Dear Neighbors and Friends,

Thank you for your interest in our project!  As Davis Islands residents, we feel privileged to steward The Mirasol.  Constructed in 1926, this special building is nearly as old as our community.  It predates most homes on Davis Islands, and for us, is a cherished reminder of Tampa’s cultural and architectural history.

We purchased the building, along with local investors in 2021, with the clear goal to preserve the building so it can always remain a part of our vibrant neighborhood.  Needless to say, caring for a nearly 100-year-old building has and will continue to require significant investment.  We have welcomed this responsibility, and are deeply committed to its preservation.

The Mirasol is steeped in history.  It opened its doors as a boutique hotel, even before the residential community surrounded it.  Serving as the catalyst for development, the grandeur of the building drew visitors, and propelled the value of the newly founded Davis Islands.  It was elegant and unique, offering a restaurant, sky-garden, and an unparalleled vantage overlooking the bay and the city skyline as it grew.  People gathered here.  Friends convened here.  Groups celebrated milestones here.  Memories were made here.  It was a truly innovative and unique structure and atmosphere. 

In 1962, The Mirasol was converted into apartments.  Though it still served as housing for many, it was no longer the anchoring amenity for the public.

We have worked to develop a sustainable plan for The Mirasol since we purchased it.  We have invested in fortifying the building in many ways.  Recently, the devastation we experienced from Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton added urgency to our efforts.  Like many properties here on Davis Islands, The Mirasol suffered extensive flooding and significant water and wind damage.  This impacted our critical systems such as the basement, windows, doors, roofs, elevators, and even our electrical systems. 

As we recover, the challenges we have faced underscore a clear and present need for immediate and significant investment so we can protect and revitalize the building.  Although this has been catastrophic, we are grateful that The Mirasol was not lost.  But we have also learned that if it is to survive, time is of the essence.  We know what it will take to protect the building and ensure its integrity for generations to come.  And, our resolve to save, restore, and preserve The Mirasol is even stronger.  We do not want Davis Islands to lose an intricate part of its history.  And, we want to rededicate it to the community it was intended to serve.

In recent weeks, we have worked tirelessly on emergency repairs in order to resume operations for our residents.  We have made strides, and are steadfast in our effort to accomplish even more.  We remain committed to the building’s past, present, and future as a historic landmark.

We look forward to sharing more about our vision, hearing your thoughts and perspective, and working in alignment with our community.  Please join us in our effort to Save The Mirasol.  Together, we know we can bring our “Crown Jewel” back to life, and return its splendor as a community amenity.  Just as it opened its doors to all in 1926, we dream of opening them again, to all.

With gratitude,

Frank and Lindsey Carriera