News Summary

Tampa is undertaking a $6 million restoration project for its historic Union Station, aiming to restore its original beauty and dismantle a segregation-era wall. The renovation will be led by architect Jerel McCants and focuses on making the station an inclusive public space while commemorating its complex history. This initiative hopes to rectify past injustices linked to segregation and ensure public transport services remain operational throughout the renovation.

Tampa’s Historic Union Station Set for Major Restoration

Tampa is embarking on a significant restoration project for its historic Union Station, with a budget of $6 million aimed at returning the facility to its former grandeur. The renovation, led by local architect Jerel McCants, has a particular focus on dismantling a segregation-era wall that separated Black and white passengers, a relic from a painful chapter in American history.

Originally constructed in 1912, Union Station is an architectural jewel designed in the Italian Renaissance Revival style. The wall in question marked a time when segregation dictated societal norms within public spaces, resulting in divided amenities for passengers, including separate water fountains, ticket counters, and bathrooms designated for “colored” and “whites only.” Despite these separations, passengers often gathered in the communal embarkation area, demonstrating the contradictions of the “separate but equal” doctrine.

Details of the Restoration Project

The interior renovation is expected to be finalized by early 2027, although Union Station will continue to serve as a functional transport hub throughout the renovation. This approach ensures that the station remains accessible while the renovation work progresses, allowing the community to retain vital public transport services during the upgrade.

Historically, the Union Station fell into disrepair, leading to its closure in 1984. The decline was largely attributed to a shift in transportation preferences, with increased competition from interstate highways and air travel diminishing train usage. Previous efforts to revitalize the station included renovations in 1998, transforming it into a viable Amtrak depot, and subsequent upgrades in 2002, which focused on the baggage handling area.

Commemorating History and Addressing the Past

While the physical restoration aims to beautify the structure, it also seeks to acknowledge the building’s complex history. The renovated Union Station will feature educational signage and artifact displays connected to its legacy of segregation, fostering an environment of remembrance and reflection on the injustices of the past. This initiative is part of a broader effort to reconcile with history and promote inclusivity in public spaces.

Jerel McCants, who is serving as the vice president of the Friends of Tampa Union Station, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving the building, is passionate about public spaces. His interest in the impact of architecture on social structures was nurtured through intimate conversations with his grandfather about personal experiences with segregation. In addition to this project, McCants authored a book titled “Architecture of Segregation: The Hierarchy of Spaces and Places,” in which he examines how architectural design reflects and perpetuates societal divisions.

Future Plans and Business Overview

McCants founded Jerel McCants Architecture Inc. in 2010, with the firm specializing in new residential and commercial architecture. In 2024, the firm reported a gross revenue of $1.5 million and currently employs seven staff members, including four licensed architects. Although he is involved in various projects, McCants expresses a preference for residential developments. He values the adaptability such projects offer in blending living, working, and entertainment spaces, contributing to more dynamic and functional environments.

The renovation of Tampa’s Union Station not only promises to reinvigorate a historic landmark but also represents a step toward acknowledging and correcting historical injustices linked to segregation. As the project unfolds, it stands to become an integral part of the city’s effort to provide an inclusive and respectful public space for all citizens.

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HERE Resources

Additional Resources

• Business Observer: Change Maker Jerel McCants
• Wikipedia: Union Station
• WTSP: Historic Jackson House Update
• Google Search: Tampa Union Station
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Jerel McCants

Author: STAFF HERE TAMPA WRITER

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