Tampa is prepared to put $1 million toward restoring the historic Jackson House, but the foundation behind the project must first demonstrate at least $5 million in cash or legally enforceable charitable commitments, excluding the CRA’s contribution, and secure financing for the remaining project costs.
The CRA initially approved $1 million for the restoration in 2022 and reaffirmed its support for the funding in April, but four years after the original commitment the full restoration has yet to begin. An agreement scheduled for a vote Thursday, Aug. 20, would establish the conditions the Jackson House Foundation must satisfy before the CRA begins reimbursing construction costs.
Those conditions follow an April presentation in which the foundation estimated the project would cost $5 million to $6 million and revised $4.055 million in previously identified funding from six public and private sources to $2.25 million after accounting for $1.555 million in potential losses. The revised total already included the CRA’s $1 million contribution.
The potential losses included $750,000 each from a $1 million Vinik Foundation commitment and a $1 million award through Florida’s African-American Cultural and Historical Grant Program, while the proposed 2026 funding total excluded a $55,000 Peter Nicholas donation. The presentation did not explain the potential losses.
In February, the foundation sought a construction manager for a $4 million construction job scheduled to begin in June and finish in June 2028, but June passed without the full restoration beginning. The solicitation made selection contingent on available funding. The foundation’s broader project estimate included $3 million to $4 million for preconstruction and construction, with the balance covering exhibits, artifacts, furnishings and other project costs.
Built around the turn of the 20th century, the 24-room boarding house at 851 E. Zack St. provided lodging for Black travelers during segregation and was the only identified guest facility for Black travelers near Union Station. The building has required years of stabilization while awaiting the full restoration, including shoring in 2016, work on the upstairs floor in 2019 and 2020, a $750,000 structural and building-envelope repair permit in 2021 and emergency safety repairs in 2025. The Hillsborough County Property Appraiser lists its condition as poor.
The CRA’s contribution would be limited to the lesser of $1 million or 50% of the project’s hard construction costs and would be paid as construction progresses rather than provided upfront, leaving the foundation responsible for construction costs beyond the CRA contribution and all soft costs, including design, permitting and equipment.
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Before work starts, the CRA must approve the final plans and budget, while the foundation must secure financing for costs beyond the required cash and charitable commitments. The foundation also must submit a plan showing its ability to raise at least another $1 million for the project and to increase its endowment for the long-term operation and maintenance of the Jackson House, with qualifying donor commitments identifying a specific donation and a payment schedule tied to the construction timeline.
The foundation must obtain required permits, payment and performance bonds and an approved community benefits agreement by the earlier of May 28, 2027, or the issuance of building permits. If those conditions are not met, the agreement terminates and neither side has further obligations, although the CRA director could grant up to two 90-day extensions upon written request.
Once construction begins, the CRA would reimburse no more than 50% of each approved construction payment. If available funding later appears insufficient to finish the restoration, the CRA could require additional money or a financial guaranty or reduce the project to fit the funding available.
The work would restore the 4,680-square-foot Jackson House Museum, including repairs or replacement of the foundation, roof, floors and interior and exterior walls, along with insulation, 45 windows and reconstruction of the porch.
The foundation’s current financing position remains unclear. Its April presentation projected $2.25 million from previously identified sources after accounting for potential losses, while the documents before the CRA do not show how much additional money has been secured since then.
