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Want To Restore Guida House? Submit Plan Soon

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People interested in developing the historical Guida House may submit proposals to the city through Jan. 23.

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By JOSÉ PATIÑO GIRONA | The Tampa Tribune

Published: December 12, 2008

WEST TAMPA - People interested in developing the historical 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. Dec. 19.

The house was built in 1951 by George Guida Sr., a businessman and civic leader 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 persuaded city leaders to save it.

The art deco, two-story home was named a local historical landmark in 2004. 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, and 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 founded George Guida & Son Home Furnishing and Decorating and Central Bank of Tampa. He died in 1986 at age 71.

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

Reporter José Patiño Girona can be reached at (813) 259-7659.

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