Another widely-known landmark was the Sulphur Springs Hotel and Arcade (originally owned by Josiah T. Richardson), considered to be the first indoor shopping center in the state of Florida. It was situated near the Hillsborough River, at the intersection of Nebraska Avenue and Bird Street (on the southwest corner). Constructed from 1926 to 1927, the hotel-shopping center took up an entire city block. It represented an excellent example of the resort-style recreation facilities which became popular around the early 20th century. The most distinguishing feature of the hotel was its first and second floor front arcade in the classical style.
In 1951, a drive-in theater opened next to the Sulphur Springs Water Tower. The Tower Theatre, as it was called, was a popular drive-in that operated for nearly 40 years. The theater, with its visible neon signage, became yet another well-known Tampa landmark featuring a location facing the Hillsborough River (between Florida and Nebraska Avenue). The "neon tower" was designed after its nearby namesake.[7]
The former Sulphur Springs Tourist Club (later becoming a restaurant & nightclub), overlooking the Hillsborough River. Photo is from at least 2012, prior to being destroyed by fire in 2014.
Geography
Sulphur Springs is located at (28.02500, −82.45111),[8] or about five miles north of downtown Tampa.[9] The community has an elevation of 16 feet above sea level. Sulphur Springs boundaries include Rowlett Park to the east, Florida Avenue to the west, Busch Blvd. to the north, and the Hillsborough River to the south
Demographics
As of the census[10] of 2010, there were 5,727 people living in the neighborhood. The racial makeup of the neighborhood was 31.1% White, 62.2% Black, 0.4% Native American, 0.5% Asian, 2.4% other races, and 3.4% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 18.6% of the population.
