Restoration of Tampa’s Jackson House’s is ready to move forward after Tampa City Council’s agreement with Accardi Properties—but the historic building will need some emergency repairs before that work can begin.
Late last month, council and Accardi Properties agreed to make a 10-foot strip available around the house so that the Jackson House Foundation can make repairs. In exchange, the company—founded by Jason and John Accardi who also run Tampa’s 717 Parking—will get an alley between E Twiggs and E Zack Streets.
The deal is contingent on whether or not Florida Department of Transportation allows certain rights of way at nearby intersections, but a rep for the Accardis told council the company has agreed to an alternative plan should FDOT approval be denied.
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Tampa’s Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) also approved $1.2 million for improvements to the intersection, a development celebrated by all concerned with preservation of the historic boarding house that once hosted Ella Fitzgerald, Count Basie, Cab Calloway and James Brown during the Jim Crow era before slowly falling into disrepair.
The victory was short-lived.
Days after the resolution between Jackson House Foundation and the Accardis, wood panels fell off the east side of the 124-year-old building—meaning the home will have to undergo emergency repairs.
According to WTVT, the foundation is doing interviews with three contractors who will lead construction efforts.
Built in 1901, Jackson House has a rich history and is one of the last relics from one of Tampa’s oldest Black neighborhoods, The Scrub. During segregation, the house—at 871 E Zack St. and originally owned by Sarah Allen—was Tampa’s only boarding house for African Americans.
