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Kiley Gardens: A Modernist Oasis in Downtown Tampa

Discover Kiley Gardens: A modernist landscape in Tampa blending nature and urban design using mathematical precision and serene green spaces.

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Kiley Gardens, a 4.5-acre park in the heart of Tampa, Florida, offers a unique blend of urban tranquility and modernist design. Designed by landscape architect Dan Kiley in collaboration with architect Harry Wolf, the gardens sit atop an underground parking garage and provide a green space adjacent to the Rivergate Tower. The garden's design is based on the Fibonacci sequence, mirroring the mathematical proportions of the adjacent tower, creating a cohesive and visually striking environment.

A brief summary to Kiley Gardens

Local tips

  • Visit during the early morning or late afternoon for a cooler and more comfortable experience, as there is limited shade during the day.
  • Take a stroll along the Tampa Riverwalk, which is adjacent to Kiley Gardens, to enjoy scenic views of the Hillsborough River.
  • Check out the nearby Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park for additional recreational activities and events.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    Kiley Gardens is located at 400 N Ashley Dr, adjacent to the Rivergate Tower and the Tampa Riverwalk. If you are near the Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, simply walk south along Ashley Drive. The gardens are elevated, so look for the steps or ramp leading up to the plaza. The walk is short and offers views of the riverfront. No cost is involved.

  • Public Transport

    The TECO Line Streetcar has several stops near Kiley Gardens, including the Dick Greco Plaza and the Marion Transit Center. From either stop, it's a short walk to the gardens. The streetcar is free to ride. Alternatively, several HART bus routes stop near Kiley Gardens. Check the HART website or app for the most up-to-date schedules and routes. A one-way bus fare is approximately $2.

  • Ride Share/Taxi

    From most downtown Tampa locations, a ride-share or taxi to Kiley Gardens will be a short trip. Use 400 N Ashley Dr as the destination. The cost is estimated to be between $8 and $12, depending on the distance and demand.

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Discover more about Kiley Gardens

Kiley Gardens, originally known as NationsBank Plaza, is a captivating urban park located in downtown Tampa. Designed by the renowned landscape architect Dan Kiley in partnership with architect Harry Wolf, the gardens were completed in 1988 as part of the corporate headquarters for NationsBank. Kiley, one of only two landscape architects to receive the National Medal of Arts, collaborated with Wolf to create a space that harmonized with the adjacent Rivergate Tower, also known as the "Beer Can Building" due to its cylindrical shape. The garden's design is deeply rooted in the Fibonacci sequence, a mathematical concept where each number is the sum of the two preceding ones. This sequence is reflected in the garden's checkerboard pattern of grass and concrete panels, mirroring the window patterns of the Rivergate Tower. The result is a visually stunning landscape that seamlessly integrates with the surrounding architecture. Originally, Kiley Gardens featured five rectangular pools, each with an island and a tree, offering a serene entry point. A long colonnade with a plexiglass-bottomed canal allowed visitors to view water from below as they traversed the pools. Within the garden, nine narrow runnels emerged from granite basins, creating a network of water channels that added to the park's tranquil atmosphere. The garden also included a children's play area with a checkerboard basin of water and a stepped amphitheater overlooking the river. Over time, the gardens suffered from neglect and structural issues, leading to the removal of many original features. However, recent restoration efforts have aimed to revive Kiley's original vision, with ongoing plans to replant trees and restore water features. Today, Kiley Gardens remains a unique urban oasis, offering a peaceful retreat in the heart of downtown Tampa.

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