Old Hyde Park Art Center
A Century of Dreams Needs Your Help to Survive
Imagine the year 1899—when Tampa ended at South Boulevard and orange groves stretched as far as the eye could see. In this "wilderness," visionary community leaders built something extraordinary: a small wooden schoolhouse that would spark over 125 years of learning, innovation, and community spirit.
This humble two-room building, when located at 705 DeLeon Street, became Tampa's first public school west of the Hillsborough River—a bold statement of faith in our community's future.
For the past 56 years, this building has been home to Tampa Regional Artists and through our 501(c) have served as a community resource for generations of students and artists to learn, inspire, and showcase their talent.
Today, we face an urgent challenge — and a unique opportunity.
The years have finally taken a toll. As stewards of this historic landmark, we are running a $400,000 capital campaign to restore and preserve this community gem for decades to come.
Our goal is to replace the deteriorating exterior siding, windows, kitchen, and structural underpinnings — all while maintaining the building’s heritage and character.
We’re thrilled to share that we’ve received a $30,000 matching grant from the Hillsborough County Historic Preservation Challenge Grant program. This seed funding allows us to begin work with architects and contractors — but it’s only the beginning.
Now we need your support to complete the vision.
Restoring the Art Center means protecting not only a piece of Tampa’s history, but also investing in its creative future.
Interested in making a gift over $ 1,000, directing investment funds, or in naming rights of a major aspect of construction?
Please reach out directly to our President, Kathy Durdin.
The history of our Arts Center
1899
Tampa's first public school west of the Hillsborough River located on the grounds of what is now Gorrie Elementary School.
1914
Tampa pioneered the county's first hot lunch program in this building with parents volunteering to serve meals for just five cents a plate. Generations of children have walked these halls, their laughter echoing off the same brick walls that once seemed "too fine for the wilderness."
1922
Building became home to the Hyde Park Branch Library and grew its collection to 8,000 books.
1934
On October 5th the Hyde Park Branch Library open at 705 Swann Avenue. It was moved from the grounds of Gorrie to this lot donated by Mrs. Flora White who used to run the English Classical school in the same location before it was lost to fire. when moved to this location, the building was completely remodeled and slightly enlarged. The cost and labor was covered by the Federal Emergency Relief Administration (FERA) for the amount of $3,000.
1968
Hyde Park Branch Library closes permanently. In October, Tampa Realistic Artists, Inc. (TRA), which was founded in 1956, negotiated with the City to lease the building as an art gallery, naming it the Old Hyde Park Art Center.
1969
TRA took over the building at 705 Swann Avenue. Formal opening of the renovated building was October 19, 1969.
1979
TRA arranged to purchase the building for $15,000, which was repaid at $5,000 a year for three years.
1982
In June, officers Harry Blank, Treasurer, and Gary Ennis, President, held a mortgage-burning celebration. TRA owns the building outright.
2014
With help of the Hillsborough County Historic Preservation Grant Program, the Historic Hyde Park Garden Club, and Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful the Old Hyde Park Art Center's exterior was renovated.
2015
Updated the interior with thanks to local fundraising and hardworking volunteers: new walls, paint and a modern hanging system for the artwork shown monthly in our gallery.
2025
Capital campaign to raise $ 400,000 to replace the deteriorating exterior siding, windows, kitchen, and structural underpinnings.