In the next decade, Ybor City will be approaching 150 years. To be exact, the anniversary year will be 2036. Those from the Ybor community that worked on designating Ybor City as a National Historic Landmark District some 30 plus years ago, created a vision for remembering what went on here beginning in 1886, and how to preserve that heritage. We owe all those who participated in that effort then a debt of gratitude as well as the continuing efforts of the Ybor City Museum Society, the Ybor City Development Corporation, the Ybor City Chamber of Commerce, the neighborhood associations and many private individuals, living and dead, who have contributed their own visions for what Ybor City can become. Unlike other historic districts in America, Ybor City has an industrial component to its story few other places have.
Here are some points to consider:
1. Seeking a Vision. What does Ybor City as an historic district want to look like at age 150? What of the present is worthy of preservation in the future?
2. Seeking a Unified Approach. What coordination of the community’s various organizations could prepare not only for the celebration but to accomplish common goals that promote the various facets of the historic district. They would include the private sector and the public sector working together.
3. Seeking out Guidance. While Ybor City is a unique historic landmark district, what can the study of other historic districts in the South offer Ybor City as one of the newer historic districts in the United States? The review of other historic districts like Charleston, Savannah, and Williamsburg could yield some applications that could serve Ybor City in its continued development as a meaningful historic tourist destination with many components contributing to that attraction.
4. Maintaining the Link to History. In Savannah, for example, many historic homes and business structures dating as far back as the 1700s have been preserved and utilized by businesses and private individuals. An internal space in many such national historic landmarks is devoted to the history of that structure. An historic house in Savannah may be occupied by a law firm, but a section of the house, sometimes the parlor or other front room is open to the public with memorabilia, artifacts, and photos of the eras through which the building has survived. It might be useful for the development of the historic district for Ybor City to promote such a policy for its historic buildings.
5. Identifying and Reconciling Priorities from all Sectors. Can we as a community create a joint and coordinated long range plan for the Ybor City historic district so that we march forward with clear and attainable goals and objectives? What are our priorities and can we develop a consensus for what they are? We won’t accomplish everything in a day, month, year or decade, but it can be a plan for the 150th year anniversary, a plan subject to revision and change over time as needed.
6. Seeking the Needed Funds. Could a plan for fundraising be developed that could support a comprehensive effort to preserve historical sites and other needs that require funding or upkeep. Private fundraising firms through the United States are retained to help communities identify needs and develop financial campaigns in exchange for a small percentage of the total funds raised.
The future is full of opportunities and different courses of action. We want the future to be guided so that it is not misdirected. The future of the historic district is in our hands as those who live and work and love Ybor City are the stewards of preserving that history for the generations yet to come.
Look for this blog to explore the opportunities and challenges facing the historic district.
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