Next week, Hillsborough County Commissioners will decide which historical buildings will be given money to be restored.
The Hillsborough County Historic Preservation Challenge Grant Program was created to preserve historical properties for new uses and to promote heritage tourism to boost the economy.
The available grant funds are awarded to selected applicants. For eligibility the applicant must be located in Hillsborough County, a nonprofit or private entity, and a non-residential project only. There are documents that explain the requirements in detail.
The Board of County Commissioners will hold a meeting on August 7 to discuss this upcoming year’s recommended grants.
According to Rebecca Hessinger, a manager of the economic department for Hillsborough County, there will be $1.4 million allocated for this year.
“People come to areas and they really want to explore the cultural aspects of the community and the more unique that we are, the more people we will attract. And that’s why we want to preserve our older resources because it gives us a real sense of place that a lot of other places might not have,” Hessinger said.
Since 2012, the County attributed more than $7 million to the program including these ten well-known historical projects:
Atrium Restoration at the Historic Federal Courthouse
This project was given $99,500. The funding restored and recreated the main atrium of the Courthouse to a hotel that is known as the Le Meridien Tampa. The atrium allowed visitors to have a better experience staying in the hotel. It is located at 601 North Florida Ave.
Hillsborough Education Foundation Building Excellence Initiative
This project was given $100,000. The funding repaired and restored 86 exterior windows and the interior grand staircase. It is located at 2306 North Howard Ave.
Historic Monument Trail of the Tampa Riverwalk
This project was given $120,000. The funding contributed to the completion of 12 sculpture busts that highlight historical people and events in the history of Hillsborough County.
Keeping the Past Alive – Cemetery Rehabilitation (Italian Club Cemetery)
This project was given $100,000. The funding was used to strengthen the security by installation of a gate, camera security system and landscape improvements to enrich the location for tourists to come and learn the history. It is located at 2502 East 1st Ave.
Preserving and Perpetuating a Tampa Landmark
This project was given $24,000. The funding was for repointing the north wall and restoring the brass entry doors. It is located at 508 East Kennedy Blvd.
Resealing the Envelope – Tampa Bay Hotel Window Restoration (University of Tampa)
This project was given $250,000. The funding supported the restoration and rehabilitation of 178 exterior windows. It is located at 401 West Kennedy Blvd.
Sanctuary Lofts Rehabilitation
This project was given $52,000. The allocation was for the restoration of stained glass windows in the main sanctuary for multi-family residences. It is located at 502 East Ross Ave.
St. James House of Prayer Episcopal Church
This project was given $64,000. The allocation was for re-roofing, waterproofing, insulation and restoration of the exterior construction for the main building including the historic doors. . It is located at 2708 North Central Ave.
Tampa Jewish Community Center South Campus (Fort Homer Hesterly)
This project was given $151,200. The allocation supports the cost for repair and replacement of the roof of the Fort Homer W. Hesterly Armory building and it will be turned into a community center for Jewish children, seniors and low-income households. This is an ongoing project. It is located at 522 North Howard Ave.
Tampa Theatre Improvements
This project was given $150,000. The funds were used to repair and renovate its projection booth and replace the exterior windows and doors with new architectural design work. It is located at 711 North Franklin St.
