About The Tampa Club
The Tampa Club was founded in 1981 as a private, not-for-profit business and social club benefiting members with fine dining and personalized service. The Club seeks to provide an atmosphere welcoming of the diverse representations of success and the progress of our community’s culture, and conducts itself and its business in a manner which fosters prestige and respect. Tampa Club membership consists of senior level executives, professionals and entrepreneurs, as well as military, civic and community leaders.
History Of The Tampa Club
The Tampa Club was established in 1981 by Max Hollingsworth, John Germany, John McWhirter Jr., William Davis, Gordon Campbell, Leonard Gilbert, David Murphey III, James Taggart and Thomas Henderson III, but founding member William MacInnes was perhaps the most instrumental person in the Tampa Club’s formation. MacInnes was the TECO Energy Board Chairman, Exchange Bank Board Chairman, and a Board member of Host International, the Tampa Club’s first management company. These 10 gentlemen established the Tampa Club to “… fill the need for a truly exclusive and prestigious private business luncheon Club here in Tampa.” The Tampa Club held its grand opening on April 12, 1982. At the time of its opening, the club occupied the 22nd floor penthouse of the NCNB Tower, known today as the Franklin Exchange Building.
The Tampa Club was popular with downtown’s community of business professionals. In a few short years, the membership moved beyond its opening number of 350 and the club was quickly outgrowing its home. The Board of Directors looked to Tampa’s newest skyscraper, scheduled for completion in 1986, as the address of its future home. Known then as Barnett Plaza, the construction plans for the Class A tower included 577 vertical feet of white Spanish marble spanning two city blocks, an expansive granite plaza with two water features, a magnificent outdoor sculpture by internationally recognized artist Charles Perry, and rich African mahogany lobby walls with brushed brass enhancements. Now known as the Bank of America Plaza, there is still no other building in downtown Tampa providing a more impressive business address.
The Tampa Club was popular with downtown’s community of business professionals. In a few short years, the membership moved beyond its opening number of 350 and the club was quickly outgrowing its home. The Board of Directors looked to Tampa’s newest skyscraper, scheduled for completion in 1986, as the address of its future home. Known then as Barnett Plaza, the construction plans for the Class A tower included 577 vertical feet of white Spanish marble spanning two city blocks, an expansive granite plaza with two water features, a magnificent outdoor sculpture by internationally recognized artist Charles Perry, and rich African mahogany lobby walls with brushed brass enhancements. Now known as the Bank of America Plaza, there is still no other building in downtown Tampa providing a more impressive business address.
