Davis Islands Mediterranean Revival Historic District

Overview

The Davis Islands Mediterranean Revival Historic District is a collection of historic buildings located on Davis Islands in Tampa, Florida, USA. It has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places due to its representative Mediterranean Revival style. This group includes twenty-one residences, hotels, and apartments built during the Florida land boom of the 1920s, showcasing typical elements such as white or light-colored stucco exteriors, red tile roofs, arched doors and windows, and wrought iron decorations. These buildings are concentrated on the larger artificial island of Davis Islands, surrounded by Hillsborough Bay and the Seddon Channel, creating a bay community landscape that combines residential, commercial, and recreational functions.

Getting There

The most convenient way to reach the Davis Islands Mediterranean Revival Historic District is to drive or take a taxi from downtown Tampa, crossing the bridge via Plant Avenue to access Davis Boulevard onto the island. It takes about 5 to 10 minutes to drive from downtown Tampa (such as the area around the Tampa Convention Center or Amalie Arena), or you can use local ride-sharing services and walk along Davis Boulevard to admire the historic buildings scattered along East and West Davis Boulevard and surrounding streets.

Highlights

The core feature of the Davis Islands Mediterranean Revival Historic District is the preservation of twenty-one representative buildings from the Florida land boom of the 1920s, making it one of the few neighborhoods in Tampa that fully showcases the Mediterranean Revival style. The buildings typically feature stucco exteriors, red tile gabled roofs, arched corridors, balconies, and wrought iron railings, reflecting the vacation atmosphere of Spanish, Italian, and other Mediterranean coastal cities. The entire community was originally planned by developer D.P. Davis, combining winding palm-lined avenues, artificial waterways, parks, and recreational facilities to create a multifunctional residential and commercial community with a strong island resort feel, close to the city center. For visitors, this is an ideal location for walking or driving tours to learn about Tampa's urban development and architectural history.

What to See

Key buildings and attractions include: 1. **Mirasol Building (formerly Mirasol Hotel)**: Located at 84 Davis Boulevard, this Mediterranean Revival hotel was built in 1926 and designed by architect Martin Hampton. It was converted into apartments in 1962 and is one of the most iconic historical landmarks on Davis Islands. 2. **Palmerin/Davis Islands Motor Hotel/Hudson Manor Building**: Originally built as the upscale apartment hotel Palmerin by developer D.P. Davis in 1925, it opened in 1926 and was later renamed Davis Islands Motor Hotel. It is now Hudson Manor, a nursing facility, and the entire building is known for its Mediterranean Revival style facade and arched openings, having been listed on the National Register of Historic Places. 3. **Bay Isle Commercial Building**: A historic commercial building located at 238 East Davis Boulevard, showcasing a strong Mediterranean style with its arcade and stucco exterior, representing early commercial amenities. 4. **Historic Residential District along Davis Boulevard**: Several Mediterranean Revival style single-family homes built in the 1920s are scattered along both sides of East and West Davis Boulevard and the island's side streets, featuring common elements like red tile roofs, arched windows, and gardens. Many remain private residences, but their exteriors can be admired from the street. 5. **Waterfront and Streetscape on the Island**: As the islands are artificially created, the buildings contrast beautifully with the bay and canals, with palm trees lining the roads and winding streets, combined with historic architecture, creating a unique urban resort island atmosphere.

Hours & Admission

The Davis Islands Mediterranean Revival Historic District is an open residential community and public street area, where outdoor streetscapes and most building exteriors can be visited for free at any time, with no unified ticketing system. Most historic buildings are private residences, apartments, or operational facilities, and interiors are generally not open to the public or may only be accessible to residents and guests. Some buildings, such as nursing facilities, do not allow tours for privacy and security reasons. Visitors are advised to enjoy the exteriors by walking, driving, or biking along the streets, and if interested in further exploration, they should confirm in advance if there are open days, guided tours, or if permission is needed from the owners.

Address

Davis Islands, Tampa, Florida, USA. The Mediterranean Revival Historic District is located on the larger island, primarily along Davis Boulevard and its side streets.

Travel Tips

It is recommended to visit the Davis Islands Mediterranean Revival Historic District in the morning or afternoon when the light is softer, making it easier to capture architectural details and avoid the midday heat and glare. Tampa's summers are hot and humid with frequent afternoon thunderstorms, so it is advisable to bring sunscreen, a hat, and a water bottle, and to keep an eye on weather forecasts and hurricane season conditions. As the island is a residential community, visitors should maintain quiet, avoid lingering in private yards or driveways for photos, and respect residents' privacy and quality of life. You can also combine your visit with nearby attractions such as the Tampa waterfront promenade, Amalie Arena, or the Tampa Riverwalk for a half-day to full-day urban exploration itinerary. If you wish to learn more about the local history and architectural background, check in advance for walking tours offered by local historical societies or tour companies.

Nearby Dining

As an upscale residential community, Davis Islands features several cafes, bars, and restaurants along Davis Boulevard, making it a great place to dine and relax after admiring the historic buildings. The island commonly has American diners, Italian cuisine, and coffee and dessert shops, many of which offer outdoor seating, allowing diners to enjoy the street views and tree-lined sidewalks, creating a relaxed resort atmosphere. For more diverse dining options, a short drive or ride back to downtown Tampa and the Channelside area offers a variety of restaurants ranging from seafood to international cuisine.

FAQ

Q: Where is the Davis Islands Mediterranean Revival Historic District located? A: The Davis Islands Mediterranean Revival Historic District is located on Davis Islands, south of downtown Tampa, Florida, USA, primarily distributed along Davis Boulevard and surrounding streets on the larger island. You can reach it by driving across the bridge connecting the city to the island from downtown Tampa, taking about 5 to 10 minutes. Q: How many Mediterranean Revival style buildings are there? A: The Davis Islands Mediterranean Revival Historic District includes a total of twenty-one buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places, representing the most iconic Mediterranean Revival style works from Tampa's land boom of the 1920s. These buildings include residences, hotels, apartments, and commercial buildings, forming the core of the multi-property listing. Q: Can I enter the buildings for a tour? A: Most of the Mediterranean Revival historic buildings on Davis Islands are private residences, apartments, or operational facilities, so general visitors can usually only admire the exteriors from the street without free access to the interiors. If specific buildings are open for tours on certain days, they are typically announced in advance by the owners, institutions, or local groups, so it is recommended to check before your visit. Q: Is there an admission fee to visit the Davis Islands Mediterranean Revival Historic District? A: There is no admission fee to visit the outdoor streetscapes and building exteriors of the Davis Islands Mediterranean Revival Historic District, as it is an open residential community and public road area. However, if you participate in a paid tour or enter specific facilities for events, you may need to pay according to the organizer's regulations. Q: What is the best way to appreciate these buildings? A: The ideal way to appreciate the Davis Islands Mediterranean Revival Historic District is to walk or bike slowly along Davis Boulevard and surrounding streets, allowing for close observation of details and stopping for photos. If time is limited or the weather is hot, driving around the main roads of the island can also give you a general sense of the community's historical atmosphere and bay views. Q: What other attractions are worth visiting on Davis Islands? A: In addition to the Mediterranean Revival Historic District, Davis Islands is known for its bay views, yacht docks, and nearby small airport, making it a hub for upscale residences and recreational activities in Tampa. Visitors can combine their trip with visits to the Tampa Riverwalk and waterfront promenade areas, creating a half-day or full-day itinerary that includes architecture, culture, and sea views.

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