Tampa’s Jackson House To Begin $4M Restoration This Summer After 125 Years

The Jackson House Foundation said Friday it has started pre-construction work on a $4 million fix-up that will transform the 24-room boarding house into a museum and teaching space. The building has sat in downtown Tampa since 1901.

The foundation broke the news on Black History Month's final day. Leaders picked Jerel McCants Architecture to steer the redesign and sent a draft schedule to state officials.

African Americans stayed at the boarding house during segregation. It carries national, state, and local historical status. Part of it fell down last August, which made repairs necessary fast.

"After 11 years, it is a blessing," said Carolyn Collins, chair of the foundation, according to Tampa Bay 28. "This is history — where we're trying to make sure is for future generations, we're going to make sure that happens, and that's what it means to me. It's not what I get now, it's what we get out of it,"

Last year, the foundation got easements on both sides to prep for building. Money has come in from many places — about $4 million total.

Vinik Sports Group gave money too. Collins said the cash will protect the site for kids and grandkids, not bring quick profits.

Leaders want to start digging this summer. Two years should do it. They're hunting for someone to run construction, and bids close March 16.

A museum and teaching space will fill the building when workers finish. The makeover will protect what the site meant to Black residents in Tampa's past.

Details about the construction manager search sit on the foundation's website.