The Tampa Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) acted as a community center based in principled living and fostered its members' spiritual, recreational, and commercial needs. Plans to erect this $100,000 building began in 1907 and was dedicated by the Democratic presidential candidate William Jennings Bryant in 1909.   The Y acted as a dormitory for boys aged 12 – 18 to provide them with a homelike surrounding and keep them from the “attractions of saloons,” teaching them responsibility. The organization was run through funds contributed by interested citizens. In 1932, the Rienclif Cafeteria, claiming to be “In the heart of the Theatre and Shopping District,” opened on the bottom floor. It was a large place with a main dining room and balcony dining, featuring linen tablecloths and daily specials. It was named after brothers Ritner (Rit) and Cliff Chambers and was frequented by big names like Gypsy Rose Lee, Babe and George Zaharias, and John Ringling. The brothers retired and closed the restaurant in 1955.

The center continued until 1982, when declining membership and lack of funds forced it to close. The building was nominated to the National Register of Historic Places in 1990 after the Kenmare Investment Group bought it for $ 1.2 million. The nomination was unsuccessful. It then sat vacant until 2005, when what was left of the building caught fire. It was condemned and demolished. It is now a parking lot.

© Chip Weiner. All rights reserved