Tampa Preservation Programs

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Part of Tampa Preservation, Inc.’s mission is to educate the community about the importance of preserving the area’s rich history. Many of TPI’s publications have focused on programs for school children to ensure that future generations develop an appreciation for the Tampa region’s culture and architecture. Contact TPI for information about obtaining copies of any of the publications.

Tampa Preservation, Inc. Publications

• In 1979, TPI created “Tampa Through Time”, a multi-media classroom series to education students about Tampa’s history and built environment. The program includes activity books, teacher’s guides, filmstrips, soundtrack and video.  About 10,000 fourth graders in the Hillsborough County School System receive the program annually.  Over 150,000 students have been reached through this program.
• TPI implemented the first of two annual in-service teacher workshops for elementary and secondary educators called “Teach the Teachers” in 1998.  The program has trained over 1,000 Hillsborough County teachers to use “Tampa Through Time” as well as other state and local resources on the preservation, history and architecture of Tampa.
• TPI wrote and published A Driving Tour of Hyde Park (1988), Discovering Ybor City (1986 & 1994), and Discovering Hyde Park (1991), walking tour and activity books for children based around two Tampa National Register Historic Districts.
• TPI wrote and published If Our House Could Talk and created a companion video “Me and My Neighborhood” (2004) as part of a new 4th grade Heritage Education Program “Saving Yesterday for Tomorrow”. “Saving Yesterday for Tomorrow” was designed to meet the changing needs of the new millennium.  As the 9th largest school district in the nation, TPI worked closely with the School District in development, dissemination, and teacher training for this project.
• TPI partnered with the Henry B. Plant Museum to write and publish the second installment of the “Saving Yesterday for Tomorrow” program – If Our Hotel Could Talk (2005).
• TPI produced a poster entitled A Salute to Historic Hillsborough County Schools (2005) to educate both students and the community about our unique historical and architectural heritage and to salute the stewardship and dedication of the School District of Hillsborough County for our historic schools.

 Since 1982, Tampa Preservation, Inc. has been recognizing significant contributions to the preservation of Tampa Bay area historic resources through our Annual Award Program. The Award Program recognizes outstanding historic preservation projects, programs and achievements by individuals and organizations. Winners in the Restoration/ Rehabilitation category are given a Banner to display on their building. 

AWARDS CATEGORIES: 

Restoration/Rehabilitation

• Residential buildings, 50 years or older
• Commercial buildings, 50 years or older
• Structures: bridges, monuments, sculptures, etc., 50 years or older

The guidelines for the awards include consideration of sensitivity to the historic integrity of the site following the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Historic Rehabilitation. Preference is given to exterior restoration projects that exemplify Tampa Bay’s cultural, historical, and architectural heritage. The evaluation focuses on whether the significant features of the building are retained, whether changes are compatible with the architectural style of the building and whether original materials are restored or replaced with similar kind and finish. Although the building need not be renovated to “museum quality,” review will be based on the overall quality of the renovation taking into consideration that a building may be adapted for modern life while remaining true to its architectural style. Review will consider not only the building but also the site including outbuildings, fencing, paving materials and landscaping.

Individual Achievement
This award recognizes outstanding contribution to the preservation of historical resources in Tampa and Hillsborough County by an individual. The award nomination evaluation will be based on outstanding achievement for a significant project or for a lengthy period of dedication to preservation activities. Nominations may be submitted without the knowledge of the nominee.

Organizational Achievement
This award recognizes outstanding achievement in preservation activities by a group, business, neighborhood or other organization in Tampa and Hillsborough County.  The award nomination evaluation will be based on outstanding achievement for a significant project or for a lengthy period of dedication to preservation activities. Nominations may be submitted without the knowledge of the nominee.

Educational Program or Project
The types of educational projects that will be considered in this award category include books, brochures or other publications; video-programs; and educational training programs for a general audience or targeted audience (i.e.: school children or teachers). The award nomination will be evaluated based on the impact of the program on the intended audience and the quality of the project.

Tampa Preservation, Inc.’s many preservation projects include rehabilitation of historic structures, neighborhood revitalization, infill construction in historic neighborhoods, heritage education programs and preservation publications. Below is a list of some of the awards and recognition received for our efforts. 

National Trust for Historic Preservation – Honor Award

1995 – Revitalization of a 20 block area in the Tampa Heights Neighborhood

Florida Trust for Historic Preservation

1986 – Outstanding Achievement in the Field of Preservation by a Non-profit Group
1986 – Outstanding Achievement in the Restoration of an Historic Interior: Ybor City Preservation Park
1990 – Recognition of Meritorious Achievement for Preservation Education/Media: Teach the Teachers Project
1995 – Recognition of Organizational Achievement in the Field of Preservation: Commitment to Community Preservation
2004 – Recognition of Outstanding Achievement in the Field of Preservation Education/Media: If Our House Could Talk
2005 – Recognition of Outstanding Achievement in the Field of Preservation Education/Media: If Our Hotel Could Talk

Public Technologies, Inc. and The National League of Cities
1991 – Exceptional Achievement for the Tampa Heights Neighborhood Revitalization Project

Hillsborough County City/County Planning Commission

1982 – Historic Restoration, Hutchinson House – 304 Plant Avenue
1994 – Award of Excellence for Affordable Housing, Tampa Heights Housing Project
1994 – Award of Merit for Urban Infill, Tampa Heights Housing Project
1994 – Outstanding Contribution for Tampa Heights Housing Project
1994 – Award of Merit for Historic Preservation/Restoration for Tampa Heights Housing Project
1996 – Award of Recognition in Historic Preservation for Tampa Heights Neighborhood Revitalization

The History Channel

2004 – Save Our History, Bank of America Community Award