Plant Hall at the University of Tampa. Credit: Photo via DistinguishedReflect/Adobe

It’s usually pretty easy to walk around Plant Hall, but the University of Tampa’s signature building will be packed to the gills this weekend.

Blame the commotion on The Chiselers, a group named for Tampeño women who chiseled mortar off of old glass tiles once removed the fireplace at the old Tampa Bay Hotel. These days, The Chiselers are a 65-year-old organization devoted to the continued restoration and preservation of Henry B. Plant Hall.

This market—and its sold-out Friday night preview—is The Chiselers’ main fundraiser. In the spirit of Sunny Delo, who in 1959 searched through the university’s basement looking for items she could use to restore ballroom fireplaces, the market is a big ol’ sale featuring seemingly everything from gently-used furniture, china, crystal, antiques, books, collectibles, clothes, jewelry and more. It’s like an estate sale of South Tampa, but all in one place.

There’s no cover for the 59th Annual Chiselers Market happening Saturday, March 9 inside Historic Plant Hall atThe University of Tampa. Subscribe to Creative Loafing newsletters.

This article appears in Feb 29 – Mar 6, 2024.