WEST TAMPA, Fla. — Hillsborough County is moving forward with plans to build a $30 million African American Arts and Cultural Center in the heart of West Tampa.

The center will be located where the current West Tampa Neighborhood Resource Center sits. 

Want To Weigh In? 

  •  Oct 23 at 6:30 at C. Blythe Andrews, Jr. Public Library

  • Oct. 30 at 6:30 at Emanuel P. Johnson Recreation Center

  •  Nov. 1 at 6:30 at West Tampa Community Resource Center

The existing building will be demolished and programs that currently use the space, including Head Start, will be relocated to a different facility.

According to Gwen Myers, Hillsborough County Commissioner for District 3, roughly $15.5 million of the $30 million needed has been raised so far from both the public and private sector.

Preliminary plans show the African American Arts and Cultural Center will be a 50,000-square-foot facility with meeting spaces, galleries, studios, event spaces, retail, and a café. The exterior will include an amphitheater and multi-use gathering spaces made for festivals, food trucks, and musical acts.

“This is an opportunity for our community to have a facility to tell the rich history about West Tampa,” Myers explained. “The rich history about American American individuals who have given a lot to Hillsborough County and haven’t really had a place to gather together to tell their story.”

While a few renderings have been released, Myers says getting feedback from the community is critical.

Three public meetings are being held so residents can ask questions to county staff and weigh in on the design.

Residents can also give input online at HCFLGov.net/HCEngage from Oct. 23-Nov. 8.