TAMPA, Fla – Historic 7th Avenue in Ybor City is reclaiming its past, with the first two blocks of a major project to restore its original brick street paving now complete. The 7th Avenue Bricking Project, funded by the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA), wrapped up ahead of schedule, experiencing only minor delays due to Tropical Storm Debby.
The project involved laying approximately 80,000 repurposed historic bricks, sourced and preserved by the City of Tampa. The bricking was carried out in phases, first between 15th and 16th streets, then between 16th and 17th streets.
Despite full road closures, pedestrian access to businesses was maintained and wayfinding signage assisted visitors.
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The return to brick paving not only enhances the historic character of this National Historic Landmark District, but it also serves practical purposes.
The brick streets naturally calm traffic and encourage walkability, which is expected to benefit local businesses and stimulate economic growth. In fact, many business owners have voiced their support and are already requesting additional blocks to be bricked.
This project marks a return to the avenue’s authentic roots. 7th Avenue’s origins date back to the turn of the 20th century when Ybor City thrived as the “Cigar Capital of the World.”
The brick streets remained until the 1960s when asphalt paving took over.
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“Ybor City is a National Historic Landmark District, so we are thrilled to be returning Seventh Avenue to brick, as it’s really in keeping with its authentic character,’’ says CRA Chair Gwendolyn Henderson. “Not to mention it will also calm traffic, as it’s very difficult to speed down a brick street.”
Plans to brick more of 7th Avenue, potentially from Nuccio Parkway to 26th Street, which spans approximately one mile, are being evaluated.
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