Flora-Dora Apartments, 74 Davis Boulevard on Davis Islands
Flora-Dora Apartments, 74 Davis Boulevard on Davis Islands. 1930. Burgert Brothers. Courtesy, Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library System
Flora-Dora Apartments, 74 Davis Boulevard on Davis Islands. 2021 © Chip Weiner
Most likely built in the mid-1920s with other Davis Islands structures, the Mediterranean-style Flora Dora apartments were one of the many residential accommodations built to house the influx of people to Tampa. The islands were built and designed for wealthier individuals looking to escape the rush of downtown and newcomers from northern states moving to the area. In 1926, the 4 to 5-room apartments were rented for $75 a month. In 1930, in the middle of the Great Depression, when this photo was taken, the building was for sale for $18,000.
The 8-unit building has been kept up and beautifully rehabilitated. Its Mediterranean style, including the barrel tile roofs, still shines today. A 700 square-foot one-bedroom one bath apartment in the building rented for $1539 per month in 2021.
© Chip Weiner. All rights reserved
From Burgert Brothers: Look Again, Vol.2