Tampa Port Library
by Frank J Benz
Title
Tampa Port Library
Artist
Frank J Benz
Medium
Photograph - Photography
Description
Tampa Port City Library
This beautiful neo-classical styled structure originally opened in 1926 as the First Bank of Port Tampa, the façade of this structure is imported Georgian white Italian marble, the floor is terrazzo and marble and is the only structure in Tampa that features extensive exterior use of terra-cotta tile.
The bank did not remain viable for very many years and after it had ceased operations a grocery and general merchandise store opened in 1935. The store operation was able to stay in business until approximately 1960 when the building was badly damaged by a fire.
This gorgeous building remained vacant until 1993 when the Port Tampa City Woman’s Club raised money to save the building and change it into the Port Tampa City Library. In 1962 the Port Tampa City was annexed by the City of Tampa and the Tampa library system took over the library in 1962.
The building was fully restored and ready for operation and was officially dedicated in 1998 with an initial transfer of 18,000 books. It is said that during its time as a grocery store the bank vault was utilized as a large freezer.
Beautifully styled architectural gem in the City of Tampa that will continue to serve the community for many years to come.
Image Capture: September 2013
Uploaded
September 16th, 2014
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Viewed 132 Times - Last Visitor from Cupertino, CA on 02/18/2024 at 5:34 AM
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