Beach Park is regarded as one of Tampa’s finest neighborhoods. Described as “nature’s beautiful spot” with its oak trees and palms, azaleas and dogwood, Southern pine and philodendron, this neighborhood appeals to many homeowners.
Developed in the 1920’s on land which was once a mixture of thick Florida tropical brush, Palm trees and Oak forests on the waterfront of Old Tampa Bay, Beach Park is full of architectural variety. The abundance of large Oak trees, winding streets, very large lots and a wide variety of different types of architectural style homes make Beach Park a unique and desirable neighborhood in South Tampa.
The original Beach Park homes were built with a Mediterranean theme that conformed requirements for stucco exteriors, terra cotta roofs, interior and exterior archways and generous use of decorative tile. Homes had to be masonry. These requirements were in case of fire as at that time, Beach Park was in the county and had no fire department.
This neighborhood is an ideal location near the heart of Tampa Bay, south of Kennedy Boulevard and on the west side of Lois Ave and is renown for its beautiful homes, stunning beach-side view and convenience for entering the bay. Large oak trees that adorn the neighborhood and Swann Circle Park located nearby.
Beach Park Neighborhood History
Beach Park has been described as “an original gem of South Tampa.” Little wonder why when studying this neighborhoods history.
Dubbed by the Tampa Sunday Times as “wild tropical garden, impregnable and uninhabitable,” Beach Park was originally owned by Henry B. Plant originally who sold it to investors who in turn sold it to T. Roy Young, William Trice, Milton and Giddings Mabry in 1911. These developers bought Beach Park and subdivided it into “Beach Park on the Bay,” creating man made canals and bayous accompanied by windy roads to give it a unique and extra special appeal to attract “those of generous financial means.”
The “Beach Park Company” as it was known, built a stunning West Shore entrance by November of 1924 just in time for winter visitors. The Moorish style gates spanned the road and were so well illuminated that they could be seen from Pinellas County. Portions of a smaller set of gates can still be seen today at the intersection of Swann and Lois Avenues. The gates marked the entrances to about 70 homes built in the height of Beach Park earliest construction.
Nearby Schools
Beach Park is blessed with a wonderful selection of nearby schools including Grady Elementary School, Mabry Elementary School, Coleman Middle School, and Plant Senior High School. For higher education, Beach Park is near the University of Tampa and the University of South Florida.
You can find additional information here for neighborhoods schools:
Things to Do
Beach Park enjoys proximity not only to downtown but also to the airport, interstate, stadiums, shopping and West Shore business district remains one of the attractive reasons to choose to live in Beach Park today.
- Raymond James Stadium – Tampa Bay Buccaneers NFL Football, University of South Florida Football, concerts, other events
- Steinbrenner Field – New York Yankees Spring Training
- Amalie Arena – Lightning Hockey, concerts, other events
- Museums like the Tampa Museum of Art, Florida Museum of Photographic Arts , Tampa Bay History Museum, Henry B. Plant Museum, Contemporary Art Museum, as well the Petersburg Museum of Fine Artsand the Dali Museum.
Fine Dining
There is a plethora of fine dining nearby Beach Park including: Don Shula’s Steak House at the Omni Hotel; Seasons 52, P.F. Chang’s, Maggianos Little Italy, and Mitchell’s Fish Market, in the Westshore Plaza area; Charley’s Steak House, Ruth Chris Steak House, Capital Grille and Ocean Prime near the International Plaza and a number of others a short drive away.
Shopping
Beach Park is ideally situated for shopping. Some of Tampa’s finest shopping is just a short drive away.
Living in Beach Park
Beach Park residents love living the Floridian dream in Beach Park and revel in the charm of the original Mediterranean style homes, many of which have been preserved and honored with Tampa Preservation Society award banners. Many of the original Mediterranean style mansions are still enjoyed by Beach Park residents throughout this historic, established neighborhood.
With all the nearby things to do, top fine dining, shopping, culture and entertainment, it is no surprise that Beach Park is considered one of Tampa Bay’ finest neighborhoods and an original gem of South Tampa!
If Beach Park sounds like the right neighborhood for your custom home building project, use the handy button below to set up a free consultation with us to learn more about the neighborhood and our expertise in building custom homes in this neighborhood. You can also learn more about schools in the area using the school locator button.
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