Lacey Helen Blog's: Concrete House of a ‘Lifetime’ Has No Problem Attracting a Buyer in Tampa

Monday, 6 July 2020

Concrete House of a ‘Lifetime’ Has No Problem Attracting a Buyer in Tampa

When it was built in 1939, this home was advertised as being fireproof, stormproof, and termite-proof, three features that are also key for home buyers in the Tampa, FL, area.

Called the “Superock Lifetime Home,” the sturdy structure was built with concrete blocks, and features concrete floors, fabricated concrete beams, and a concrete roof. This house on Clifton Street in the Hampton Terrace Historic District has lived up to its promise for more than 80 years.

As further evidence of its desirability, it went on the market for $472,500 and received five offers in just 48 hours.

“There was definitely a strong interest in the history of the house, that was two of the offers,” says listing agent Rick Fifer.

“One of the other people who looked at the house really liked that midcentury art moderne type of architecture,” says Fifer. “So I think the combination of architecture and history [covered] most of the buyers.”

Three other houses in the historic district were built in a similar fashion. This one was the builder’s model and was built first.

“The house immediately to the west of this one was probably built within six months to a year of this one. It does have the concrete roof, it does have the fabricated concrete beams, which also protrude out,” Fifer explains.

The other “lifetime” house is a few houses down the street to the east.

These homes were pioneers at a time when most homes were built with wooden frames.

And although the Superock Lifetime House concept didn’t smash any sales records, Florida homeowners now reap the benefits of this Tampa experiment. Most homes in the Sunshine State are now built using concrete blocks because of their ability to resist water penetration, stand up to storms, and minimize pest problems.

The Clifton Street house measures 1,843 square feet and has three bedrooms and two bathrooms. It was recently updated and expanded; though many of the original touches remain. All the interior doors feature vintage hardware.

“It has some details that I think are really unique,” Fifer says. “One of my favorite things that I see on houses, especially from the ’30s and ’40s, are corner windows. They just provide a really different view and perspective out of the house and into the house in terms of light.”

This home has larger corner windows compared with other historic homes he’s seen, he says.

The kitchen features updated appliances as well as a butler’s pantry with lots of storage and room for laundry. The outdoor kitchen is part of a covered patio, which extends from the living room.

“The historic district itself is probably the most diverse historic district in the state of Florida,” Fifer says. “It’s got, like, 12 different historic styles reflected in it, some of which aren’t reflected any place else in Tampa. A lot of people are drawn here to the character and the history of the community.”

One buyer drawn to this opportunity will now get to boast that he or she will soon live in the home of a lifetime.