Fort Homer W. Hesterly Armory, Military armory in West Tampa, United States
Fort Homer W. Hesterly Armory is a large reinforced concrete structure in Tampa that spans an entire city block with stucco-covered exterior walls. The building underwent comprehensive renovation to house the Bryan Glazer Family Jewish Community Center with up-to-date facilities and spaces.
The structure was built in 1941 through a federal public works program and originally served as a military facility for artillery units. It operated in this capacity for more than 60 years before transitioning to civilian use in the early 2000s.
The building served as a gathering place where people came together for concerts and public events that shaped the community's social life. These occasions brought diverse audiences into the space and created shared memories across generations.
The site is now accessible to visitors as a community center offering various programs and activities in its multiple spaces. The layout is straightforward to navigate, with facilities designed to accommodate different types of gatherings and events.
The building carries special historical weight because its dedication ceremony occurred during a pivotal moment in American history that transformed the nation. This timing connects the structure to one of the most consequential events of the 20th century.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
