Joe Stines, Director of the Tampa-Hillsborough Public Library, informed Seminole Heights residents that the community is on target to receive funds for a new library. The current library at the corner of Central and Osborne avenues has limited space and limited parking outside. The current facility was built around the time that interstate 275 sliced through this heart of Tampa neighborhood, The original library site is located under the interstate.
The new facility has been budgeted for 7.3 million. There are plans to make the new library two story and there is consideration for a multi level parking deck to access both floors. The school board owns the adjoining property and cooperation will be needed to bring this vision to reality. Mr. Stines stated at one of the neighborhood associations quarterly meetings that if the proposal survives two more budget hurdles, construction could begin as early as 2011.
The Old Seminole Heights Neighborhood Association has sponsored an annual book sale for 14 years to support unfunded needs and programs at the Library. Clearly the library has a friend in the neighborhood group. The new facility will expand programming opportunities and available resources.
another neighborhood post
brought to you by www.atHomeintheHeights.com
Rick Fifer
The Old Seminole Heights Neighborhood Association is the largest voluntary neighborhood association in the city of Tampa. Geographically it is the largest containing more than 7,500 homes. Membership is nearly 600. It contains 2 of Tampa's National Register Historic Districts. In many ways, Old Seminole Heights is bigger than most small towns.
Therefore it is one neighborhood association where the board can impact city hall. The Seminole Heights area was a test for the idea of a residential overlay district (the link goes to a google search of the term) to add some minimal zoning restrictions to buffer the historic districts. It is the test case for Tampa's foray into Form Based Zoning. It has held one of Tampa Bay's most successful neighborhood Home Tours for 10 years running. Located just 3 miles north of downtown, it is a quick commute to the commercial core, the entertainment areas of Ybor City and Channelside, and the University of South Florida and the University of Tampa.
As one of the most active neighborhood groups in Tampa, the Old Seminole Heights Neighborhood Association (commonly shortened to OSHNA) the composition of the Association board is important. Nominations are now open (and close in 2 weeks). If you live in OSHNA's boundaries check out what is happening in your neighborhood.
If you don't live here yet, check out: www.Vintage-Homes.com I'll be happy to help you become a neighbor.
brought to you by Rick Fifer
Florida Executive Realty.
Tuesday, July 22nd is the Quarterly meeting for the Old Seminole Heights Neighborhood Association (OSHNA). This will be the 9th year that the the summer meeting will be a covered dish neighborhood get together. OSHNA provides the drinks, utensils, plates, ham and turkey. Those attending bring a covered dish to share. Pot luck is interesting and adds to the chatter.
If you are in Old Seminole Heights and your last name begins with A-M, please bring a salad or dessert. If it begins with N-Z, bring your favorite side dish or vegetable. Of course if your specialty does not coincide with your place on the alphabet no one will complain about trying your specialty.
The July meeting is also when nominations for next year's board open. OSHNA has the largest voluntary membership of any neighborhood group in the city of Tampa, with about 575 dues paying members.
The meeting will be held in the basement of the Seminole Heights United Methodist Church at the corner of Hanna and Central. Begins at 6:30 pm
Guests presentors for the metting include:
Joe Stines, Director of the Hillsborough County Library System - Will present information about the planned replacement library for Seminole Heights Branch.
Carrie Hurst, Seminole Heights Library Branch Head - Will share information about services at the current library and provide opportunity to sign up for a library card.
W. Ward Cox, Administrator, For The Family, Inc. - Informational presentation on Shelter Is Golden, a volunteer program which enables caring people to safely and conveniently assist evacuees from a Category 1 or Category 2 storm, or other natural disaster.
Posted by: www.atHomeintheHeights.com
Rick Fifer, neighbor and Realtor with Florida Executive Realty
West Tampa began as a separate city from Tampa. In 1983 The West Tampa National Historic District was created. It is a district bi-sected by interstate 275. West Tampa has not yet been designated a local historic district by the City of Tampa. Local designation is the designation that comes with both the tax breaks and the regulatory teeth to preserve the areas architecture. A national designation just protects the area from federal spending that would damage the historic designation.
For a map of the West Tampa Historic District
For information on the West Tampa Chamber of Commerce
For information about available homes in the West Tampa area
posted by: www.athomeintheheights.com your source for vintage homes and historic neighborhoods in Tampa.
