Phase two of the 7th Avenue Bricking Project is completed ahead of schedule, which means Ybor City's main strip between 17th and 19th street will reopen Monday.
The second phase was funded by the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) for $663,000. While the street was shut down, businesses and sidewalk access was allowed to ensure visitors could still get around.
Around 140,000 historic bricks have been utilized. Phase one was 80,00 bricks and phase two was 60,000. These bricks have been collected, stored and are maintained by the City of Tampa in accordance with City Code. Now these historical bricks can be enjoyed in the National Historic Landmark District once again.
The bricks used in the project are primarily Augusta Block and Southern Clay Mfg. Co. They are both marked and unmarked to better replicate the original character.
The "Cigar Capital of the World" remained a brick street through the 1960s before the city turned it to asphalt paving.
Bringing brick back to the street is to help enhance Ybor's original character and feel. It will also provide natural traffic calming and promote walkability and stimulate economic growth, according to a press release.
The bricking project reinforces the commitment of preserving the district's history.