Tampa's oldest public housing will be demolished

Tampa’s oldest public housing complex will be torn down next month, making way for a new mixed-use housing development for people of all income levels.

Robles Park Village’s demolition is scheduled to begin Sept. 15, according to the Tampa Housing Authority, Banc of America Community Development Co. and PMG Affordable, the project’s master developer.

Originally built in 1951, the public housing community at the corner of East Lake and North Central avenues has 433 units in 67 buildings. It also contains Zion Cemetery, Tampa’s oldest Black burial ground.