Cultural Center
The Tarpon Springs Cultural Center was built in 1915 as the first City Hall of the young but growing community. Renowned architect Ernest Ivey Cook designed the building in the Neoclassical style, incorporating a low-pitched hip roof, full height gable portico, brick exterior, and an imposing clock tower. The building originally housed all city functions from the offices of the mayor and city clerk to the library and even the fire department. The south end of the building was designed with large garage doors to accommodate the city fire engine. Over the years, the building has adapted to the changing needs of city government. It was expanded in 1947 with a one-story addition on the north side to provide space for the fire department and police department as well as the chamber of commerce. In 1962, it became necessary to remove the original front porch steps when Pinellas Avenue was widened. In 1987 the city government decided to move most city departments and offices, then housed in a variety of locations, to the former Tarpon Springs High School building and designate it as the new City Hall. Plans were made to convert the original City Hall to a cultural center, with gallery space, an intimate theatre, and a museum shop. Restoration of the building began in 1987, made possible by grant funds from the Bureau of Historic Preservation, Division of Historical Resources, Florida Department of State and assisted by the Historic Preservation Advisory Council and the City of Tarpon Springs. The interior restoration consisted of removing all non-original materials and restoring all original plaster walls, woodwork, and finishes, to reflect its original use. Minor adaptations were necessary to meet contemporary building codes and serve new functions. The project received a Florida Preservation Award for Outstanding Achievement in 1993. Today as the old bell in the clock tower continues to ring on the hour and half-hour, a host of new and exciting cultural activities are taking place below. Visitors stroll through art and historical exhibits displayed in the two galleries, audiences enjoy live performances and films in the theatre, and shoppers discover interesting and unique items in the Cultural Odyssey Gift Shop. |
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City of Tarpon Springs |
