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Preserve and Restore History, Protect the Future

Henry B. Plant Hall is more than a building—it’s the crown jewel of Tampa’s skyline and a living symbol of the city’s rich past. Built in 1891 as the Tampa Bay Hotel, this National Historic Landmark now anchors the University of Tampa campus.

With 1,068 windows, 511 rooms, and over 250,000 square feet of intricately detailed architecture, Plant Hall stands as a testament to vision and craftsmanship. But maintaining such a historic treasure in Florida’s humid climate—and adapting it for modern-day use—is an ongoing challenge.

That’s where The Chiselers come in.

Since 1959, our all-volunteer organization has raised and invested millions of dollars to restore and protect this irreplaceable landmark. These efforts include critical structural and aesthetic projects ranging from window repair to roof system upgrades and foundation restoration. From replacing rotted woodwork to preserving delicate Moorish details, every dollar goes directly into safeguarding Plant Hall’s legacy. We work closely with the university and partner with state and local agencies, matching grants dollar-for-dollar through community fundraising efforts like our annual Chiselers’ Market and Chiseling a Legacy dinner.

In 2023, The Chiselers earned the prestigious Florida Preservation Award for their work on the iconic Plant Hall minarets—restoring brickwork, stripped and repainted steel, windows, stairs, floors, and regilded crescent moons—returning the building to its original sculptural elegance.

Through steadfast volunteerism and community-driven fundraising, The Chiselers have enabled thoughtful, professional interventions that ensure Henry B. Plant Hall remains both architecturally sound and visually magnificent. Our work safeguards a cultural treasure for Tampa, the University, and generations to come.

Your contribution helps preserve history and protect the future.

Every dollar goes directly towards restoration projects and preservation efforts at Plant Hall.

“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

Completed 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.

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

All of the grants listed are matching grants with an equivalent amount funded by The Chiselers.

2019 | $450,000

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

2016 | $37,500

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

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

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

2012 | $250,000

Hillsborough County Challenge Grant #1 restoration of 178 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.

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

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.

1996 | $30,000

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

Chiselers Honored for Restoration of H.B. Plant Hall Minarets

The Florida Trust for Historic Preservation recognized excellence in historic preservation throughout the state with its 2023 Florida Preservation Awards during the 2023 Preservation on Main Street conference.

“We are delighted to recognize the remarkable achievements of this year's recipients of the Florida Preservation Awards,” said Florida Trust Immediate Past Board President Jenny Wolfe. “Their commitment to preserving our heritage is inspiring, and we extend our heartfelt congratulations to everyone involved. It is through such localized preservation efforts that we witness the true power and success of preservation.”

Chiselers President, Beth Garcia, accepted the award on behalf on the Chiselers and their restoration work on the H.B. Plant Hall Minarets. Awards in this category acknowledge the proper restoration or rehabilitation of a structure to an earlier or original appearance.

The Florida Trust for Historic Preservation recognized the challenges faced by the restoration team. The restoration work encompassed brick-repointing; stripping and repainting the structural steel; repairing or replacing damaged windows, gypsum stairs and floors; and regilding the crescent moons in gold.

Help us ensure the preservation of Henry B. Plant Hall!

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The Chiselers, Inc.

EIN # 59-6200154. 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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