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Updated November 2024

Part if the old federal courthouse renovation might look like this.

TAMPA — The latest plan for remaking the old federal courthouse downtown will cost about $18-million, according to the group devising the plan.

The Tampa chapter of the American Institute of Architects showcased its concept for the historic building at an open house in its offices Friday.

The organization wants to see businesses with a focus on arts, architecture and urban planning in the building on Florida Avenue and to turn the main courtroom into a gallery.

Tampa chapter president Pete Karamitsanis said renovation costs would be offset by $4-million in tax credits, but the project still needs financing and commitments from organizations interested in using the space.

"That's our next go-round," Karamitsanis said. "We have proposed and structured what ultimately would be a co-op of some sort, and we're looking for people to become part of this co-op."

The American Institute of Architects and the Tampa Downtown Partnership have pledged to move their offices there.

"It's a symbol of historic downtown Tampa," said Christine Burdick, president of the downtown partnership. "The space would be very attractive, the AIA would be a wonderful neighbor. I like what I've heard so far."

The Florida Museum of Photographic Arts is also interested in the space.

In November, the American Institute of Architects signed an agreement with the city that gave the group six months to explore opportunities for restoring the courthouse, which was built more than 100 years ago.

The city will contribute no money to the project, said Mark Huey, the city's manager for economic development.

The building closed in 1998 after a new courthouse opened. The federal government deeded the building to Tampa in 2003. The city pays about $60,000 a year to maintain it.

Vivian Salaga, an architect with Atelier Architecture who is working on the proposal, said she wants to make sure the building doesn't go the way of downtown buildings that sat vacant until they decayed beyond saving. "Buildings are meant to be lived in, and when they're left vacant, they do deteriorate," she said.

Janet Zink can be reached at jzink@sptimes.com or (813) 226-3401