Copyright © Preservation Resource, Inc. 2005-2010
Twenty-six of the buildings chosen for relocation as part of the
Tampa Interstate Study project were located on the north side of
I-4 in the most depressed part of the neighborhood. The single-family homes were moved to
vacant lots within a five-block area,
sited carefully to recreate the historic streetscapes. Design plans were reviewed by both the Florida Division of Historic Resources
and the local Barrio Latino Commission and typically included rebuilding of deteriorated front porches, replacement of inappropriate
windows and doors, new metal roofs, and structural repairs. Low walls, typical of the area, were constructed at each relocated site
with plaques stating the building’s original location and date of relocation. Interiors renovations removed modifications that had
subdivided many homes into multi-resident units and to accommodate contemporary living requirements for kitchens, baths and closets.
Once rehabbed, FDOT transferred ownership of the buildings to the City of Tampa, which then sold the homes to private individuals
for appraised value. As a result of the project improvements, there has been a noticeable increase in private investment in the surrounding
area, both from long-time owners now choosing to improve their homes and rental units and from outside investors purchasing vacant
commercial and residential property.
