City Begins $3.9 Million Restoration of Historic Guida House
City Begins $3.9 Million Restoration of Historic Guida House
Tampa has launched a $3.9 million restoration of the 1952 George Guida Sr. House, converting the West Tampa landmark into a community gathering space.
Tampa has launched a $3.9 million restoration of the 1952 George Guida Sr. House, converting the West Tampa landmark into a community gathering space.
City Begins $3.9 Million Restoration of Historic Guida House
The City of Tampa has begun a $3.9 million restoration of the historic George Guida Sr. House at 1516 N. Renfrew Avenue, with plans to convert the long-vacant West Tampa landmark into a center for meetings, events, and community programming.
A West Tampa Landmark
Completed in 1952, the distinctive Art Moderne home sits in the southwest corner of Macfarlane Park and has stood empty for decades. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places on March 29, 2006, and the $3.9 million project is designed to preserve the architectural features that earned it that recognition while adapting the property for public use.
The home was designed by businessman, builder, and civic leader George Guida Sr., respectfully known as "Mr. West Tampa," who built it using his own construction company. Beyond its architecture, the house became a neighborhood fixture for the countless celebrations, civic meetings, and community gatherings hosted within its walls, a role it is intended to reprise once restoration is complete.
The Guida Legacy
Guida's civic footprint extended well past his own home. He founded Central Bank of Tampa and built or helped develop several West Tampa institutions, including the Jesuit High School Field House, Rey Park Recreation Center, St. Joseph's Convent, and Boys & Girls Club facilities in West Tampa and Interbay. The city later renamed a road through Macfarlane Park as George Guida Memorial Drive in recognition of his contributions. Guida died in 1986, but the house he built himself remains a symbol of the neighborhood's history.
What Will Be Preserved
The restoration will preserve the home's original fireplace, tilework, built-in cabinetry, interior mural, and the outdoor chimney mural depicting a tall ship at sea. Crews will also restore the heart-shaped driveway that Guida designed as a tribute to his wife, Palmira, one of the property's most distinctive and often-cited features.
Inside, the first floor will be converted into a flexible community gathering space with multi-functional rooms and preserved historic features set aside for display and storytelling. Outside, Guida's large patio and expansive kitchen will be restored, and the cracked tile gathering area that once hosted neighborhood events will be updated.
Current Phase and Timeline
The project is currently in the selective demolition and exploratory restoration phase, during which crews are carefully assessing the home's existing conditions to inform the final scope of work. City staff are working from Guida's original hand-drawn plans to ensure the home can serve West Tampa again while remaining faithful to its history. City officials have said they are hopeful the restoration can be completed within a year.
City Begins $3.9 Million Restoration of Historic Guida House
The City of Tampa has begun a $3.9 million restoration of the historic George Guida Sr. House at 1516 N. Renfrew Avenue, with plans to convert the long-vacant West Tampa landmark into a center for meetings, events, and community programming.
A West Tampa Landmark
Completed in 1952, the distinctive Art Moderne home sits in the southwest corner of Macfarlane Park and has stood empty for decades. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places on March 29, 2006, and the $3.9 million project is designed to preserve the architectural features that earned it that recognition while adapting the property for public use.
The home was designed by businessman, builder, and civic leader George Guida Sr., respectfully known as "Mr. West Tampa," who built it using his own construction company. Beyond its architecture, the house became a neighborhood fixture for the countless celebrations, civic meetings, and community gatherings hosted within its walls, a role it is intended to reprise once restoration is complete.
The Guida Legacy
Guida's civic footprint extended well past his own home. He founded Central Bank of Tampa and built or helped develop several West Tampa institutions, including the Jesuit High School Field House, Rey Park Recreation Center, St. Joseph's Convent, and Boys & Girls Club facilities in West Tampa and Interbay. The city later renamed a road through Macfarlane Park as George Guida Memorial Drive in recognition of his contributions. Guida died in 1986, but the house he built himself remains a symbol of the neighborhood's history.
What Will Be Preserved
The restoration will preserve the home's original fireplace, tilework, built-in cabinetry, interior mural, and the outdoor chimney mural depicting a tall ship at sea. Crews will also restore the heart-shaped driveway that Guida designed as a tribute to his wife, Palmira, one of the property's most distinctive and often-cited features.
Inside, the first floor will be converted into a flexible community gathering space with multi-functional rooms and preserved historic features set aside for display and storytelling. Outside, Guida's large patio and expansive kitchen will be restored, and the cracked tile gathering area that once hosted neighborhood events will be updated.
Current Phase and Timeline
The project is currently in the selective demolition and exploratory restoration phase, during which crews are carefully assessing the home's existing conditions to inform the final scope of work. City staff are working from Guida's original hand-drawn plans to ensure the home can serve West Tampa again while remaining faithful to its history. City officials have said they are hopeful the restoration can be completed within a year.
