Tampa to rebuild historic community center with $5M in CRA funds

Construction has begun on a historic recreation center in Tampa with $5 million in funding from the West Tampa CRA.

The center, which replaces one built in 1955, is at 2301 N. Howard Street in the city’s 1.35-acre Rey Park.

The project calls for the Rey Park Center to be torn down and rebuilt as a larger and modernized community center “with West Tampa charm,” according to a statement. It will total 5,082 square feet, with an additional 2,281 square feet of covered porch area.

West Tampa is a historic community west of the Hillsborough River between Walnut Street to the north, Cypress Street to the south and Howard Avenue to the west.

It was founded by prominent local resident Hugh Macfarlane in the 1880s, who drew workers to the area from the city’s then burgeoning cigar industry.

The Rey Park Center itself has long been at the heart of the community.

According to the city, starting in 1959 the center hosted Teen Nights twice a week with dances, novelty games and mixers. By the 1980s, it was a place for teens and seniors to gather and in the 1990s it offered activities ranging from cooking classes to homework help to weightlifting.

The last major renovations took place in 1997.

In addition to replacing the center, the project will include a new playground, shade structures, basketball court, walking loop, open play lawn and an event stage and outdoor fitness area.

A city spokesperson says $4 million from the CRA will cover the demolition, park amenities and the new building. An additional $1 million in CRA funding will go toward streetscape improvements around the park.

Work is expected to be completed by December 2027.