Dedicated to the Restoration and Preservation of Henry B. Plant Hall

GRANTS

Preserve and Restore History

Protect the Future

Fundraising is an ongoing and necessary aspect of preserving and restoring the iconic Henry B. Plant Hall. At over a century old, this National Historic Landmark requires constant attention. It is continually challenged by Florida’s wet climate and the demands of a modern university for electricity, air conditioning, and internet services – uses that did not exist when it was built in 1891.

With individual project costs ranging from tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars, restoring Tampa's most recognizable building is a costly endeavor.

To date, The Chiselers have spent more than $9 million (including non-grant funds) to restore and preserve this historic building. A significant portion of these funds has come from the Chiselers’ Market and other fundraisers with the support of our valued members and donors, matched dollar-for-dollar with state and local grants.

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization run solely by volunteers, we rely on the generosity of individuals and corporations to achieve our mission. Thank you for your support.

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Did you know?

Henry B. Plant Hall:

* is 325,000 square feet, 6 acres , and a 1/4 mile long

* has 1,068 windows

* has 511 rooms

* is five stories tall

“Old buildings are the soul of a city. Like an embrace, they hold the past, gently. They protect the past from the future and for the future. Surely God must love old buildings.”

~ Author unknown

Recently Completed Grants

Restoration Underway

Saving the Silhouette

Grant from the State of Florida || Restore three minarets

$450,000 Special Category Historic Preservation grant from the state for fiscal year 2020 titled Saving the Silhouette

Historic Preservation Grants Program Overview

The Historic Preservation Grants Program allocates state funds appropriated by the legislature and federal funds apportioned to the state by the U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service, for the preservation and protection of the state's historic and archaeological sites and properties. The program is administered by the Division of Historical Resources, Florida Department of State and is governed by rules in Chapter 1A-39, Florida Administrative Code and Section 267.0617, Florida Statutes.

Securing the Foundation for the Future

Grant from Hillsborough County || Fix the foundation

$99,500 Hillsborough County Historic Preservation matching grant titled Securing the Foundation for the Future

Securing the Foundation for the Future Grant Overview

This grant funds the repair and restoration of 7,500 square feet of basement level area in Plant Hall. The work includes removal of all deteriorated mortar, re-pointing all brick and mortar joints, removal, replacement and/or repair damaged structural steel beams, application of a corrosion-inhibiting coating to the bottom of the steel beams, and installing electrical junction boxes, conduits, and code compliance elements.

Hillsborough County's Historic Preservation Matching Grant Program is designed to financially assist owners of not-for-profit local Landmarks within unincorporated Hillsborough County in performing approved exterior preservation and restoration activities.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

Make a secure online donation today to help us maintain Tampa’s most important architectural masterpiece.

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History of Grants Received

Chiselers Grants 1996-2019

All of the grants listed are matching grants with an equivalent amount funded by The Chiselers from Preview Parties, Markets, Fashion Shows and other fundraising projects.

1996 | $30,000

Bureau of Historic Preservation, State of Florida with a combination of other funds, restored the Grand Entry Lobby Doors.

1998 | $315,000

Bureau of Historic Preservation, State of Florida restoration of southwest veranda flooring and foundation piers under the south end of Plant Hall.

2002 | $400,000

Save America's Treasures, National Trust for Historic Preservation and the Nat'l. Park Service "Sealing the Envelope", begin repointing 98,000 sq.ft. of brick and restoration of 1,000 windows

2011 | $50,000

Bureau of Historic Preservation, State of Florida repoint 44,300 sq.ft. of brick to complete the restoration of the brick exterior of Plant Hall.

2012 | $250,000

Hillsborough County Challenge Grant #1 restoration of 178 windows

2014 | $50,000

Bureau of Historic Preservation, State of Florida restoration of 35 windows

2014 | $250,000

Hillsborough County Challenge Grant #2 restoration of 133 windows and 22 balconies

2015 | $344,000

Bureau of Historic Preservation, State of Florida restore 85 windows, 4 minarets and replace 7,800 sq. ft. of flooring in Fletcher Lounge.

2015 | $50,000

Bureau of Historic Preservation, Small Matching Grant restoration of 33 windows plus grant administration.

2015 | $500,000

Bureau of Historic Preservation, Special Category Grant repair 14,007 sq. ft. of basement level structure and sub-flooring in Fletcher Hall

2016 | $37,500

Hillsborough County Challenge Grant #3 Minaret Repair (#5,9,10)

2018 | $99,500

Hillsborough County Challenge Grant #4 "Securing the Foundation for the Future" repair and restore 7,500 sq.ft. of basement area under Plant Museum area.

2019 | $50,000

Bureau of Historic Preservation, Small Matching Grant Updated Master Plan ($50,000 match from UT)

2019 | $450,000

Bureau of Historic Preservation, Special Category Grant Interior and exterior repair of 3 minarets, #5,#6, #10

TOTAL OF ALL GRANTS------------------------------------------------$2,876 ,000

CHISELER'S MATCH------------------------------------------------------$2,876 ,000*

Grand Total of Funds Earned by Chiselers via Grants................ $5,752,000

*includes $50,000 match from University of Tampa

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The Chiselers, Inc.

Registration #CH51363. A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL FREE (800-435-7352) WITHIN THE STATE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.

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