Rick Fifer, 813-758-7444, Florida Executive Realty
While the new museum is under construction (which began in April 2008, and is expected to open by the Fall of 2009), the City of Tampa has located a an interum location in Old West Tampa. The temporary facility is in the historic Centro Espanol Building on North Howard Avenue in the heart of the West Tampa National Register Historic District. 
2306 North Howard Avenue , Tampa, FL 33607
813/274-8130
Admission by donation / Free Parking
Tuesday - Saturday, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Third Friday, 8 - 11 p.m. Closed Sunday & Monday
For More Information: Tampa Museum of Art
The new Tampa Museum of Art will consists of approximately 66,000 square feet when it opens in the Fall of 2009 and is designed by San Francisco, CA, architect Stanley Saitowitz.
For information on West Tampa area homes
posted by: www.atHomeintheHeights.com
Rick Fifer, Florida Executive Realty
Specializing in bungalows & vintage homes in Seminole Heights, Ybor Heights, Tampa Heights, Riverside Heights. Neighborhoods noted for their charm, tree shaded brick streets, riverfront parks & more
Originally from the suburban Philiadelphia area, I came to Tampa in 1983. My undergraduate degree is from West Chester University in Pennsylvania. I have two graduate degrees from the University of South Florida. Prior to going into real 
estate, I spent 20 years in social work doing eveything from case management, supervision, contract management, and as a program director. I currently live in the Seminole Heights neighborhood with my two dogs, Homer (from the Humane Society) and Cicero who I adopted at a neighborhood yard sale over 10 years ago.
My first home was in the Hampton Terrace section of Old Seminole Heights and Seminole Heights has remained my home 15 out of the past 17 years. I have completed renovations of my third bungalow home in Seminole Heights. But there is a character and charm in vintage homes that I can't resist. Some might say that makes me a glutten for punishment but I have come to love the challenge. Each time I say I'm staying put life has a way of introducing change. So will this be the last personal home renovation? Who can say. Even the two years I moved back to Philly, I had to renovate a home while I was living 
there. I think it is an addiction.
Along the way I gained a bit of knowledge and learned a lot of new skills. This has often proven helpful when working with customers since my speciality is historic and vintage homes.
During my years in the Seminole Heights area I have actively worked with many equally dedicated neighbors to bring positive changes to our central Tampa community through volunteering in a number of ways. As a former President of both the the Old Seminole Heights Neighborhood Association (OSHNA) and the South Seminole Heights Civic Association (SSHCA), I have seen tremendous changes made within all of the Heights neighborhoods over the years. I was an early supporter of the Seminole Heights Business Alliance when it formed.
While I am dedicated to providing excellent service to all of my customers. When you start talking about Seminole Heights is when you really see my passion and commitment to community. To search for homes in: Old Seminole Heights , South and Southeast Seminole Heights Or maybe you are like me and are drawn to Vintage homes, well I have a search that will match your budget, however modest or grand. Just visit: Vintage Homes
My first and foremost I strive to provide each of my customers with superior customer service. That applies to both my buyers and sellers. I don't disappear after listing your home but I keep you informed with feedback until your home sells! As a buyer, it is not about getting you into contract and moving on, I am very hands on involved in making sure everything runs smoothly. Whether you are a buyer or seller, the words of my past customers below speaks best to my commitment to my customers.
Tampa has many unique neighborhoods just like any city. My goal is to help you get the home you want in the neighborhood that meets your needs and budget. However, my speciality is bungalows and older homes in Seminole Heights, Ybor Heights, Tampa Heights, Riverside Heights and Ybor City. These neighborhoods are noted for their historic homes, brick streets, riverfront parks and historic districts. Bungalows from the Craftsman era are the most common of the historic homes and can be found each of the Heights neighborhoods. In that sense I am selling
not just a house but neighborhoods and communities to which I am deeply committed.
Historic Districts. Tampa has 6 designated historic districts: Hyde Park, Ybor City, Seminole Heights, Tampa Heights, West Tampa, and Hampton Terrace. I love the charm, character, and craftmanship that can be found in older homes. Some have been neglected and abused but they have stood the test of time. And personally, I don't think they still build them the way my great-grandfather and his generation did. But of course he didn't build in hurricane alley or in termite heaven.
First time buyers. Years ago when trying to buy my first home, the downpayment and closing cost were a hurdle that kept me from buying. I would talk to agents and even some lenders who wouldn't give me the time of day or point me in the right direction. I haven't forgotten those days and so I try to connect my first-time buyers with resources to purchase their first home. Using these programs require a greater investment of time on the part of buyers and mine as their real estate agent; generally take a bit longer to go from contract to closing (one reason many lenders and real estate agents don't get involved with them). However, for buyers who are really wanting to own instead of rent, I have the resources to help you navigate down payment assistance programs.
