TAMPA – After last year’s record-breaking attendance, Hyde Park Preservation Inc. will sell tickets for its Old Hyde Park Home Tour online in advance, with a very limited number of tickets available at the door.
The historic walking tour takes place rain or shine from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 6. Several distinctive and charming homes in the Hyde Park neighborhood will be available to explore, with snacks, music and surprises along the way.
Proceeds will benefit the preservation and beautification efforts of Hyde Park Preservation Inc. Tickets cost $30 in advance and $40 at the event. Buy tickets in advance at http://bit.ly/HydeParkTour.
Dating to the 1880s, Hyde Park’s development began when railroad magnate Henry Plant built a bridge over the Hillsborough River, providing a link to downtown. Plant built his Tampa Bay Hotel north of what was to become Hyde Park, and citrus growers James Watrous and William Morrison built the first houses.
Hyde Park’s Morrison Grove subdivision features many lovely and eclectic historic homes, including Georgian and classical mansions, Prairie, half-timber houses and Craftsman bungalows.
The neighborhood’s historic district was designated in the 1980s, preserving its character amid modernization.
Several unique homes join the tour this year, including restored bungalows, historic mansions and Mediterranean Revival homes dating back to the 1920s and 1930s.
“This year’s event will showcase a diverse array of period house architectural styles,” said Sarah Tombaugh, president of Hyde Park Preservation. “The funds raised will be instrumental in preserving the tree canopy and other neighborhood historical beautification projects.”
Tampa General Hospital and ZooTampa at Lowry Park are sponsoring the tour.
