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City preservation staff report replica finial, repairs after lightning strike at El Centro Espanol
Summary
City historic preservation staff told the Tampa ARC that El Centro Espanol in Ybor City — a contributing building and individually recognized landmark — suffered lightning damage to a rooftop finial; the damaged element was removed with a crane and a replica cast-stone sphere is being fabricated while masonry repairs continue.
Historic preservation staff updated the Architectural Review Commission on Dec. 1 about recent damage and repairs to El Centro Espanol, a historically significant building at 1532 East 7th Avenue in Ybor City.
Elaine Lund said El Centro Espanol is individually recognized as a national historic landmark and contributes to both the local and national historic districts. Staff reviewed the building’s history — established in 1891, with a second clubhouse on 7th Avenue completed in 1912 by architect Francis J. Kennard — and explained the recent damage: lightning struck and damaged the pier supporting one of the spherical finials at the roofline.
To inspect and repair the pier, All Trades Reconstruction developed a rigging plan that required a crane and temporary barricades to protect the swing radius and landing zone. Lund described the removal procedure: the sphere was secured in a sling, the steel post was cut, the sphere was lowered to the ground, and the original could not be reused. A replica cast-stone element is being fabricated to match the original while masonry repairs are completed.
Staff noted the building anchors the Centro Ybor complex and was featured in the local preservation newsletter; staff said they would bring an update on the repair’s conclusion when available.
No formal action was taken on the update; it was presented as part of the commission’s preservation-and-progress segment.
