Downtown Tampa Aerial Photo Sykes Building

Central Park Community Redevelopment Area

Central Park Walk
Central Park
Central Park

Without question, the Central Park area is one of Tampa's most culturally and historically rich neighborhoods. With Central Avenue serving as the economic engine, Central Park was once a thriving African-American business and entertainment district. The late Ray Charles recorded his first song, Found My Baby There, while residing at 813 Short Emery St. It was during a Central Park performance that Hank Ballard and the Midnighters asked the kids in the audience the name of the dance they were performing. The kids shouted, "The Twist." Hank later wrote and recorded the legendary song that launched Chubby Checker into the limelight. Portions of the 1964 movie, Black Like Me, starring James Whitmore, were filmed along Central Avenue.

Major Developments

  • Remodeling of single-story commercial building.
  • Project Size: 6,265 SF
  • Job value: $ 800,000

  • 5 stories, 147 units building
  • Project Size: 175,246SF
  • Job value: $ 20,000,000

Upcoming Meetings:

When: 3rd Wednesday of the Month
Time: 4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Where: City of Tampa Municipal Office Building – 306 E Jackson St – 2nd floor

Central Park Facts:

Legal Description of CRA Boundary
Aerial Map
Central Park Plan