News Summary
A distinctive Futuro House resembling a UFO is now a landmark atop the 2001 Odyssey strip club in Tampa, Florida. Designed by Finnish architect Matti Suuronen, this unique structure serves as a VIP room and showcases quirky architecture combined with entertainment. With only 60 Futuro Houses globally, it draws significant attention, especially after recent renovations to enhance its sci-fi theme. The house’s cultural significance, influenced by Stanley Kubrick’s film, makes it a unique roadside attraction that continues to capture the curiosity of both locals and visitors alike.
Tampa’s Futuro House Becomes Local Landmark
A distinctive Futuro House, resembling a UFO, is perched atop the 2001 Odyssey strip club in Tampa, Florida, making it a recognizable landmark in the area. This unique structure, one of only two in Florida, serves as a VIP room within the club, combining quirky architecture with entertainment.
Designed in the late 1960s by Finnish architect Matti Suuronen, the Futuro House was conceptualized as a “House of the Future,” intended to function as a mobile ski chalet that could endure harsh climatic conditions. Weighing about 12,000 pounds and spanning approximately 500 square feet, these homes were made from fiberglass and can accommodate up to eight individuals.
The unique features of a Futuro House include a retractable door hatch that operates at the push of a button, setting it apart from traditional residential architecture. Initially, the first Futuro Houses were sold in Finland; however, the design failed to gain traction in the United States market, prompting the establishment of a subsidiary named Futuro of Florida in Clearwater in the early 1970s. The company ceased operations by 1975 due to limited success.
Historical Context and Current Ownership
In Tampa, one of the Futuro Houses was previously owned by Gwendolyn Zerby, a retired woman who had her dreams cut short when the house was abandoned following her death in 1979. Eventually, it was demolished. The 2001 Odyssey strip club, managed by Jerry DeLong, showcased the Futuro House on its roof during his ownership. The current owner, Pasquale Matassini, acquired the venue with the Futuro already in place.
Recent renovations have seen the club adapt its interior to a sci-fi theme, enhancing the overall ambiance of the one-of-a-kind attraction. The interior features a curved bar, black lace curtains, and mirrored walls, which reflect its whimsical and lively atmosphere.
Global and Local Appreciation
Only about 60 Futuro Houses exist around the globe, with just 18 in the United States. Futuro enthusiast Simon Robson highlights the rarity of these structures, adding to the allure of this particular house in Tampa. The second Futuro House in Florida, located in Pensacola Beach, has grown into a notable tourist destination for visitors since at least 1971, even adopting holiday-themed decorations on occasion.
Passersby frequently slow down to admire the unorthodox structure, indicative of its longstanding cultural and visual significance. The influence of Stanley Kubrick’s film, 2001: A Space Odyssey, played a role in shaping both the theme of the strip club and the strategic placement of the Futuro House on the rooftop.
As a recognizable roadside attraction, the 2001 Odyssey strip club and its Futuro House have appeared in various media portrayals, contributing to its reputation as an unusual yet fascinating piece of local history. The combination of architectural innovation and contemporary entertainment continues to draw attention and curiosity from both residents and visitors alike.
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Additional Resources
- Click Orlando: House of the Future Becomes Strip Club
- Archpaper: Futuro House Strip Club VIP Room
- Miami Herald: Futuro House Article
- New York Post: Strip Club with UFO Roof
- The Guardian: Futuro House Overview
- Wikipedia: Futuro House
- Google Search: Futuro House
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Futuro House
- Google News: Futuro House
Author: STAFF HERE TAMPA WRITER
The TAMPA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERETampa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Tampa, Hillsborough County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Gasparilla Pirate Festival, Florida State Fair, and Tampa Riverfest. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce and United Way Suncoast, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and technology that power the local economy such as BayCare Health System, Grow Financial Federal Credit Union, and KnowBe4. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HERESTPetersburg.com, and HERETallahassee.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
