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Historic Home Needs Help

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JOSE PATINO GIRONA

jpatino@tampatrib.com

Published: December 17, 2008

WEST TAMPA - People interested in developing the historic Guida House may submit proposals to the city through Jan. 23.

City officials are hosting a tour of the house from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday.

The house was built in 1951 by George Guida Sr., who was known as "Mr. West Tampa."

The city bought the home in Macfarlane Park, on North MacDill Avenue, in 1984. There were plans to tear it down, but activists convinced city leaders to save it.

The art deco, two-story home was named a local historical landmark in 2004. It has an outdoor brick barbecue, fireplace in the sunken living room, tile work throughout, a basement, a large kitchen and a heart-shaped front driveway.

Repairs were made about three years ago. Contractors put an industrial fence around the property, painted the exterior, boarded windows, connected electricity and fixed the roof.

But the building has deteriorated from neglect. Its ceiling and walls are damaged. Vandals have spray-painted parts of the structure. There is water damage from a leaky roof. City officials estimate it would cost $1 million to repair the house, and the building would have to comply with the Americans With Disabilities Act and standards imposed by the city's Architectural Review Commission.

Guida was a Tampa businessman and civic leader. He founded George Guida & Son Home Furnishing and Decorating. He was a licensed general building contractor and founder of Central Bank of Tampa. He died in 1986 at age 71.

For information about the development proposal and tour of the Guida House, call the city at (813) 274-8624.

Reporter Jose Patino Girona can be reached at (813) 259-7659.

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