ReNew Tampa Celebrates Options For Sustainability, Public Invited

Innovations in solar energy, green design, sustainability and conservation will be featured at ReNew Tampa on Oct. 1, 2 and 3, 2010, in Tampa Heights.

"Our goal is to provide info to citizens about options for their house," says Gus Paras, architect and program founder. "There will be an array of things to consider and be able to use."

The three-day event, hosted by the American Institute of Architects, will take place at the historic Trolley Barn at 1910 N. Ola Ave. and kicks off with a preview expo and jazz music from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday.

Saturday's activities from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. will feature a keynote speech by Tom Murphy, former mayor of Pittsburgh and a senior fellow at the national Urban Land Institute, who will speak on the benefits of rail to Tampa Bay's future. Saturday's events also include an expo that will feature more than 30 exhibitors, seminars, films, demonstrations, rail exhibits and a children's play area.

"Obviously the city needs to grow and by adding light rail and rapid transit to the area, we'd have a complete transit system that will reduce carbon and make this a better place to live," says Paras.

The Tampa Heights Civic Association will host a Tour of Homes on Sunday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

"Valuing our cultural resources is important, says Stephanie Ferrell, a Tampa architect and Heritage Society chairperson. "Preservation encompasses not only the buildings themselves, but the labor, craftsmanship and intellectual abilities of the past, as well."

Tickets are available online or by calling (813) 229-3411.

Writer: Missy Kavanaugh
Sources: Gus Paras, American Institute of Architects; Stephanie Ferrell, Heritage Society