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NewsFox 13 News (WTVT) — All NewsSeptember 10, 2026Hillsborough County

Jackson House Foundation plans full reconstruction after partial collapse in downtown Tampa

Photo: Fox 13 News (WTVT) — All News

The historic Jackson House in downtown Tampa will be torn down and reconstructed after a recent partial collapse, with only about 15% of the original wood salvageable. The Jackson House Foundation presented a progress report to the Tampa City Council, operating as the Community Redevelopment Agency, detailing plans to restore the 1901 boarding house to its 1950s-era appearance with a target opening year of 2028. The update follows the approval of a $1 million grant agreement by the CRA on Aug. 20 requiring project milestones and transparency.

Historic PreservationCommunity RedevelopmentLocal GovernmentUrban HistoryGrants and Funding
Read the full story at Fox 13 News (WTVT) — All News

Why It Matters

The Tampa allocated up to $1 million in public grant funds toward the restoration of a historic city landmark, while council members debated project delays, financing, and whether the city should take over the property if the foundation fails to complete the work.

Key Facts

  • Only about 15% of the original wood in the historic Jackson House is estimated to be salvageable, requiring the existing structure to be torn down and completely reconstructed.
  • The Jackson House Foundation hired a new construction management team to develop a new budget and timeline for the reconstruction project.
  • The foundation aims to restore the home to its 1950s-era appearance and open it as a museum and educational center by 2028.
  • The Tampa Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) voted 4-2 on Aug. 20 to approve a grant agreement providing up to $1 million toward the restoration.
  • The CRA ordered the Sept. 10 progress report three weeks prior due to concerns over project financing, the timeline, and the deteriorating condition of the building.
  • Part of the historic home collapsed over Labor Day weekend, following another partial collapse about a year ago that required emergency repairs.
  • The Jackson House was built in 1901, operated as a boarding house during the Jim Crow era for Black travelers unable to stay at other accommodations, and hosted prominent figures like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., James Brown, Ray Charles, and Ella Fitzgerald.
  • The foundation previously experienced delays attributed to complications involving contractors, FEMA, and other issues.
  • During the council meeting, members debated the possibility of the City of Tampa taking over the project if the foundation cannot complete it.

Who's Mentioned

PersonNaya Young“CRA Chair whose office provided an update at the meeting”OrganizationCommunity Redevelopment Agency“Provided up to $1 million in grant funding for the restoration”PersonDr. Carolyn Hepburn Collins“Director of the Jackson House Foundation”PersonGuido Maniscalco“Tampa City Council member discussing the preservation of the structure”OrganizationJackson House Foundation“Owner of the historic Jackson House property”OrganizationTampa City Council“Sits as the Community Redevelopment Agency”PersonBill Carlson“Tampa City Council member warning about the building's condition”PersonRay Charles“Prominent historical visitor to the Jackson House”PersonElla Fitzgerald“Prominent historical visitor to the Jackson House”PersonAlan Clendenin“Tampa City Council member discussing project delays and city takeover options”PersonJames Brown“Prominent historical visitor to the Jackson House”PersonDr. Martin Luther King Jr.“Prominent historical visitor to the Jackson House”