The George Guida Sr. House, a 1952 Art Moderne landmark in West Tampa, is undergoing a $3.9 million restoration that will preserve its architecture and convert the property into a public venue for meetings, events and community programs.
George Guida Sr., the businessman, builder, banker and civic leader known as “Mr. West Tampa,” designed the home at 1516 N. Renfrew St. from his own hand-drawn plans.
He founded Central Bank of Tampa and built or helped develop landmarks including the Jesuit High School Field House, Rey Park Recreation Center, St. Joseph’s Convent and Boys & Girls Club facilities in West Tampa and Interbay.
The city later renamed a road through MacFarlane Park as George Guida Memorial Drive in recognition of his contributions to the community. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the house became a gathering place for civic meetings, celebrations and neighborhood events, a role it will reprise after the restoration…