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Tampa Heights
Location, Location, Location
Tampa Heights, the oldest suburb of Tampa, is located in central Tampa, and is bounded on the north by Hillsborough Avenue, the east by Nebraska Avenue, the south by I-275, and the west by the Hillsborough River. It sits at the edge of downtown and is convenient to all parts of the county via the interstate.
Tampa Heights - the First Suburb
Thanks to the Tampa Heights Civic Association
Established in the early 1880's, the area was named by "Highlands" by Thomas Puch Kennedy, the son of one of Tampa's earliest pioneers. He moved just one mile north of downtown, helping to kick off downtown residents' first flight into the suburbs.
While the economic boom gave rise to Tampa Heights in 1883, the yellow fever epidemic of 1887 prompted even more people to move into the neighborhood. Many believed the elevation of "The Heights" made it a healthier place to live and to raise families.
Businessmen and professionals built stately homes in the area south of 7th Avenue. Working-class residents constructed simple framed homes in the area of Palm Avenue to Columbus Drive. The element common to the "Heights" home was the front porch. Wealthy or working class, conversing on the front porch in the evening, was common to all. The 1900 winter real estate issue of the Tampa Tribune evidenced the neighborhood's popularity. Nearly half of the featured residences were located in Tampa Heights.
Tampa Heights' location, and its access to transportation, have always been a central feature of the area. The Tampa Street Railway Company line located its midway point in the "Heights". The trolley from Ybor City, and its cigar-making industry, wound it way out to the suburbs of west Tampa. The advent of the automobile pushed the development of Florida and Nebraska Avenues into major commercial arteries heading into and out of downtown. The community prospered, benefiting businesses and residents alike.
Along with business development, another indicator of Tampa Heights' prosperity was the construction of many stately churches, many of which stand today. One of these magnificent structures has been turned into a high-style residential loft/office suites building, the Sanctuary. Drive by it and admire the lovely stained glass that adorns the exterior.
There were many schools built in the area to serve the growing population. The Michigan Residence (305 East Columbus Drive) built in 1906, now the Lee Elementary School of Technology; Brewster Technical Center (2222 North Tampa Street) built in 1925, was known as the "opportunity school" because of its vocational and career training. Sacred Heart Academy, at (3515 North Florida Avenue) opened its doors in 1931. Jefferson High School (2704 North Highland Avenue) graduated many Tampa dignitaries, including Bob Martinez who went on to become Florida's Governor.
Your Neighbors
Many of Tampa's most beautiful and impressive historic homes can be found in Tampa Heights. A nice variety of Victorians, bungalows and Spanish Revivals have been restored here and they boast a neighborhood association that has made great strides in revitalizing the neighborhood.
Your immediate neighborhood boasts homes built from the late 1800's to brand new bungalows. Walking down the street from your Victorian you will be treated to a lovely array of architecture and a fine collection of neighbors.
Many of the houses nearby were built in the typical Florida style. Steeply pitched roofs allowed the rain to flow quickly to the ground. Deep porches were favorite spots to sit in the evening to sip lemonade, catch a welcome breeze, and visit with neighbors strolling by.
You will find a variety of this style of housing on your walk, some of them 100 years old and some, newly built.
Surrounded by towering oaks, they contribute to the charming, old time streetscape of Tampa's first suburb, historic Tampa Heights.
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