TAMPA, Fla. — Historic 7th Avenue in Ybor City is closer to once again becoming a brick street after more than 60 years.
In a news release, the city of Tampa says the 7th Avenue Bricking project has already completed work on the first two blocks, citing there were only minimal delays following Hurricane Debby.
The bricking was completed between 15th and 16th streets, then on 16th and 17th streets. City leaders say roughly 80,000 bricks were used for the two blocks.
Tampa officials say the results of this project will benefit local businesses with economic growth, with many business owners supporting the project along with requesting new blocks be bricked.
"Bringing brick back not only enhances the character and feel of the National Historic Landmark District, but it also provides natural traffic calming and promotes walkability," city officials said in a news release.
The multi-phase project to reconstruct the paved 7th Avenue into a brick road in total will take up to six weeks, according to the city of Tampa.
It's being funded by the Ybor Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA), which is captured through new tax revenue and invested back into the community.
“Ybor City is a National Historic Landmark District, so we are thrilled to be returning Seventh Avenue to brick, as it's really in keeping with its authentic character,’’ said CRA Chair Gwendolyn Henderson in a statement. "Not to mention it will also calm traffic, as it's very difficult to speed down a brick street."
7th Avenue's origins date back to the turn of the 20th century, when Ybor was previously known as the "Cigar Capital of the World." It was a brick street through the 1960s before the city turned to asphalt paving.
Plans to brick more of 7th Avenue, including from Nuccio Parkway to 26th Street, are being evaluated.
