Armature Works attracts students

Now+a+public+market%2C+Armature+Works+is+busiest+during+the+weekends.+Armature+Works+was+a+TECO+storage+facility+from+the+1910s+used+to+house+streetcars+before+it+was+refurbished.

Gracen Rivera

Now a public market, Armature Works is busiest during the weekends. Armature Works was a TECO storage facility from the 1910s used to house streetcars before it was refurbished.

Light floods through clear wide-frame windows, casting shadows across lounge chairs, tables, and a tall ceiling. A brown leather couch is adorned by metal frame chairs with a view across the deep blue waters of the Tampa River Walk. Armature Works Tampa is known for their food, atmosphere and picturesque setting.  

“I think Armature Works is a great place,” sophomore Maggie Rowen said. “The food’s really good.” 

Armature Works is a refurbished TECO storage facility that used to house streetcars in the 1910s. With a new multitude of restaurants, Armature Works is now a public market.   

Open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturday, and 9 a.m. to 9 a.m. Sunday, Armature Works finds itself busiest during the weekends. 

“It’s really pretty and has a good variety of food,” senior Marcella Mena said. “I enjoyed trying their ice-cream.” 

A plethora of couches, chairs and tables creates an open seating dynamic which makes Armature Works a reservation-free place to dine. The menus contain kid and vegan options, appealing to a wide audience of consumers. On busy days, lines of people span across an elongated hall lined with kitchens as restaurateurs prepare food. 

“It’s a nice place,” junior Sophia Laratta said. “I enjoyed the unique atmosphere it’s created.” 

Whether one is craving a new take on a sandwich from Inside the Box, fresh fish from Zukku Sushi or even locally sourced ice cream from Astro Ice Cream Co., Armature Works’ open market allows people to stroll the hall and contemplate options.  

“I think it’s cool,” freshman Lucas Muench said. “I’ve been there and the food’s really good. They just need more options for restaurants.”  

Armature Works not only has places to grab lunch but also serves as an interesting place to take pictures. Red bricks and wood beams create a rustic atmosphere with an array of windows creating a well-lit environment.  

“The lighting is incredible for photos,” AP art history teacher William Renninger said. “The way it comes in is very cool.”