From Luxury Hotel to Beloved Landmark: The Story of Tampa’s Minarets

If you’ve ever driven along the Hillsborough River in downtown Tampa, you’ve seen them—the glittering silver minarets that rise above the city skyline. They belong to Plant Hall at the University of Tampa, but their story begins long before the school opened its doors.

The Tampa Bay Hotel: A Gilded Age Masterpiece

In 1891, railroad magnate Henry B. Plant built the Tampa Bay Hotel as part of his vision to put Tampa on the map as a world-class destination. Stretching a quarter-mile in length and featuring more than 500 rooms, it was one of the most extravagant hotels of its time. Guests enjoyed lavish furnishings, electric lighting (a rarity in the 1890s), and lush tropical gardens.

The hotel quickly became a symbol of Tampa’s growth and prosperity. It played a major role during the Spanish–American War of 1898, serving as headquarters for military leaders, including Colonel Theodore Roosevelt and his Rough Riders. Soldiers, dignitaries, and visitors alike marveled at its unique Moorish Revival architecture.

The Minarets: Tampa’s Shining Icons

What makes the building instantly recognizable are its 13 minarets, topped with crescents that gleam in the Florida sun. These silver spires were unlike anything else in the region, and over time, they became the unofficial emblem of Tampa itself. Locals and visitors alike came to associate the skyline with these exotic towers, and they still inspire a sense of history and pride today.

From Hotel to University

After Plant’s death and years of declining hotel business, the property was purchased by the City of Tampa in 1905. Eventually, it found new life when the University of Tampa moved in during 1933. Plant Hall now serves as the university’s main administrative building, while much of the interior remains preserved to reflect its 19th-century grandeur.

Today, the site is also home to the Henry B. Plant Museum, where visitors can step back in time to the Gilded Age and experience the opulence of the original hotel.

A Lasting Legacy

From hosting dignitaries and war heroes to shaping the city’s identity, the Tampa Bay Hotel’s transformation into the University of Tampa is a story of resilience and reinvention. And its minarets? They continue to shine as one of Tampa’s most beloved symbols—a reminder of the city’s past and a beacon of its bright future.