Robles Park Village: Tampa’s Transformation Unfolds
Tampa’s oldest public housing project, Robles Park Village, has begun its highly anticipated demolition, marking the end of a 71-year era. This pivotal transformation aims to address decades of housing challenges and historical injustices, ushering in a revitalized, mixed-income neighborhood for future residents.
A Look Back at Robles Park’s Storied History
For more than seven decades, Robles Park Village served as home to many of Tampa’s neediest residents. Angerloe Bellamy, who lived there in the 1960s and again from 2019 to 2022, fondly recalls a tight-knit community where children roller-skated in the streets and front doors remained unlocked. However, as the barrack-style buildings aged, the community faced rising crime and quality of life issues, leading to its eventual demolition.
The Hidden History of Zion Cemetery
A significant revelation impacting Robles Park’s destiny was the discovery of Zion Cemetery. At the turn of the 20th century, the land was a thriving Black neighborhood, featuring the 2.5-acre burial ground founded by developer Richard Doby. By 1929, the cemetery vanished from public record, its existence disguised by developer Henry P. Kennedy who built storefronts over it.
It wasn’t until a 2019 investigation by the Tampa Bay Times, prompted by retired Hillsborough County employee Ray Reed and historian Rodney Kite-Powell, that more than 120 coffins were confirmed beneath a portion of Robles Park Village. This discovery highlighted a profound historical injustice, prompting calls for restoration and remembrance.
Evolution of Public Housing and Community Life
Originally opened in 1954 as a segregated project for older white adults, Robles Park, like many public housing initiatives, transformed over time. As white families found improved economic opportunities and moved to the suburbs, Black and Latino families, often blocked from homeownership by discriminatory practices like redlining, increasingly occupied these projects.
By the 1990s, public housing projects across the country, including Robles Park, struggled with social stigma, drug-related crime, and dwindling federal resources. Residents described fearing to walk outside at night and reported tense confrontations with police. Angerloe Bellamy noted the stark change upon her return in 2019, contrasting it with her safer childhood memories. Yet, for residents like Tiffany Bolden, who was homeless before moving in with her two children in 2021, Robles Park was a “stepping stone,” offering resources and community. Many former residents recall sweeter memories, like fishing in nearby ponds or playing basketball, underscoring that for them, it was truly home.
The Future: A New Vision for Robles Park
The demolition paves the way for a transformative redevelopment project, led by the Tampa Housing Authority and PMG Affordable. Mayor Jane Castor praised the plan, calling it “the future of the city of Tampa.”
Project Details and Community Impact
The new Robles Park will feature a vibrant, mixed-income neighborhood designed for people of all income levels. Plans include 1,250 affordable residences and 600 market-rate units, significantly increasing the total housing capacity. Beyond residences, the development will boast a 30,000 square-foot community center, various retail spaces, and tree-lined streets.
Crucially, the redevelopment will include a dedicated memorial and genealogy center for Zion Cemetery, acknowledging and honoring the sacred ground beneath. The project is financed through a combination of federal low-income housing tax credits, county bonds, state loans, and $4 million in federal funds secured by U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor. Former Robles Park residents will be given the right of first refusal for the affordable units, ensuring they have an opportunity to return to the revitalized community.
Comparison: Old vs. New Robles Park
| Feature | Old Robles Park Village | New Robles Park (Planned) |
|---|---|---|
| Housing Type & Density | Public Housing (433 units) | Mixed-income (1,250 affordable, 600 market-rate) |
| Amenities | Limited, aging infrastructure | Shops, green space, 30,000 sq ft community center |
| Historical Site | Unmarked Zion Cemetery beneath | Memorial & genealogy center for Zion Cemetery |
| Community Feel | Segregated origins, later “pockets of poverty” | Vibrant, diverse, for all income levels |
Frequently Asked Questions About Robles Park Redevelopment
- What was Robles Park Village?
It was Tampa’s oldest public housing project, originally opened in 1954 and located between Tampa Heights and Seminole Heights. - Why was Robles Park Village demolished?
The demolition was initiated due to aging barrack-style buildings, rising crime, and quality of life issues, as part of a larger plan to transform it into a modern, mixed-income community. - What is the significance of Zion Cemetery?
Zion Cemetery is an historic Black burial ground discovered beneath a portion of the Robles Park site. Its rediscovery led to plans for a memorial and genealogy center within the new development. - Who will live in the new Robles Park community?
The redeveloped site will host residents of all income levels, offering both affordable and market-rate units. Former Robles Park residents will have the right of first refusal for the new affordable housing.
This redevelopment represents a significant step forward for Tampa, balancing historical recognition with a vision for inclusive urban renewal and modern, vibrant community living.
Robles Park Demolition Transforms Tampa Housing
