An analysis of Lykes Bros. Inc. v. Architectural Review Commission, et al. and its effects on historic preservation in Tampa, Florida

Abstract

This thesis examines changes to Tampa’s local historic preservation ordinance resulting from the settlement of Lykes Bros. Inc. v. Architectural Review Commission, et al., and determines its effects on the City’s ability to protect historic resources. Historical research, statistical analysis and oral interviews provided the methodology for this thesis, which is organized into three sections. The first section provides an overview of the local historic preservation movement in Tampa, and the development of a municipal preservation program. The second section explains Lykes’ local significance and provides historical and architectural descriptions of the First National Bank and Tampa Gas Company buildings. This section then examines the factors and circumstances leading up to the legal dispute between Lykes Bros. Inc. and the City of Tampa, and describes the lawsuits and changes to Tampa’s preservation ordinance resulting from their settlement. The third section analyzes historic designation and architectural review statistics from, as well as public and insider perceptions about, Tampa’s historic preservation program before and after the Lykes’ Settlement. Research indicates that the Lykes lawsuits and subsequent settlement agreement had negative effects on Tampa’s ability to protect historic resources. Although the ordinance was strengthened in some respects, by making it less prone to legal attacks and providing organization and focus to Tampa’s historic preservation administration, the complex designation and review processes created in the wake of the Lykes’ revisions and the generally negative public perception of Tampa’s historic preservation program since the settlement have weakened the City’s ability to protect historic resources.