So you’re thinking about living in an Urban Corridor (UC) historic neighborhood. Perhaps you long for steadier property values, active co-residents, exquisite architecture, classic red brick streets or simply being close to the social heartbeat of Tampa. Certainly there are many advantages to living in the UC, but the greatest may be the close ties you share with your neighbors.

 

And indeed, it’s easy to get to know them. You’ll recognize some through their neighborhood association affiliation – striving to steer the area’s continuing renaissance through the maze of city initiatives affecting the community (and therefore, all of Tampa). Others you’ll get to know via friendly chit-chat at regularly held child playgroups, dog park get-togethers and highly-attended, wine-infused porch parties.

 

Choosing to live in the UC absolutely has its benefits; but with them come other considerations, like where exactly to live. That’s because the UC is not only historic – it’s large. In fact, the neighborhoods that form the corridor are among the biggest in Tampa; including Seminole Heights, which is the biggest.

 

But there’s more to where than location. As you search the UC, you’ll notice another option: buy an existing historic home or build a new ‘old’ home.

 

If you choose a historic home, you’ll experience the awesome details created by craftsmen of yesteryear, such as scrollwork, hand-carved staircases and newel posts. In these homes you can often feel the footsteps of those from days gone by who walked upon the same, enduring heart of pine floor as you.

 

Buying and caring for such a home can be a rewarding, but maintaining its property value may involve the costly updating of electrical and plumbing systems or other restoration necessities. Also, before purchase, it’s wise to research whether or not the home is in a designated historic district. If it is, you may need to abide to restoration guidelines set forth by Tampa’s Architectural Review Committee (ARC), which was created to preserve the integrity of the city’s historic districts (and the value of each resident’s investment).

 

Although updates and renovations to historic homes can be eligible for federal tax relief, the most valuable return may be in your satisfaction of preserving history.

 

Those who visit the UC for the first time will see a lot of Tampa’s history, whether they realize it or not. One such often unrecognized, yet historic location is the former Tampa Heights home of 96-year-old Fernando Mesa; who was born and raised in the house, occupying it for nearly a century.

 

The house, located at 210 E. Ross Ave., has hosted events throughout the years that were attended by many of Florida’s top dignitaries. Known by locals as a “museum,” the home was also adorned for generations with artifacts and newspaper clippings dating back to the turn of the twentieth century.

 

But even though the thought of living in a historic house like Fernando’s is romantic, you may still prefer to live among the modern conveniences of today. Why not do both?

 

Some custom builders are able to blend architectural influences of the past, with the modern conveniences and technologies of today. To some current UC residents, this is an ideal solution. Not only is their pocketbook benefiting from lower maintenance and energy costs, but their neighborhood is benefiting from a new, well–maintained house that adds to the area’s historic appeal.

 

As for future UC residents interested in building new to look historic, they can find local builders who painstakingly develop home plans to ensure buyers’ creature comforts are evenly balanced with architectural integrity and authenticity.

 

In many cases, this means modern conveniences like vacuum systems, media rooms, Thermador wall ovens and elevators are accompanied by traditional-looking wood porches, hardwood floors, clawfoot tubs, mahogany fireplaces, secret doors, wine cellars and leaded glass windows.

 

Brendan McLaughlin, Tampa news anchor for “ABC Action News,” and his wife Sandy had their Tampa Heights custom home built in 2006.

 

“People are always amazed at how the house blends into the neighborhood and appears to have been here for decades,” said Brendan. “It’s like living in a historic home with all the modern innovations.”

 

Brendan went on to explain his family’s reason for choosing to live in the UC. “The best part of our decision to build in this unique neighborhood is the proximity to downtown and the terrific neighborhood spirit that values diversity and openness.”

 

Whether you decide on a historic or historic-looking home, living in the UC has become an increasingly common sense choice for Tampa residents. In the wake of cookie–cutter urban sprawl and $3 gallon gas prices, many people – just like you – are rediscovering the UC for its friendly people, convenient location and beautiful architecture. We look forward to seeing you soon.

 

About the Author:

Mary Hernandez is a Tampa native, Tampa Heights resident and past president of her neighborhood’s civic association. She works at Traditional Homes by Hernandez with her husband, Roy, and two sons. Traditional Homes specializes in high-quality, historically accurate reproductions of homes, including such styles as Classic Bungalow, Queen Anne, Traditional, Victorian, Craftsman and Italianate. To contact Mary, call (813) 948-9996 or visit www.TraditionalHomesbyHernandez.com.