Preservation & History Links
Local/ State
The following links will provide a primer for using documentary resources to investigate the history of a place, as well as financial assistance for historic preservation. For additional information, contact TPI.
City of Tampa
The Office of Architectural Review and Historic Preservation is responsible for the following:
- Historic Preservation Commission – The HPC recommends designations, conservation districts and historic districts.
- Architectural Review Commission – The ARC reviews alterations and additions within the Hyde Park, Tampa Heights and Seminole Heights Historic Neighborhoods as well as for individually landmarked resources.
- Barrio Latino Commission – The BLC is responsible for preserving the historic fabric of the Barrio Latino/ Ybor City Historic District and maintaining architectural integrity.
- Preservation Incentives – The City of Tampa offers several economic incentive programs for historic properties including an Ad Valorem Tax Abatement, Revolving Loan Program, and Revolving Grant Fund.
- Historic Plaque Program – Owners of buildings that are designated as being historically significant have the opportunity to purchase a bronze plaque through the City of Tampa in recognition of the building’s historic value. These plaques are being offered to promote public appreciation and civic pride in our community’s history.
Hillsborough County
- Historic Preservation Program – Recommends landmark designations in unincorporated Hillsborough County and creates guidelines for their treatment. The County also offers matching grants for work on historic properties. State of
Florida Division of Historical Resources
- The state agency responsible for promoting the historical, archaeological and folk culture resources in Florida. Includes the Bureau of Historic Preservation, Bureau of Archaeological Resources, Grants Services and many publications related to Florida history and historic preservation.
Florida Trust for Historic Preservation
- Non-profit statewide organization dedicated to promoting the preservation of the architectural, historical and archaeological heritage of Florida through advocacy, education and historic property stewardship.
Florida State Archives On-line
- A selection of historical records that illustrate significant moments in Florida history utilizing selected original records, photographs and other materials from the collections of the State Library and Archives of Florida.
Research
Local
- Sanborn Maps – Historic Fire Insurance Maps that show building footprints. Helpful in determining when built, subsequent additions and alterations, type of construction, uses, and, occasionally, business names. Digital copies are accessible through the Hillsborough County website and original copies are available at the main Tampa Library.
- Burgert Brothers Photos – For information on this historic photograph collection Tampa buildings and society, see this blog post.
- FSU Special Collections
- Tampa Bay History Center
- Tampa Historical Society
Magazines, Websites, Discussion Boards/ Forums
- American Bungalow – Lovely photos showcasing bungalow renovations around the US. The website also has an online Forum to discuss Bungalow renovations with other enthusiasts.
- John Leeke’s Historic Homeworks – One of the best sources for serious preservation issues on the web with how-to books and videos. Also has a good online discussion board.
- Old House Journal– Professional advice on everything related to old homes from paint color to kitchens, landscaping to tile to help with renovation. Also has an online discussion board and excellent product directory.
- Old House Web – Ideas and Advice for old house enthusiasts with a very active Forum.
- Period Homes – Includes a very comprehensive directory of preservation products and services.
- This Old House – The popular PBS TV show brought to print. Tends to be less strict in its restoration focused than some of the other magazines, but an excellent source of information on repairs and maintenance of old homes.
- The Craftsman Blog – Run by a Florida resident, the Craftsman Blog has weekly restoration and renovation tips for old house owners.
- Histpres.com – A website for active preservationists listing jobs, current issues, and networking.
- Preservation Directory
- Association for Preservation Technology
- National Center for Preservation Training and Technology
- Secretary of the Interior’s Standards and Guidelines for Archeology and Historic Preservation
- National Register of Historic Places
Tampa Area Neighborhoods
Neighborhoods
- Ballast Point – Located on the west side of Hillsborough Bay, just north of MacDill Air Force Base. The area features Ballast Point Park , developed in 1894 as an elegant trolley stop terminus.
- Bayshore Gardens
- Beach Park – Beach Park was developed in the early 1920’s on land once a mixture of thick Florida tropical brush, Palm & Oak forests on the Old Tampa Bay waterfront.
- Davis Islands – See the developmental history here: http://dicivic.org/davis-islands-history/the-history-of-davis-islands/
- Drew Park
- Forest Hills
- Gray Gables
- Hampton Terrace
- Hyde Park – Listed on the National Register of Historic Places as well as designated as a City of Tampa Historic District.
- Hyde Park North
- MacFarlane Park
- Lowry Park
- New Suburb Beautiful
- Palma Ceia
- Palmetto Beach
- Parkland Estates
- Port Tampa
- Seminole Heights – Listed on the National Register of Historic Places as well as having local historic designation.
- South Seminole Heights
- Southeast Seminole Heights
- Swann Estates
- Tampa Heights – Listed on the National Register of Historic Places as well as having local historic designation. Read some interesting background history at: http://www.tampaheights.org/History/hist1.pdf
- VM Ybor – National Historic Landmark District, National Register of Historic Places District and locally designated as the Barrio Latino Historic District.
- West Tampa – Listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
- Ybor City – National Historic Landmark District, National Register of Historic Places District and locally designated as the Barrio Latino Historic District.
Outside Tampa City Limits
- Bealsville – Founded by freed slaves who acquired the land through the Southern Homestead Act of 1866. Bealsville is named for Alfred Beal, a member of one of the founding families and prominent land owner. The Glover School at the heart of Bealsville is listed in the National Register of Historic Places and is on the Florida Black Heritage Trail. The Glover School and the Beal-Holloman House are Hillsborough County designated landmarks.
- Lutz
- Plant City Progress Village – Platted in 1958, Progress Village was constructed to provide homes for families dislocated from the Scrub neighborhood in Tampa during urban renewal and interstate construction. Less than a quarter of the planned 3,857 residences were constructed, but in 1960 the non-profit Progress Village, Inc., with its interracial board of trustees, was awarded the national Lane Bryant Service Award for outstanding contribution to community life.
- Ruskin
- Temple Terrace