a five-story building with 92,332 square feet of interior floor space, is located at 100 N. Osceola Ave. in downtown Clearwater.
The Clearwater Main Library building features waterfront views to the west and is located on the eastern edge of Coachman Park, an $84 million 25-acre venue completed in 2023. The park includes a large amphitheater, lawn areas, a splash pad, and a playground. Immediately to the south of the Main Library will be the Harborview Hotel, a Hilton Tapestry property that will seamlessly blend retail and environmental conscientiousness from the park into downtown. Downtown Clearwater is a pedestrian-friendly area, offering boutiques and excellent dining options, conveniently located next to Coachman Park and on the shores of Clearwater Harbor Marina.
The city is open to a variety of concepts from potential partners, focusing on using at least 10,000 square feet of the Main Library building for cultural purposes, such as exhibits, amenities, or dining options. While the city’s request includes flexibility for interior redesigns and changes to the building’s floorplan, the structure of the library’s exterior will remain unchanged. The city intends to enter into ground leases with cultural organizations to activate the space, aiming to make the Main Library a dynamic and engaging destination.
Interested respondents can learn more and submit proposals at MyClearwater.com/Reimagine. The city welcomes responses from partners with experience in developing, operating, or renovating existing structures for cultural uses. Responses from cultural partners will be accepted between May 21 through 10 a.m. on June 20, 2025.
The Clearwater Main Library is a prime location to serve as a center for the arts. With its combination of stunning beaches, cultural richness, arts opportunities, and recreational spaces, Clearwater presents a great environment for institutions and organizations in the arts to thrive and connect with a dynamic and expanding audience, offering opportunities for both artists and audiences to engage in creative expression.