... we wanted to live in Seminole Heights, but we weren't sure which realtor to use. We chose Rick because of his expertise in this area, and it turned out to be one of the best decisions we made. Rick is incredibly knowledgeable and helpful, and he is an excellent listener as well! After just a few conversations with Rick about our preferences and needs, he found us a number of houses that met all of our criteria. We ended up in a great house that's in a perfect location for us. Rick helped us immensely throughout the entire process, and even though we closed over a year ago, we still go to him for advice about home improvement and recommendations for skilled laborers. He is always ready to offer his expertise, and we consider him an invaluable resource. Jennifer Bosson and Dave Davisson neighbors in Old Seminole Heights
"Thanks Rick for showing us all the properties,... we were really glad the first seller didn't respond on time, it gave us time to find the perfect home with your help. ...my wife was really glad you knew so much about all the different plants in the courtyard. And thanks for being so professional ... I would not of had the patience you did. " Randy and Penny Dean, new homeowners in Carrollwood Village
"...thank you for helping me through this home buying process. I really do love the house and couldn't have made the move without your compassionate help and guidance." Jamie Pilarczyk, first time homebuyer
"Rick was an absolute joy to work with. As a first time home buyer this was an exiting yet unnerving experience for me, so having a reliable and knowledgeable agent was key. It was clear to me that he has strong ties to the Seminole Heights community and genuinely cares for the neighborhood and its residents. Most importantly, I think Rick listened to all of the specifics I was looking for in a home, and found the perfect match for me. I couldn't be happier, or more satisfied. I feel completely confident recommending his services to anyone interested in buying or selling a home." Courtney Ellison, Hampton Terrace resident.
"We wanted to express to you are gratitude for helping us sell our property. We sincerely feel that we could not have done it without you. You went far above what would be considered standard realtor effort to make sure everthing was perfect. Your knowledge of the marketplace, your eye for detail and your integrity are certainly a winning combination. Over the last couple of years we have had many experiences across the country in real estate and by far dealing with you has been the best experience that we could ask for. We can highly recommend to anyone that when they hire you... they are hiring the best! Please have any of your potential clients call us if they need a referral." Tom & Andrea DeFrancisco, Lake Wylie, SC sellers, 912 W. Idlewild
"Although it has been a couple of months since the closing on my new home, I have not forgotten how you helped me fulfill that dream. Four realtors later, and me at the end of my wits, is when I met you. I will admit I was skeptical at first...however, you immediately gained my trust and the rest is history. Your patience and determination prevailed as you kept looking for the perfect home for me and then we found my "Gingerbread House!" With all said and done, your diligence, perseverance and patience was outstanding. I truely believe you were operating in my best interest and for that, I am most grateful." --Linda "Lou" Gomes, first time home owner
We had worked with two other realtors who could not find what we were looking for. Our participation in the city's first-time homebuyer program presented several challenges, but Rick met them all. My dad even told me "I never saw a real estate agent work so hard for his client." We were so pleased with his abilities that we have recommended him twice, once to a friend who he helped into her own first house, and later to my sister when she wanted to sell. They were both as happy as we were with the experience, and we would recommend Rick to anyone." --T.J. Weekes and Chris Schad, first time buyers
"I wanted to thank you for all of the wonderful service you provided me over the last year in my house hunt, and my recent purchase of a home. It took me over a year to purchase a home and I greatly appreciate you're patience, and consistently providing me with prompt and courteous service that whole time. I think most other Realtors would have become fed up with me after showing me house after house and I either wasn't interested in making an offer, or by the time I made up mind and decided I wanted to make an offer, the property was already under contract. In spite of all my hemming and hawing you stuck with me and remained positive and supportive and encouraged me to do what I felt was right, and didn't put any pressure on me to buy something I wasn't sure about. Thanks again for all of your patience, advise, and good service on the purchase of my wonderful home. I've already been recommending you to all of the people I know who are interested in either buying or selling a home." Cole Talty, CPA south Tampa.
"You made selling our house a calm and even fun experience. Your knowledge, support, and customer service led to a quick and profitable sale. While we are both happy with 'quick and profitable,' it is your guidance and honesty we'll remember forever!" - Marky Spies and Ed Van de Wall
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