Photography by Doug Scaletta

The suburban Westshore business district northwest of downtown Tampa is distinguished as having the most contiguous commercial/office space in Florida, thanks partly to last year’s opening of the International Plaza retail complex as well as a burgeoning "restaurant row." The area is the beneficiary of a textbook real estate maxim: location, location, location. Westshore is two miles from Tampa International Airport and 25 miles from the gulf beaches and other recreation of Florida’s Clearwater and St. Petersburg. The area also is adjacent to the prestigious residential neighborhoods lining the picturesque Culbreath Bayou.

At the center of this unique business and social juncture is, quite aptly named, the Centre Club, marking its 18th year atop the Urban Centre.

The Centre Club has connected its naturally diverse business and civic member base by wholeheartedly embracing the clubs-within-a-club concept, the result of which makes the eloquent club quarters — marked by alcoves, archways, etched and frosted glass doors and windows, marble floors, and local painters complementing turn-of-the-century art — a happening place.

Special interests can be easily well-honed through a vintners’ club, a bridge club, a book club, a mah-jongg club, a community awareness series of forums, a business series of topical speakers, cooking classes, and special events. For golfers, the business club has created a "Golf Buddies on Call" directory for matching partners and planning golf outings.

"CareerConnect" offers a members-only section of the club’s Web site designed to enhance member-to-member career opportunities by listing available positions and job seekers. Postings include pertinent job or candidate information, but individual names and company names are kept confidential.

And recent high-tech additions to the club’s business offerings include office-away-from-home amenities, such as an e-lounge, all-day hospitality station and food service, videoconferencing, financial media, and office support services. At the same time, the fine dining tradition of the club continues beneath the exceptional, handblown Venetian glass chandeliers that give the Skyline Room its signature touch.

But for all of its diversity of membership and activities, the Centre Club also connects commonalities, making it a welcoming, relaxing, fun place to meet and greet in the Tampa area. Just be forewarned: The club becomes downright crowded at sunset when, once again, location is key. The Bayou Bistro’s western-facing windows frame a postcard-like view. On a clear day, you can see the Gandy Bridge, downtown St. Pete, and Tropicana Field. You might even be tempted to break into song.

CENTRE CLUB

Location: 123 South Westshore, 8th floor.
Chair, Board of Governors: Rick Cunningham.
Club manager: Tracy Marple.
Membership directors: Star Garcia, Julia Marrs.
Amenities: Formal dining room, informal Bayou Bistro, six private meeting rooms. Bay View wing seats up to 175, holds up to 300 for a reception.
Web site: www.centretampa.com