Jackson House Preservation: Easement Cleared for Historic Tampa Landmark Restoration

Historic Jackson House Restoration Progress

• 🏠 The Jackson House, a historic landmark in Tampa with nearly 125 years of history, is moving forward with restoration efforts.
• 📌 Once a central point for one of Tampa's oldest black neighborhoods, it served as a boarding house, barber shop, beauty shop, and more since 1901.

Overcoming Preservation Hurdles

• 🚧 Work to preserve and restore the Jackson House was stalled for years due to issues with an easement or right-of-way around the building.
• ✅ This week, the City Council approved a resolution granting a 10-ft strip of land around the structure, clearing a major hurdle for the Jackson House Foundation.
• 🗣️ Carolyn Collins, head of the foundation, stated that this agreement, which took three years to finalize, will make it easier to revive the historic home.

Next Steps in Restoration

• 🏗️ The foundation has already secured millions in grants and private funding, and has begun the process of securing an architect and engineer.
• 💰 Despite the delay likely increasing construction costs, Collins expressed confidence that the restoration will not be prohibited.
• 🤝 The next steps include a walk-around for the architect/engineer, approval of the easement by the Community Redevelopment Agency, and selection of a contractor.
• 🌟 The preservation of the Jackson House is seen as crucial for maintaining the history of Tampa and its African-American community.