Dominic Pickering, Executive Director, BTI Partners

In an interview with Invest:, Dominic Pickering, executive director at BTI Partners, celebrated the success of Marina Pointe, with Tower 1 sold out and Towers 2 and 3 in progress. He emphasized Tampa Bay’s rise as a luxury living destination. Completing Marina Pointe remains a priority as Tampa continues to attract lifestyle-driven relocations.

What achievements in Tampa Bay are you most proud of over the past year?

Marina Pointe is the development we’re most proud of in Tampa Bay. With the first tower already built and 100% sold out, we’ve released the second and third towers, with construction of our second starting in summer 2026. Tampa Bay has firmly established itself as a premier destination for high-rise luxury living, offering a variety of options to suit different tastes and lifestyles. From upscale urban residences to waterfront developments like Marina Pointe, which offers breathtaking water views, luxury condos, and an exclusive deepwater yacht marina, the area has become the ultimate choice for those seeking the luxury condo lifestyle in a paradise-like environment year-round.

How does Tampa Bay differ from other markets you work in?

Tampa Bay offers a unique lifestyle that stands apart from other Florida markets. Unlike the fast-paced, vibrant energy of South Florida, Tampa has a more relaxed vibe that attracts a diverse demographic, including people from South Florida who are relocating for a change of pace. Compared to Orlando, which is driven by tourism, Tampa feels like a thriving, active city with a strong year-round community of residents who live and work here. What truly sets Tampa apart from other cities on Florida’s West Coast is its ability to blend urban energy with a welcoming, engaging atmosphere. It’s a place where young professionals and active individuals can enjoy an exciting lifestyle without sacrificing convenience or access to everything the city has to offer.

Right now, I’m most excited about the upcoming groundbreaking of Marina Pointe’s second tower. This marks a significant step in the development of one of Tampa’s premier luxury real estate destinations. Following closely behind, Marina Pointe’s third tower will further elevate our offerings and set a new standard for high-rise living. Marina Pointe’s success reflects the growing demand for luxury condos in Tampa, and we’re proud to be leading the charge. In addition, we’re actively acquiring new land to expand beyond Marina Pointe, bringing even more exciting projects to the city. It’s an exciting time for Tampa Bay’s luxury real estate market, and we’re thrilled to be shaping its future.

What types of amenities are your clients most interested in, and how are you meeting those expectations?

When it comes to amenities, our clients expect more than just the basics like swimming pools, hot tubs, gyms, or golf simulators — and we certainly deliver on those. At Marina Pointe, we’ve focused on creating spaces that enhance daily life. Recognizing the need for more local conveniences, we developed the Westshore Marina District, bringing in restaurants, a hair salon, a grocery store, and more. This has transformed the area into a walkable community where residents can easily dine, shop, and take care of everyday errands without having to drive. Additionally, we’ve built a deepwater yacht marina just steps away from the condo residences, providing unparalleled access for boat owners. For us, amenities go beyond the features within the building; they’re about creating a seamless, convenient lifestyle that complements the luxury condo living experience at Marina Pointe.

What types of real estate developments are in high demand in the Tampa Bay area, and how are you responding?

In the Tampa Bay area, developments that seamlessly blend work, live, and play concepts are in high demand. Today’s buyers want the convenience of staying within their community for daily needs while also having the flexibility to travel and explore. At Marina Pointe, we’re responding to this demand by offering a prime location that captures the best of Tampa Bay’s urban, suburban, and coastal lifestyles. Our development is ideally situated with easy access to downtown Tampa, the airport, St. Petersburg, Clearwater, and other vibrant areas that each offer unique attractions. Whether it’s the excitement of city living, the tranquility of nearby beaches, or the cultural experiences the area provides, Marina Pointe positions residents at the heart of it all. This diversity and accessibility are what make our development so appealing to those looking for the perfect balance of luxury, convenience, and lifestyle.

How are you addressing workforce challenges in your developments?

Workforce challenges are a part of any development process, but we always keep them in perspective. We successfully built Tower 1 during the height of COVID, so we’re well-equipped to handle current challenges. The key is having a solid plan and the flexibility to adjust when unexpected issues arise. While challenges are inevitable, we don’t see anything that’s insurmountable. As a developer, we collaborate with top-tier general contractors (GCs) and architects, so selecting the right partners is crucial. We focus on teams that not only offer competitive pricing but also have a proven ability to meet timelines and deliver quality. By working with world-class companies that bring experience from different markets, we are able to incorporate fresh, innovative ideas that enhance our developments. This approach ensures we surround ourselves with the best experts, driving success in every phase of the project.

What lessons have recent hurricanes taught you, and how are you building resilience into your projects?

Hurricanes are a reality in Florida, so we take proactive steps in designing our projects to ensure they’re resilient. For our first tower, we implemented high standards to withstand storm surge and strong winds, and during the recent hurricanes, our planning paid off – there was minimal damage, with only a few downed trees. As we continue to develop Marina Pointe and future projects, we’re always looking ahead, reassessing potential challenges, and enhancing resilience in every phase of the design. 

How are macroeconomic factors, such as inflation and recent elections, impacting your operations and strategies?

Macroeconomic factors like inflation have influenced our operations, but we’ve adapted by staying flexible and data-driven. Inflation has been a factor since the pandemic, but we’ve adjusted our plans accordingly and continuously revised our strategies based on current market conditions. With prices beginning to stabilize, we’re able to forecast more accurately and manage our budgets effectively. Buyer confidence has also strengthened, which is crucial for us as developers. Ultimately, nothing moves forward without buyer demand, and knowing that buyers are confident in the market allows us to continue developing projects that meet the evolving needs of our community.

What is your outlook for BTI Partners on Florida’s West Coast, especially in Tampa, and what are your top priorities for the next two to three years?Our top priority is completing Marina Pointe’s second and third towers – both expected to be finished by late 2027 or early 2028 – and  finalizing the entire Marina Pointe development. Once these towers are completed, our focus will shift to what’s next. While we’re a few years away from unveiling our next project, our immediate goal is to ensure the timely delivery of Marina Pointe’s new towers.

One trend I’ve noticed at Marina Pointe, which is likely also happening across other luxury high-rise developments, is the influx of buyers relocating to Tampa Bay. Many of these individuals aren’t just moving for work, but for the lifestyle. What’s particularly interesting is that many of these new residents have gone on to start businesses locally, driving further economic growth and job creation. Additionally, we’ve seen both global and U.S. companies relocate their headquarters to Tampa or open offices here, attracting more C-suite executives to the region. This has created even more demand for luxury condo residences, further elevating Tampa Bay’s status as a top destination for both living and doing business. It’s a trend that will continue to drive growth and benefit the region for years to come.

UPDATE [October 3, 2025]: This article has been updated to reflect that construction on Marina Pointe’s second tower will start in summer 2026.