Tampa architecture group opens center

A local architecture group has a new home.

The American Institute of Architects Tampa Bay Chapter on Wednesday officially opened its Center for Architecture & Design at 1208 N. Howard Ave. in the West Tampa National Historic District, a few blocks west of Interstate 75.

The center is in a renovated warehouse the group spared from potential demolition in 2021 and is now a registered historic structure with the city of Tampa.

The chapter’s president, Jonathan Moore, says in a statement the center “not only provides a central hub for our members and professionals in the field, but it also serves as a valuable resource for the community to explore and appreciate the rich history and cultural significance of our built environment.”

The center, he says, “stands as a testament to our commitment to preserving our architectural heritage while promoting sustainable design practices.”

To that end, AIA Tampa Bay says it was able to achieve 95% reuse of exterior walls, floors and ceilings, minimizing the need for new materials and reducing the environmental impact while preserving “the character and culture of the building.”

In addition to the reuse of materials, the 3,000-square-foot center has reflective roof cap sheet to reduce heat, LED lighting and occupancy sensors and repurposed furniture to reduce carbon and minimize landfill waste, according to the statement.