This is a story about history and culture. So rich that many Tampa residents can tell stories of how the events at Centro Espanol in West Tampa changed their lives forever. This is also a story about city, county, state, and federal money going in a lot of places, but not necessarily where it all should. The building located on North Howard Avenue, just a few blocks north of I275, was built in 1912. The building was a community center for the West Tampa neighborhood and created an atmosphere of afternoon strolls with dances, socials, theatre, music, art and lots more. Money from various federal grants and loan guarantees have been provided for the building over the years. Recently the building as taken back from the Urban League by the City in the name of historic preservation. It seems the Urban League had put way too much money (for them) into the building. Charges of mismanagement surround this issue as well. The City is now seeking ideas of what to do with this over 15,000 sq ft building. Over 60 residents appeared at a public meeting to provide input and suggestions. Every speaker spoke with fondness about the history and were concerned about the preservation of the building. Several key problems exist. The roof is in need of repair - approx cost $$326,000. Cost to renovate the theatre - over $1 million.The building could be sold, but if so, over $2 milion in federal grants would have to be repaid. Suggestions all focused on community involvement. The discussion was a clear focus on heart but short on finances. One suggestion to create a culinary school along with the establishment of a restaurant was extremely well received. Discussion also centered about the need for youth recreation opportunities in order to stem gang involvement in the neighborhood. Barbara Baker of the newly rehabilitated Baker & Co Antique Emporium expressed a clear need to save the building but was concerned about the historic preservation rules hampering an individual as she had been hampered at her location. She indicate the historic rules had helped to almost double her projected cost of the building. Mark Huey with the City indicated that their concern was to provide a catalyst for the improvement of the neighborhood. Intown Homes President and former County Commissioner Ed Turanchik called for significant pressue to be placed on the County and City elected officials to find the funds required to repair the roof and building. Many speakers expressed concern about respecting the original integrity of the building. One possible option is to place the building in a "mothball" status, meaning to secure it for some future purpose. While this was not the first choice among the attendees, it seemed very viable rather than an improper use or incomplete restoration. The suggestion to the city to request proposals was the most business logical approach. Jeannette Fenton of the City will now take the suggestions and help to determine the next step. Watch for more community meetings before a plan is finalized. This process will take some time. It was great to see the amount of residents that took the time to attend and to speak up. While their were some differing opinions, the genuine concern about preserving the building was unanimous.
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