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A community group wants to restore the Sicilian Building to its past glory while providing a place for youth to thrive.
By BABITA PERSAUD, Times Staff Writer
© St. Petersburg Times, published November 15, 2002
WEST TAMPA -- For decades, the Sicilian Building in West Tampa was a thriving theater and ballroom where immigrants went to socialize.
Now, a community group wants to renovate it.
And they need your help.
"We want to put the building back to the way it was," said Linda Wilcox, director of the Community Boxing Gym, which leases the first floor of the nearly 80-year-old building at 2001 N Howard Ave.
The gym, a nonprofit group formed in 1998 to improve literacy and health in the neighborhood, is hosting a cleanup from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Nov. 21-23.
Over the years, roof damage has caused shingles and dry wall to fall inside the old theater.
"It looks like Afghanistan," said San Man, a gym instructor.
Volunteers should bring gloves and shovels. Bobcat of Tampa Bay is donating a bulldozer. The city of Tampa is providing Dumpsters.
In the 1930s, the two-story, 18,000-square-foot, Mediterranean-style building was run by the Sicilian Club, leaders in the immigrant community. But after experiencing financial troubles, the club pulled out and the building stood vacant for decades.
Because the building represents Mediterranean revival-style architecture, the city and state have declared the structure a landmark -- part of the West Tampa National Register Historic District.
The gym has taken the initiative for renovations.
The gym provides area youngsters a place to go after school. The children use exercise equipment or take part in creative writing classes taught by San Man, a local poet.
Wilcox said it will take two years for renovations. Much depends on grants and donations.
After the roof debris is cleared, work needs to be done on the plumbing, Wilcox said. Then, the electrical system needs upgrading.
"We have a lot to do," she said.
For more information, call (813) 258-2792.