If it seems like Armature Works has been around forever — it’s because it has been. Although the sleek, stylish food hall and event space we all know now has only been open since 2018, the actual building has a much longer Tampa Bay history.
What is Armature Works?
The Armature Works of today is a fully restored mixed-use building in Tampa Heights. It has become a popular community destination due to its exciting eateries, Heights Public Market and stylish event space. A quick glance at their calendar will show an abundance of upcoming events, including yoga classes, trivia competitions, wine tastings and more. There is a variety of restaurants that include Mediterranean, Cuban, American, vegan and Japanese cuisines.
The Streetcar Barn
Before it was Armature Works, it was known as the TECO streetcar warehouse, or barn. Built in 1910, it was the place where TECO streetcars were stored and repaired. The barn was an integral part of Tampa’s development in connecting the surrounding neighborhoods. TECO’s street car system used to transport people to and from Ybor City, Ballast Point, Hyde Park, Sulphur Springs and points beyond.
In 1946, the system was abandoned for more modern means of transportation, the automobile. Tampa Armature Works, a phosphate machinery manufacturer, purchased the building from TECO in 1960 and while it continued to play an integral role in the city’s landscape, not much went on there.
Reviving the Space
The streetcar barn was eventually bought by developers Chas Bruck and Adam Harden of SoHo Capital. Their idea was to create a modernized neighborhood hangout for Tampa’s waterfront community. They also wanted it to eventually be known as a national destination aimed at attracting visitors from near and far.
The Armature Works we know of today was officially open in 2018. It took $20 million to remodel and construct new structures, like the ballroom. However, a lot of the original structures remain. The walls of the food hall retain the original paint from the streetcar barn. The walk-in safe used to store money now stores bottles of wine. The old wooden roof has been milled down as is now used as hardwood flooring throughout. Although visitors walking into the space nowadays may just be looking for food and drink, they are walking through a small slice of Tampa history.
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