Established as the first business block on Davis Islands in 1925, the Mediterranean-style Bay Isle Building was constructed for $150,000. The building was to house both shops and offices to serve island tenants. Built in the shadow of downtown Tampa, Davis Islands was a destination for visitors to enjoy and a place where 15,000 to 20,000 people would eventually reside. Among the first businesses opened here was Hodgson Bros. & Mills- selling real estate on the island, and Davis Islands Valet- a tailoring and dry-cleaning concern. In later years, it also housed the first market on Davis Island and a speech and oral education school for children.

In August 1989, the site was added to the US National Register of Historic Places. Many businesses have come and gone since it was built. One staple has been the constant of a laundry/dry cleaner. Another is the rise and fall of many restaurants that have set up shop in the building only to close. In 1991 a gourmet food court served dishes here after an $800,000 renovation. In the last dozen years, it has housed eateries, including Chez Bryce in 2007, Bailey’s in 2011, Fountain Square in 2013, The Fountain in 2015, then the Fountain Mediterranean Restaurant, and is now Oggi Italian.

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