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Fergs Live in downtown Tampa closing to make way for high rise

Posted at 4:53 PM, Mar 08, 2019
and last updated 2019-03-11 06:14:15-04

TAMPA, Fla. — Downtown Tampa is starting to take shape, as plans to transform the Channelside area move forward.

Fergs Live will shut down Wednesday after four years in their location so construction can begin on a new 28 story tower.

"Can you imagine Tampa in five years from now? It’s going to be totally changed,” said Mark Ferguson, the founder of Fergs. "30 days ago they came to us and said you have to be out next Wednesday.”

The plans have been in the works for a while.

The last day is Saturday, which will set the stage for even more cranes and construction equipment. Just across the street near Amalie Arena, even more is going up.

The space formally used as a parking lot next to thunder alley is where the new JW Marriott is going. It’s set to open for business in the fall of 2020. It will be packed with 519 rooms, a full service spa, fitness center, a bar and restaurant.

"A lot of places are going away but a lot more people are coming in,” said Ferguson.

But you haven’t seen the last of Fergs Live.

"There’s already a deal in the works that they will come back and get a deal at the bottom of the new tower,” Ferguson said.

If you’re in the market for new stage audio and video equipment, you’re in luck! Fergs Live is auctioning it all off Wednesday, March 13 at 10 a.m.. The preview sale will be the day before at 8 a.m. Click here for details or call 727-548-9303.