Copyright © Preservation Resource, Inc. 2005-2008
"Las Casitas" was a sub-project of the
Tampa Interste Study Relocations and Renovations that involved the adaptive use of five relocated
homes for commercial purposes. Five historic homes were moved to land near the Ybor City State Museum, South of Interstate 4, where
the 7th Avenue commercial district is located. One two-story “camel back” house was relocated to a vacant lot adjacent to the State
Museum and now houses the Museum Gift Shop, giving the Museum a larger street presence and allowing for expanded merchandise offerings.
The other four homes were placed on an adjacent block flanking a relocated brick commercial building to replicate a historic streetscape.
These retail shops are rented by the Museum’s not-for-profit support organization to generate revenue for Museum programs. The shops
that have chosen to lease the space are surprisingly compatible with the Museum mission, offering Florida memorabilia and locally
produced art. The tenants also compliment the art fairs and greenmarket events held periodically in Centennial Park across the street
from the shops and the Museum.
