Seminole Heights Residential District facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Seminole Heights Residential District
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House in district
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 Location in Florida
Location in the United States
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| Location | Roughly bounded by Osborne, Florida, Hanna, and Cherokee Aves., Tampa, Florida |
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| Area | 170 acres (69 ha) |
| Built | 1912 - 1928 |
| Architectural style | Bungalow/Craftsman, Gothic Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 93000751 |
| Added to NRHP | August 5, 1993 |
The Seminole Heights Residential District, also called the Seminole Heights Historic District, is a special area in Tampa, Florida. It's recognized as both a United States and a Local Historic District. This means the buildings and history here are very important! The district is found in Tampa, roughly between Hanna Avenue to the north, Cherokee Avenue and I-275 to the east, Florida Avenue to the west, and Osborne Avenue to the south.
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What Makes a Place Historic?
A historic district is like a special neighborhood where many buildings have been kept safe because they are old and important. They tell us about how people lived a long time ago. These places are protected so future generations can learn from them.
Becoming a National Historic District
The Seminole Heights Residential District became a U.S. Historic District on August 5, 1993. This happened when it was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This register is a list of places across the country that are important to American history.
The district covers about 1,700 acres, which is like 1,300 football fields! It includes 325 buildings that are called "contributing structures." This means they are old and special, adding to the district's history and unique look. Most of these buildings are private homes. However, even though it's called "Residential," the district also has public buildings. For example, the Seminole Heights United Methodist Church and Hillsborough High School are part of it.
Popular Building Styles
Many buildings in the district show off cool architectural styles. Two main styles you'll see are Gothic Revival and American Craftsman. Gothic Revival buildings often have pointed arches and tall windows, like old churches or castles. American Craftsman homes, especially bungalows, are known for their simple, sturdy designs with natural materials. All the important buildings in this historic district were built between 1912 and 1928.
The Seminole Heights Historic District is part of the larger Old Seminole Heights neighborhood in Tampa. Old Seminole Heights has two nationally recognized historic districts. The Seminole Heights Residential District was the first one, and the Hampton Terrace Historic District was added in 1999.
Becoming a Local Historic District
Besides being a national district, Seminole Heights Historic District also became a Local Historic District. The City of Tampa Architectural Review Commission gave it this title on March 16, 1995. It is one of only four Local Historic Districts in Tampa, and the only one in the Seminole Heights area.
The local district covers almost the same area as the national one. It stretches between Hanna and Osborne Avenues, and Florida and Cherokee Avenues/I-275. However, the local boundaries are very exact. This means it includes a slightly larger area and about 26 more historic buildings. There's also a second, smaller part of the Local District east of I-275. This area is between Henry and Hillsborough Avenues, and includes properties on both sides of Miami Avenue to Taliaferro Avenue. About 28 more historic buildings are in this smaller section.
