The Tampa Bay chapter of NAIOP named the new MetWest One officebuilding as its outstanding office building for 2009, whileTampa-based Taylor & Mathis of Florida LLC, development managerfor the entire project, was named developer of the year. The10-story, 249,600-square-foot MetWest One was completed lastspring, at which time it signed its first large tenant, engineeringfirm PBSJ Corp.

Executives with MetWest International's owner, New YorkCity-based MetLife Inc., say they are pleased with the project'sprogress so far, despite economic conditions that have stymiedother commercial development within the Tampa Bay market. Planscall for nearly a million square feet of class A offices in fourbuildings, along with at least 74,000 square feet of retail andrestaurant space, a 260-room upscale hotel and 254 residentialliving units.

"We have been very well received in the marketplace," GlennBecker, associate director of real estate investments with MetLifein Tampa, tells GlobeSt.com. He says the new office building isjust over half occupied, with PBSJ moving into its83,000-square-foot space in December.