Brass Bowl

Built in 1926 and opened on January 15, 1927, the Hotel Floridan (corner of Cass and Florida) is the only historic skyscraper (18 stories) left in downtown Tampa. For many years after its opening, it was THE place to stay when in Tampa, offering 300+ rooms together with an opulent lobby and a first class restaurant. Exhibiting both Beaux Arts and Renaissance Revival elements, the Hotel Floridan stood out from the normal fare, and provided a level of lodging that was difficult to match in Tampa at the time. But the advent of suburbia in the 1950’s spelled the end of the first round of glory for the Floridan. It faded and struggled, and entered dream sleep in 1987. For years it sat, dormant, slumbering, changing hands and getting farther and farther into decline. It was saved from the wrecking ball in 1996 when it was entered into the National Registry of Historic Places, and in April of 2005 it was purchased by Antonio Markopoulos with the intent to renovate and renew the historic structure. Work began shortly afterwards, and has been ongoing ever since, with the usual slate of problems, including mortar and paper. But as you can see from the photos, the exterior has had significant progress. While I was shooting these pictures, I meet Ms. Lisa Shasteen (Esq), of Shasteen-Sizemore, the firm that represents Mr. Markopoulos . She related that the renovation has been a tremendous adventure, and that she was very happy with the community support in this venture.

From numerous articles I have researched, the Floridan was projected to be ready in time for the 2009 Super Bowl. I did not get a opportunity to see the level of progress inside, so I can’t comment intelligently about that timeline. Additionally, Mr. Markopoulos is bank rolling the entire renovation out of pocket. No financing. (Smart move in my book. Why pay interest when you don’t have to. You also retain control of your project.)

So the question of the moment is: Will it be ready for the Super Bowl (and of course, Gasparilla)?

I would hope so, as that would be the premier event(s) to showcase the Floridan. Granted now, the gulf between what I know (little) and what I don’t know (just about everything) concerning this project is immense, spanning both time and distance, and I would much rather see it done right six months later than early and slipshod, but I can tell you for sure what I do know:

I like this building. I have walked past it (occasionally) most of my life. And I thank Mr. Markopoulos, Ms. Shasteen and all the members of his team for restoring it. I hope to treat my wife and self to a stay in the renovated Hotel Floridan some day, and savor the experience.

(click on photos to see larger images)