TAMPA — In 2010 when Ikea sought permission to install a 125-foot pole topped by three 600-square-foot sign faces at its Adamo Drive store on the outskirts of Ybor City, the City of Tampa said no.
Although Ikea is not located within the boundaries of the Ybor City Historic District, City Council contended the proposed sign would not have fit in with the historic feel of the neighboring Latin District.
That’s how protective the city has been of Ybor’s look.
But considering the financial impact that a new Tampa Bay Rays baseball stadium on a site that includes part of Ybor could have on the area, some have wondered if the city might loosen up when approving the team’s designs.