Historic Restoration Projects in Tampa

Ybor City Historic District Projects

Tampa Theatre Restoration (2019-2021)

Our comprehensive restoration of Tampa Theatre's ornate interior represents one of the most significant historic preservation projects in Tampa's recent history. This 1926 atmospheric theater required extensive structural work, plaster restoration, decorative painting conservation, and mechanical systems upgrades while preserving John Eberson's original design vision and the theater's nationally recognized architectural significance.

The project involved painstaking restoration of the theater's elaborate plaster ceiling with its twinkling star field, hand-painted decorative elements, and intricate moldings throughout the auditorium. We worked with specialized conservators to clean and stabilize original murals while reproducing missing elements using traditional techniques and materials that match the original composition and appearance.

Structural improvements included seismic upgrades, foundation stabilization, and accessibility enhancements designed to be completely invisible to theater patrons while meeting modern safety standards. The project earned recognition from the Florida Trust for Historic Preservation and serves as a model for theater restoration throughout the Southeast.

Ybor City State Museum Complex Rehabilitation

The rehabilitation of the former Ferlita Bakery building into the Ybor City Museum complex required careful preservation of the building's industrial heritage while adapting spaces for museum use. This 1896 structure represents Tampa's cigar industry boom period and required specialized techniques to preserve original brick masonry, timber framing, and industrial architectural features.

Our restoration work included tuckpointing using period-appropriate mortar mixes, timber frame stabilization using traditional joinery techniques, and window restoration using historically accurate glazing compounds and hardware. The museum's climate control systems were carefully integrated into the historic structure without compromising architectural integrity or visitor experience.

Historic Cigar Factory Adaptive Reuse

Converting early 20th-century cigar factories into mixed-use developments requires balancing preservation requirements with modern functional needs. Our work on multiple Ybor City factory buildings has demonstrated successful approaches to maintaining historic character while creating viable contemporary spaces for residential, office, and retail use.

These projects typically involve structural reinforcement of timber and masonry construction, window restoration or sensitive replacement, mechanical system integration that respects historic spaces, and preservation of distinctive architectural features including sawtooth rooflines, clerestory windows, and industrial-scale interior volumes that define the buildings' character.

Hyde Park Historic Preservation Projects

Victorian Mansion Restoration on Bayshore Boulevard

Our restoration of a prominent 1895 Queen Anne style mansion on Bayshore Boulevard exemplifies the comprehensive approach required for high-style Victorian architecture. This project required restoration of elaborate woodwork, decorative plaster, stained glass windows, and period-appropriate color schemes while integrating modern mechanical systems and kitchen/bathroom updates for contemporary living.

The mansion's distinctive turret required structural stabilization and roofing repairs using materials and techniques matching the original construction. Interior work included restoration of original hardwood floors, reproduction of missing decorative elements using historical evidence, and careful preservation of intact original features including marble mantels, etched glass panels, and ornate light fixtures.

Modern amenities were integrated through careful planning that concealed contemporary systems within historic spaces while maintaining period room configurations and architectural flow. The project received Tampa's Outstanding Historic Preservation Award and demonstrates successful approaches to making historic homes function for modern families while preserving their historic character.

Hyde Park Village Commercial Building Restoration

The restoration of early commercial buildings in Hyde Park Village required addressing decades of inappropriate alterations while recovering original storefronts and architectural details. Our work involved extensive historical research, archaeological investigation to uncover original building configurations, and careful removal of non-historic additions to reveal intact historic fabric beneath.

Storefront reconstruction used historical photographs and physical evidence to guide accurate reproduction of original display windows, entrance configurations, and decorative elements. The project enhanced the district's historic character while creating attractive spaces for contemporary retail and restaurant uses that support the neighborhood's economic vitality.

Downtown Tampa Heritage Buildings

Franklin Street Historic Commercial District

Our restoration work along Franklin Street has helped revitalize downtown Tampa's historic commercial core through careful rehabilitation of early 20th-century office and retail buildings. These projects demonstrate approaches to preserving historic facades while adapting interior spaces for modern office, residential, and retail uses that attract investment and support urban revitalization.

Typical restoration elements include terra cotta cleaning and repair, window restoration using period-appropriate materials, storefront reconstruction based on historical evidence, and mechanical system integration designed to preserve historic interior spaces. These projects contribute to downtown Tampa's growing reputation as a destination for businesses and residents seeking authentic historic character in urban environments.

