West Tampa’s historic Guida House undergoing $3.9M restoration

The George Guida Sr. House, a 1952 Art Moderne landmark in West Tampa, is undergoing a $3.9 million restoration that will preserve its architecture and convert the property into a public venue for meetings, events and community programs.

George Guida Sr., the businessman, builder, banker and civic leader known as “Mr. West Tampa,” designed the home at 1516 N. Renfrew St. from his own hand-drawn plans.

He founded Central Bank of Tampa and built or helped develop landmarks including the Jesuit High School Field House, Rey Park Recreation Center, St. Joseph’s Convent and Boys & Girls Club facilities in West Tampa and Interbay.

The city later renamed a road through MacFarlane Park as George Guida Memorial Drive in recognition of his contributions to the community. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the house became a gathering place for civic meetings, celebrations and neighborhood events, a role it will reprise after the restoration.

Contractors have begun selective demolition and exploratory work to assess the structure before permanent repairs begin. Preservation specialists are using Guida’s original architectural plans to restore the home as closely as possible to its 1952 appearance.

The restoration will preserve the original fireplace, tilework, built-in cabinetry, interior mural and the outdoor chimney mural depicting a tall ship at sea. Crews also will restore the heart-shaped driveway Guida designed for his wife, Palmira.

The first floor will be converted into flexible community meeting space while retaining its historic character, and the project includes rehabilitating the outdoor patio, kitchen and tiled gathering area that once hosted neighborhood gatherings.

“The George Guida Sr. House tells the story of a family whose vision and generosity helped shape West Tampa into the vibrant community it is today,” Mayor Jane Castor said. “The restoration of his home honors the Guida family’s lasting contributions to West Tampa, and we’re proud to breathe new life into this treasured home so it can once again serve as a place that brings the community together.”