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Doctor's Guida House plan falls short

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By KATHY STEELE

ksteele@tampatrib.com

Published: September 2, 2009

WEST TAMPA - A second round of bidding on proposals to preserve the historic Guida House drew one application from a semi-retired pediatrician who wanted to offer exercise and nutrition classes for obese children.

The city recently rejected the project, finding the proposal lacked a clear financial plan and did not identify a builder for the project. It also included retail stores and affordable housing that would not be allowed at MacFarlane Park, where the house is located.

Businessman George Guida Sr., known as "Mr. West Tampa," built the house in 1951. The city bought it in 1984. It is on the National Register of Historic Places and the city named it a local historical landmark in 2004.

The next move is up to parks and recreation officials, said real estate director Herb Fecker. Parks and recreation Director Karen Palus was out of town and could not be reached for comment. A department spokeswoman said no discussions have been held to decide what to do with the house.

"We would like a center for nutrition courses and an exercise program for obese children," said Shirish Shah, the only bidder, who has a doctor's office on Himes Avenue. "We think it would fit perfectly with the park."

He plans to contact the city for reconsideration. "I will continue to search for a builder," Shah said. But he said the city cannot expect to find anyone who can put $300,000 to $500,000 into rehabilitating the house without some expectation of making a profit.

"That isn't going to happen," Shah said. "There are no other people right now who have any interest in this."

Shah would move his practice to Guida House and create a nonprofit group to offer classes on a sliding fee scale with some clients eligible for free classes.

Renovating the house's first floor would cost up to $300,000, Shaw estimates. Total repairs, including the basement and second floor, could be as much as $500,000, he said.

He anticipates a combination of donations, fees and loans to cover costs.

The park has a swimming pool, baseball field, tennis courts, walking trail, and a nearby senior center with a small gymnasium. Those amenities fit well with the proposed program, Shah said.

Though the focus would be on childhood obesity, Shah said all ages could participate. Diabetes screenings could be done and a special program for seniors provided, he said.

"It's accessible to all income groups," Shah said.

The project would unfold over five years, including construction of a day care and after-school facility that would start with about 25 children and expand to serve up to 100 youngsters. Shah also proposed retail sales of children's books, toys, clothing, diabetes supplies, and a fresh fruit and vegetable stand.

Shah also includes affordable housing but the application provides no details.

The city would lease the property for 99 years at $1 a year rent with the city picking up the cost of taxes, insurance and grounds maintenance.

Four months ago, the city rejected a proposal from Earth First Development Corporation to restore the three-story, 14,700-square-foot building for youth, community and education programs. The company also wanted to build eight apartments for young families and seniors.

That did not serve a "park purpose," city officials determined.

More restricted guidelines were issued for the second bidding round, though Shah said he gave his proposal to the city in January. It missed a deadline for the first bidding round and was not considered, he said.

Reporter Kathy Steele can be reached at (813) 259-7652.

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