TAMPA, Fla. — A historic street in Ybor City will see the return of some equally historic bricks as part of a new project launched by the City of Tampa.
Named one of America's 10 Great Streets by the American Planning Association, East 7th Avenue is the main road of Ybor City.
Officials said the project aims to calm traffic, promote alternative modes of transportation and boost local businesses.
"The reason were rebricking 7th Avenue is to restore and preserve Ybor's past. Ybor City is a National Historic Landmark District. We're turning 7th Avenue to brick in keeping with its authentic character," said Brenda Thrower, Ybor City CRA Development Manger.
An outside contractor will use authentic historic bricks to enhance the authenticity of the National Historic Landmark District. The first phase begins on July 15.
Crews will begin with a two-block segment along East 7th Avenue between N. 15th Street and 17th Street.
"Originally Ybor city was brick. Up until 1960 and then afterwards it was removed, asphalt became a popular paving so it was put into 7th Avenue and the bricks were removed," said Thrower.
The project will cost $434,640 and take up to 6 weeks. It is paid for by CRA funding dollars.
"Ybor City was established as a CRA back in 1988. The increment that comes off that CRA every year has been put into a fund that can only be used for redevelopment projects within that CRA in accordance to their community redevelopment plan," said Thrower.
According to Ybor City's website, the area was considered a melting pot of cultures in the 1880s, with immigrants from Spain, Cuba, Germany and Italy. It was even home to some of the world’s most famous cigar factories, making Ybor City the Cigar Capital of the World until the 1930s.
Two of the city's historic social clubs, La Union Marti Maceo and the Italian Club, are also located along 7th Avenue. The clubs' sites were built in 1950 and 1917, respectively.
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