Chiselers Market takes over Historic Plant Hall in Tampa

A one-day-only shopping event unlike any other takes over Historic Plant Hall in Tampa this March. The Chiselers Market will offer thousands of gently-used household items, furniture, china, silver, crystal, collectibles, kitchenware, appliances, new and vintage designers, jewelry, art, books, plants and garden accessories, toys, and much more. This is a Tampa Market not to miss.

The Chiselers got their name from the energetic group of women in 1959 who chiseled heavy mortar from the hotel’s original fireplace tiles. They incorporated as The Chiselers to return Plant Hall to its glamour days, said Mixer Co-chair Cathy Sanchez. The original group of 27 grew to more than 250 women volunteers today.

This free event is set for March 9 from 9am-3pm throughout historic Plant Hall at the University of Tampa located at 401 W. Kennedy Blvd.

A shopping experience under the iconic minarets

“You never know what you might find today while marveling at the glorious 1891 Tampa Bay Hotel of yesteryear, now part of the university,” said Chiselers President Beth Garcia. 

Every purchase makes The Chiselers restoration and preservation efforts possible, including renovating the iconic silver minarets, repairing windows and doors, and replacing floors, foundations and balconies at what is surely Tampa’s most photographed building. 

Currently, The Chiselers are contributing half the $400,000 cost of replacing wood on the West Verandah with historically appropriate composite flooring that should never need replacement.

On Friday, March 8 from 6pm-8pm, The Chiselers Market Minaret Mixer offers a preview shopping party. Tickets to the event are $150 and can be purchased online.

Chiselers mixer provides an early shopping experience

The lively evening is filled with eye-catching finds, music, libations and appetizers and a silent auction. Individual tickets are $150, “which will ensure the continuous restoration of Tampa’s treasured National Historic Landmark,”  says co-chair Meg Fernandez.

To purchase tickets, sponsor, and donate online, please visit The Chiselers’ website.

What to read next:

• Tampa Taco Fest returns to Al Lopez Park
• Giant Breakaway Music Fest takes over Raymond James Stadium
• Two-day chocolate festival arrives in Tampa Bay
• Massive lunar new year celebration planned for the Heights District
• River O Green Fest is back this March