Historic Davis Islands house deemed eligible for local landmark; commission finds economic hardship and clears demolition permit

The City of Tampa Historic Preservation Commission on July 15 confirmed that the Mediterranean‑Revival house at 116 West Davis Boulevard on Davis Islands is listed in the National Register of Historic Places and eligible for local historic landmark designation, but the panel also found the owner had demonstrated an economic hardship after extensive storm and flood damage and voted to allow demolition of the structure.

The decision matters because it puts the property formally on track for local landmark designation (a recommendation to City Council) while simultaneously clearing the property owner to remove a building the commission found would impose an inordinate financial burden to preserve. Commissioner Gibson moved the designation recommendation and the commission voted 4–0; later the commission found economic hardship and approved the pending demolition permit by the same 4–0 margin.

The commission opened its hearing after staff presented the property history and the demolition application. Elaine Lund, historic preservation staff, summarized the building’s significance: “This morning, we're looking at, a property on Davis Islands, 116 West Davis Boulevard. … the applicant has submitted a request for demolition for this property.” Lund told the commission the house, built circa 1926 and designed by Franklin O. Adams Jr., was listed in the National Register on Aug. 3, 1989, as part of the Davis Islands Mediterranean Revival multiple property listing.

The property owner, represented by attorney Gina Grimes, and witnesses presented documents and expert testimony supporting an economic‑hardship claim. Grimes said the house had been the family home of the late Diane Lee Kemper…