Private investment firm Lone Star Funds is trying to buy Channelside and 23 other similar distressed retail properties, Tampa Port Authority General Counsel Charles Klug said.

The Texas-based firm is said to be paying $800 million for the bundle of properties.

The port authority would have to approve such a deal involving its property.

Meanwhile, the agency has reopened its February 2010 eviction lawsuit against Channelside Bay Plaza LLC and Anglo-Irish Bank Corp.

Last year Dublin, Ireland-based Anglo-Irish foreclosed on Ashkenazy Acquisitions Corp., which owed more than $26 million from its 2006 purchase of Channelside.

Klug said the bank has agreed to pay $1.8 million for repairs, clean up and more security at the troubled 220,000-square-foot asset, which is in receivership and has been on the market since April.

Mark Holan's beats include commercial real estate, transportation and ports, and economic development.