TAMPA - The owner of the Kress building is so frustrated with the city that she might sell the property to another developer.

The property on North Franklin Street is listed for sale, throwing into question whether a plan to put 974 condo units there will materialize.

Property owner Jeannette Jason says the delays at city hall prompted her to try to sell the property. She has been battling with city officials for months over whether the facades of the adjacent F.W. Woolworth and J.J. Newberry buildings should be designated as historical.

"Market conditions have definitely changed," Jason said. "We've been delayed over a year. Can we still go forward with the condo market? Can we still go forward with the price points we proposed?"

The price range was $150,000 to $450,000.

Jason does not want the buildings labeled historical. Last week, the council approved a settlement agreement that outlines steps the developers must take to preserve the buildings without the formal designation - a move that was seen as a victory for the developers and a defeat for historical preservationists.

Still, the process is far from over. The city now needs to formally undo the previous historical designation of the facades, a process that includes several more public hearings.

The decision last week, however, essentially reversed a March decision to label the buildings historical.

But bad feelings persist from the March decision, after which Jason's father, Doran, declared the project all but dead.

"After the March hearing, Doran pretty much threw his hands up and said he had enough," Jason said.

"The city doesn't have a lot of confidence in us as developers."

Jason said she has been interested for a long time in finding a development partner. That remains an option, but so does an outright sale.

According to the marketing Web site, the estimated development expenses are expected to reach $201 million. Estimated gross sales could reach $386 million.

The suggested starting bid on the property, which also includes the former Grant building, is $32 million.

The zoning and settlement agreement run with the property, City Attorney David Smith said.

If a new developer wants to make any changes, the developer will have to ask the council for a rezoning.

Councilwoman Linda Saul-Sena, who has argued that the buildings should formally be designated historical, is skeptical.

"The fact these buildings are for sale underscores the need for protection with designation," Saul-Sena said. "Regardless of their ownership."

Reporter Ellen Gedalius can be reached at (813) 259-7679 or egedalius@tampatrib.com.