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

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Preserve and Restore History, Protect the Future

With its 511 rooms and 1,068 windows, the iconic Henry B. Plant Hall is 325,000 square feet, covering six acres in beautiful downtown Tampa.

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.

Fundraising is an ongoing and necessary aspect of preserving and restoring the iconic Henry B. Plant Hall. 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.

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“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

Current Projects

UP ON THE ROOF

Grant from the State of Florida

$500,000 Special Category Historic Preservation grant from the state to restore the Plant Hall Music Room roof.

Video Credit: Bryan Varra

In July 2022, the Plant Hall Music Room roof was officially funded with a $500,000 grant. With matching funds of $500,000 being provided by The Chiselers, the total budget for the project is $1,000,000 with a 2-year completion timeline. The project includes replacing the Music Room roof system, replacing 20 roof gutters and downspouts, repair, replace and paint damaged wood materials and decorative features on west veranda and architectural and engineering services. The Music Room roof is approximately 4,500 square feet and is one of two domed rooms that project from the middle of the west elevation of Plant Hall.

This project is sponsored in part by the Department of State, Division of Historic Resources and the State of Florida. 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.

Recently Completed Projects

Saving the Silhouette

Grant from the State of Florida

$450,000 Special Category Historic Preservation grant from the state to restore three minarets.

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

$99,500 Hillsborough County Historic Preservation matching grant to fix the foundation.

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.

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

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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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