Find funding for historic buildings

Editorial

It's somewhat ironic that the champions of Ybor City historic buildings plan to ask Hillsborough County commissioners for help today.

The mutual aid societies that these buildings originally housed were formed by Latin immigrants so they did not have to ask government for help.

And they succeeded beautifully.

The societies furnished medical care, insurance, libraries and entertainment to the immigrants, mostly cigar factory workers. The clubs served as gathering places for political debate and helped to preserve ethnic culture.

And they were funded solely by members' dues.

The societies' remarkable role greatly diminished as most of the cigar factories closed and the immigrants' children assimilated into society at large, many becoming pillars of the community.

But their buildings stand as testimony to the immigrant workers' determination, generosity and self-reliance.

Now three mutual aid buildings in Ybor City — the Cuban Club, the Italian Club and Centro Asturiano — desperately need aid.

They have been run on shoestring budgets for years. The social clubs that operate them don't have the wherewithal to maintain the historic structures.

State grants once funded restoration work, but the funds are no longer available.

The clubs face utility bills, insurance costs and other expenses, in addition to the restoration work, which can be exceptionally costly in historic buildings. Representatives for the clubs believe they can cover most expenses with rentals, but they seek assistance with the renovations required to ensure the buildings will continue to attract users. Public functions are regularly held at all three facilities.

Preservationists want commissioners to provide a reliable funding source, and commissioners should find a way to oblige.

The clubs, it should be stressed, are not asking for funds for their activities, only for the preservation and operation of historically significant buildings that contribute to the region's economy.

All three buildings are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The clubs are focal points of Ybor's historic district, itself a major tourist draw. And Ybor City's distinctive character also attracts business and residential development.

Letting these classic structures fall into decay is not going to be good for business, tourism or the community's identity and pride.

The county, of course, is facing its own financial challenges and must be cautious about its commitments. Commissioners should require the clubs to provide business plans that ensure the facilities will be well managed and expenses kept in check.

But the county supported the opulent Brandon Regent building that allowed limited public access — until reporters began calling attention to its extravagant costs and high-handed ways.

Commissioners should be as supportive of Ybor fixtures that have long been embraced by the public.

A possible funding source would be the tax on hotel rooms, which has been used to fund such attractions as the Florida Aquarium, the Lowry Park Zoo and the convention center. This would take a change in the taxing law, so perhaps commissioners can come up with another source.

But these buildings must be preserved. The mutual aid societies represent the immigrant self-reliance and independence that helped make our nation great. Commissioners should be proud to honor their key role in our history.