Government Center
The public’s interests are hard at work in downtown’s Government Center. City, county, state and federal offices, as well as the courts, provide a hub of activity, with a dense population of government workers and visitors. Intertwined are some of the area’s most historic sites along with places to live, dine and entertain.
General Boundaries
I-275, Florida Avenue, Jackson Street, , LeeRoy Selmon Crosstown Expressway, Nebraska Avenue
District Gems
Sacred Heart Catholic Church: Known for its beautiful stain-glassed windows, this church has served the religious needs of the downtown community since 1905. And, as downtown Tampa keeps growing, so does Sacred Heart Church, reaching out to the business community in town and welcoming new visitors. Its architecture and grandeur also makes it a favorite among brides.
The Floridian Hotel: Undergoing a $15 million renovation, The Floridian once was Florida’s tallest building. Built in 1926, the hotel was famous for its lobby bar and grand rooms complete with a brilliant, white marble staircase and massive arching windows. Renovations currently underway will make it another grand spot to see and be seen for movie star romances, raucous cocktail parties, and wedding celebrations.
Jackson House: Unassuming and unknown by many, the Jackson House is a former rooming house for African-Americans during the years of segregation. Famous performers such as Ella Fitzgerald and Chubby Checker were among the guests. The Jackson House is also the location for the creation of songs such as “A-Tisket A-Tasket” and “The Twist.”
Joe Chillura Courthouse Square: The park is the size of an entire city block and features a circular park design, a domed gazebo, and an interactive history walk of Hillsborough County. Public art accents the beauty of the park and massive oaks and palms provide a shady refuge from the daily hustle and bustle of downtown Tampa.
Tampa City Hall: Deemed a local historic landmark structure, classic architecture stands out against its backdrop of more modern skyscrapers of downtown. The clock rings at the top and bottom of the hour every day of the week.
Tampa Firefighters Museum: Dedicated to the valor of local firefighters, museum visitors enjoy hands-on exhibits, both permanent and traveling, and educational programs. Evolving from horse-drawn carriages to larger vehicles, visitors will see the transformation that took place within the profession. Admission is free. The museum is one hot place to hold an event.
Oaklawn Cemetery: Oaklawn Cemetery was Tampa’s first public burial ground. The Alachua County Commissioners deeded the location in the mid 1800s. Harboring a great deal of Civil War history, it was named as the final resting place for “White and Slave, Rich and Poor.” The first mayor of Tampa, Judge Joseph B. Lancaster, rests at Oaklawn. Find yourself taking a self guided walking tour of the cemetary by viewing the tour map.
Tampa Union Station: Located near the edge of the district, Tampa Union Station is a historic building built in 1912. Fully restored and re-opened in 1998, Tampa Union Station is an excellent example of Tampa’s past, both in its interior and exterior. Today, Tampa Union Station is served daily by Amtrak.
District Fun Facts
- Stonewall Jackson, a soldier at the time, was stationed at Fort Meade and reportedly donated $5 towards the construction of First Methodist Church.
- Tampa’s first paved sidewalk was constructed at the corner of Franklin Street and Kennedy Boulevard. The marble sidewalk still exists today.
- The first courthouse in the district was a log cabin which burned at the outbreak of the Second Seminole War. Its replacement was also wooden and was constructed for less than $5,000.
- President John F. Kennedy made a speech on the steps of the Hillsborough County Courthouse only four days before his fatal trip to Dallas, Texas.
- Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. preached and planned strategy meetings for protests at St. Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church.