If you haven’t noticed, historic Ybor City in Tampa is experiencing a renaissance. Every day, something new seems to open—restaurants, coffee shops, apartment buildings, and businesses of all kinds. While the nightlife and clubs remain, the district now offers a broader range of experiences, particularly in the arts. At the heart of this cultural revival is the Kress Building at 1624 E. 7th Avenue.
Originally built in 1929 as part of the S.H. Kress & Co. “five and dime” department store chain, the three-story brick building later housed the U.S. Customs and Border Protection offices for decades. Developer and arts advocate Darryl Shaw acquired the property as part of a larger master plan to transform Ybor into a more walk-able and livable neighborhood.
Today, the Kress Building is a hub of creative energy. On the ground floor, an upscale steakhouse is under construction next to the Florida Museum of Photographic Arts, which opened in 2023. The upper two floors are home to Kress Contemporary, a thriving arts collective.
Tracy Midulla, a fourth-generation Tampa native and founder of Tempus Projects, was entrusted by Shaw to activate the building and curate this dynamic arts community. Since its founding in 2009, Tempus Projects has been a champion for artists, showcasing innovative work and fostering creative connections. In October 2022, the organization moved into the Kress, bringing with it a growing collective that now includes sixteen artists and seventeen arts organizations.
With its rich history and new artistic energy, the Kress Building stands as a symbol of Ybor City’s evolving identity—a place where culture, creativity, and community converge.
Midulla recalls, “The goal was to showcase the vibrant creative culture while providing a space for the community to gather, celebrate, and connect. This initiative continues to evolve and expand, fostering an ever-growing artistic environment.”
And evolve it will. Currently under construction are a new printmaking lab and darkroom photography studio, offering artists expanded opportunities to explore their craft through hands-on practice, demos, and workshops. Later this year, a new event space in the West Annex will open, providing a versatile venue for public and private gatherings, intimate concerts, literary events, workshops, and lectures.
Events and openings continue to engage the community with visual, performing, and literary arts. On any given night you might watch a play, buy some yarn, purchase that perfect piece of art from a gallery, or attend a workshop. Every third Thursday Kress Creative holds an open house featuring open studios and gallery hours, giving artists a platform to showcase their work, exchange ideas, and connect with the public.
Discussions are underway to expand open hours, so be sure to check the website (www.kresscontemporary.com) for the latest visitor information and event listings. Individual artists and organizations can also be contacted directly. •
Kress Contemporary
Photos by: Dave Decker – www.davedeckerphotography.com
Artists:
Karol Batansky Studio
Marc Brecwald
DLUANCE: Ashley Cantero and Juan Espinosa
Elizabeth Fontaine-Barr
Eileen Goldenburg
Mary-Helen Horne
Nancy Koch
Chase Parker
PAZ Art Creations: Carlos Ponz
Kim Radatz
Lisa Ramudo
Lynn Rattay Fine Art
Keith Robertson Design and Photography
Marilyn Binder Silverman
Shades of Gray Studio: Ron Watson
Organizations:
Art Noire Gallery: Camille Washington
Dave Decker Photography
Drift Gallery
Fringe Theater: Trish Parry
Gratus: Jenny Carey Studio
Heard Em’ Say Youth Arts Collective:
Liz Prisley
Honey Gallery: Effren Denson
House of Shadows: Jose Gomez
Jess Veguez Photography
Kitchen Table Literary Arts:
Slam Anderson
OXH Gallery: Odeta Xheka
Pop Yarn: Damara Besker
Project Flash: Tracy Midulla
REVERB Gallery, USF: Patrick Carew and Tom Rosenow
Tampa Repertory Theater: Emilia Sargent
Tempus Projects: Tracy Midulla
Ybor Art Factory/Tempus Volta:
Vicente Armor