Tampa Union Station Restoration Elements

While not the lead contractor on the full station restoration, FCS contributed specialized historic masonry restoration services for Tampa Union Station's rehabilitation. Our work included terra cotta restoration, brick repointing using period-appropriate mortars, and stone conservation techniques that preserved the station's distinctive Mediterranean Revival architectural features while adapting the building for contemporary transportation and commercial use.

The project required coordination with multiple preservation specialists and strict adherence to National Park Service guidelines for projects involving Federal transportation funding. Our contribution demonstrates our capability to work within complex preservation projects requiring the highest professional standards and coordination with multiple stakeholders and oversight agencies.

South Tampa Historic Properties

Mediterranean Revival Estate Restoration

Our restoration of a 1925 Mediterranean Revival estate in South Tampa showcased techniques for preserving and replicating decorative tile work, cast stone elements, and iron work typical of this architectural style. The project required research into period construction techniques, specialized craftsmen capable of matching original materials and methods, and careful integration of modern systems within historic spaces.

Distinctive features included restoration of original Cuban tile roofing, repair and replication of decorative cast stone elements, conservation of original wrought iron work, and landscape restoration using period-appropriate plant materials and hardscape elements. The estate's pool and garden areas required archaeological investigation to ensure that restoration work preserved original design intentions while meeting contemporary safety and accessibility requirements.

Art Deco Apartment Building Rehabilitation

The rehabilitation of a 1940s Art Deco apartment building required preservation of the building's streamlined facade and distinctive decorative elements while completely updating mechanical systems and apartment layouts for contemporary use. Our approach preserved character-defining features including curved corners, horizontal banding, glass block windows, and neon signage while creating modern living spaces.

Interior work involved reconfiguring original efficiency apartments into contemporary one and two-bedroom units while preserving original hardwood floors, built-in cabinetry, and bathroom tile work where historically significant. The project demonstrates successful approaches to adaptive reuse that maintain historic character while creating economically viable housing options in Tampa's competitive real estate market.

Specialized Restoration Techniques and Innovations

Advanced Diagnostic and Documentation Methods

Our restoration projects employ advanced diagnostic techniques including infrared thermography to identify hidden structural issues, ground-penetrating radar for archaeological investigation, and 3D laser scanning for precise documentation of complex architectural elements. These technologies enable more accurate restoration planning while minimizing invasive investigation that could damage historic fabric.

Documentation standards include high-resolution photography, measured drawings using CAD and Building Information Modeling (BIM), and detailed material analysis using laboratory testing. This comprehensive documentation supports immediate restoration needs while creating permanent records that guide future maintenance and preservation planning for Tampa's historic building stock.

Sustainable Preservation Practices

Our restoration approach emphasizes sustainability through material conservation, energy efficiency improvements that respect historic character, and construction practices that minimize environmental impact. We prioritize preservation and rehabilitation of existing materials, source replacement materials from sustainable suppliers, and design building system upgrades that reduce energy consumption while maintaining historic authenticity.

Energy efficiency improvements include window restoration with appropriate weatherization, insulation installation using vapor-permeable materials compatible with historic construction, and mechanical system design that provides contemporary comfort while respecting historic interior spaces and architectural character. These approaches demonstrate that historic preservation and environmental responsibility can be successfully integrated.

Project Management and Regulatory Compliance

Historic Tax Credit Project Management

FCS has successfully managed historic tax credit projects totaling over $50 million in qualified rehabilitation expenditures, requiring coordination with preservation consultants, tax credit attorneys, and state and federal review agencies. Our project management approach ensures compliance with Historic Tax Credit requirements while maintaining project schedules and budgets essential for development feasibility.

Tax credit compliance requires detailed documentation of existing conditions, careful specification of preservation treatments, and systematic quality control throughout construction. Our experience includes successful completion of Part 2 applications, construction phase coordination with preservation requirements, and Part 3 completion documentation that enables tax credit certification and project closeout.

Regulatory Coordination and Permitting

Historic preservation projects require coordination with multiple regulatory agencies including local historic preservation commissions, state historic preservation offices, and federal agencies when projects involve federal funding or tax credits. Our experience includes successful navigation of Section 106 review processes, Certificate of Appropriateness applications, and variance requests when necessary to accommodate preservation requirements.

Permitting for historic buildings often requires creative solutions to meet modern building codes while preserving historic character. Our approach involves early coordination with building officials, development of code equivalency proposals when appropriate, and design solutions that satisfy safety requirements while minimizing impact on historic materials and architectural features.