The Tampa Downtown Partnership commissioned two complementary projects to strengthen historic preservation in the city’s urban core: a preservation and action plan for the Franklin Street corridor and a cultural resources survey of Downtown Tampa. Franklin Street has historically served as the city’s commercial heart, home to many local “firsts,” including the first paved street, first brick building, and first theater. However, decades of redevelopment have led to the loss of numerous historic structures, creating an urgent need for a strategic plan to protect remaining resources and guide future revitalization efforts.

Downtown Tampa is experiencing rapid growth, with new residential towers, office developments, and entertainment venues reshaping the skyline. Amid this transformation, the city’s historic fabric faces increasing pressure. Many buildings over 50 years old had never been formally surveyed or listed in the Florida Master Site File, while others were overdue for updates. Recognizing the importance of heritage tourism and cultural identity, the Tampa Downtown Partnership secured Hillsborough County Historic Preservation Challenge Grants in 2022 and 2023 to fund these initiatives. These efforts aim to balance economic development with the preservation of irreplaceable cultural resources, ensuring that Tampa’s history remains visible and celebrated as the city evolves.

Inspire prepared a strategic preservation plan for Franklin Street that inventories historic resources and recommends actionable strategies to protect and revitalize the corridor. Key strategies included promoting preservation as a tool for economic revitalization; engaging the community in preservation efforts; reviewing local policies for barriers and incentives; and providing guidance to property owners and developers. The plan also explored opportunities for expanding local historic districts and enhancing heritage tourism. Inspire developed an implementation chart outlining estimated timeframes, costs, and partnerships for each recommended action. Following the success of the first grant, Inspire conducted a survey of approximately 116 historic properties in Downtown Tampa, producing a detailed report and designing an interactive digital map for public access on the Tampa Downtown Partnership’s website.

Together, these projects provide a comprehensive roadmap for preserving Tampa’s historic character while supporting economic growth. The Franklin Street plan strengthens local preservation programs and policies, while the downtown survey ensures that previously undocumented resources are recognized and protected.