The Tampa Community Redevelopment Agency board voted Nov. 13 to fund exterior preservation work at the Tampa Firefighters Museum, approving $151,827.46 for restoration of historic wood windows and doors plus a $20,000 contingency and progress payments.

Dee Reed, the CRA economic development coordinator, told the board the project aligns with Florida Statute 163.370 provisions for rehabilitation of buildings within CRA areas and downtown CRA goals to preserve architectural heritage. Staff originally recommended awarding 60% of eligible expenses (not to exceed $91,097) with a $20,000 contingency and progress reimbursements. Bill Wade, representing the museum, asked the board to fund the full $151,827.46 request to complete preservation of 41 wood‑frame windows, transom and apparatus doors and associated hardware.

Board member Clendenin moved to approve the full request and board member Carlson seconded. After questions about prior investments in the building and the longevity of the planned work, the board adopted the amended motion approving the full amount plus the contingency and staggered reimbursements by voice vote.

Wade said the museum has paid routine maintenance and recent roof work; he described the exterior windows and doors as a chronic maintenance issue that requires historic‑sensitive restoration to extend the building’s life "for the next several decades." Reed noted the downtown CAC had voted 4–1 to recommend approval of staff’s original funding recommendation.

The board’s approval will allow the museum to hire a qualified historic‑preservation contractor and begin work under the agreed progress‑payment schedule. The award is funded from the downtown CRA special projects grant allocation. The museum’s representative said the work will preserve a landmark used by school groups and firefighter organizations and reduce future maintenance burdens.

The board did not set a specific construction start date in the meeting record; staff will administer the progress payments and report back on contract execution and milestones.