Tampa Bay Architectural Institute Now Has Home Of It Own

Tampa FL

13 October, 2021

3:31 PM

Description

TAMPA, FL — They may specialize in designing buildings but, up to now, the American Institute of Architects Tampa Bay has had no building of its own. No more. The AIA recently purchased 1208 N. Howard Ave., Tampa, to be home to the local chapter of the national organization and the Tampa Bay Foundation for Architecture & Design. The historic 3,000-square-foot former warehouse building was built in 1904 and is part of the West Tampa National Historic District, just three blocks south of Interstate 275. AIA Tampa Bay searched for nearly two decades for the right location and chose the North Hyde Park neighborhood to fulfill its mission. This investment serves to expand access to the profession of architecture and create a lab for design collaboration and sustainability. "AIA Tampa Bay was searching for a home that could serve the needs of our members and the community while investing in one of Tampa's up-and-coming neighborhoods. We feel very fortunate to have found this historic building in such an easily accessible and visible location that will serve the Tampa Bay area for many years to come," said Peter Hauerstein, AIA Tampa Bay chapter president. The North Hyde Park neighborhood has recently seen significant development growth and investment in new multifamily residential buildings, the Bryan Glazer Family JCC, Saint Leo University and hot-spot restaurants such as Psomi and Willa's. The center will feature various uses, including space for events, classes, meetings, exhibits, outdoor films and staff offices. The American Institute of Architects is the professional association for architects and those in the architecture field. AIA Tampa Bay is the regional chapter representing approximately 650 members in Hillsborough, Pinellas, Polk, Pasco, Hernando, Citrus and Sumter counties.