CHANNEL DISTRICT - When Richard Sacchi predicted Towers of Channelside would take two years to build, like all developers, he had his fingers crossed.

But from the beginning of construction in July 2005 to the planned beginning of occupancy in July 2007, everything has been on schedule, Sacchi said.

"We'll be very excited to not only see our project open this year," he said, "but the three others, Grand Central at Kennedy, Ventana and The Place as well."

The projects will bring a surge of residents to the Channel District: The Towers' two 29-story buildings will have 257 units; Ventana will have 84 units; Grand Central at Kennedy will have 392; and The Place will have 465 units when complete.

"This area will change almost overnight when all these buildings are up and running," said Sacchi, whose project includes a five-level platform linking the two high-rises.

The 3-acre site across from Channelside's stores, restaurants and movie complex will offer a four-level spa and health club.

On the fifth-level, there will be a pool with room for large parties and a deck capacity of 1,700.

Sacchi said announcements will be made later about the rest of The Towers' 11,000 square feet of retail space.

"The owners are splitting up the space," he said. "So we aren't sure how that will end up."

Reporter Janis D. Froelich can be reached at (813) 835-2104 or jfroelich@tampatrib.com.