The 1914 High School Community Center is on The Florida Trust for Historic Preservation's 2023 list of the most threatened historic places in the state.
The Florida Trust for Historic Preservation recently announced the 2023 Florida’s 11 to Save, a list of the most threatened historic places in the state, at the 2023 Preservation on Main Street conference. The 1914 High School Community Center made on the list.
East Hillsborough Historical Society (EHHS) President Shelby Bender was the first to know. She did, after all, submit the application to be included in this year’s list.
“Making the 11 to Save will bring a greater public awareness of the need for historic preservation of the building and that greater awareness will help us focus on the funding that’s needed,” said Bender. “It takes it outside our neighborhood to garner support from people who recognize the need for funding.”
Each year, the Florida Trust announces its 11 to Save sites, which are nominated by the public and reflect the historic places that matter to local communities. The program is designed to increase the public’s awareness of the urgent need to save Florida’s historic resources, highlight the breadth of Florida’s unique history, inspire unique collaborations and empower local preservationists and community groups in their work to preserve Florida’s rich history.
The Florida Trust for Historic Preservation is the state’s nonprofit dedicated to protecting Florida’s extraordinary heritage and history. Founded in 1978, the Florida Trust has collaborated to save irreplaceable Florida treasures like the Historic Florida Capitol and is a statewide partner of the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
“The 2023 Florida’s 11 to Save reflect the extraordinary breadth and depth of stories that make up the cultural mosaic of our state,” said Florida Trust Board President Mike Cosden. “By safeguarding these sites, we’re not just preserving buildings and landscapes, but also the diverse histories and voices that contribute to our shared heritage.”
Other historic buildings that made the list include: Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall in Sarasota, Thelma Boltin Center in Gainesville, Community of Royal, Community of East Palatka, Ormond Beach Yacht Club, Opa-locka Bank, Port Charlotte High School, Mount Olive AME Church in Jacksonville, Hollywood Beach Hotel and Central Academy in Palatka.
Bender hopes that making the list will heighten the awareness of preserving the former school building, designed by Tampa- based architect Willis R. Biggers. Active since 1914, the year of its construction, the Georgian Revival school ceased being used as an educational facility in 1972. Added to the National Register of Historic Places on February 4, 1981, the school building has been occupied by the East Hillsborough Historical Society and used as a community center since 1977. Today, its future is in question as city leaders as the building’s owner, evaluate what to do with the historic structure that is falling into disrepair.
Hillsborough County agreed to allocate $1.5 million to the city for the building’s restoration, which Bender said will cover phase one of her three-phased approach to make improvements to the building. She said local leaders have been working on an interlocal agreement to transfer the funds since June. “I don’t have an update on that, I was told the city was working on getting the money transferred from the county to the city to hold in escrow,” said Bender.
Learn more about the 11 to Save list at www.FloridaTrust.org.
