OXFORD EXCHANGE

Oxford Exchange is an iconic destination in the Tampa Bay area. The turn-of-the-century building is now a bustling cultural hub with a bookstore, tea & coffee shop, restaurant, co-working space, and lifestyle gift shop.

ARCHITECT: SMITH DALIA ARCHITECTS

LOCATION: TAMPA, FL

AREA: 24,000

IF THESE WALLS COULD TALK

The original structure has a long and winding history - beginning with a stable in the late 19th century, then an arcade of shops in the 20s, and becoming a photo studio and even a dentist's office. In 2010, Owner Blake Casper, looked past the derelict building and saw what it could be - a gathering place that could cultivate community and conversation. An important piece to his vision was the "place"- which required a high level of finish, unabated attention to detail, and an honest portrayal of authentic materials and the site's history.

REALIZE THE POSSIBILITIES OF THE MATERIALS

The restored historic facade, storefront, and reinstalled canopies reveal the original character of the building. An added atrium brings natural light into the building core. The Conservatory, a part of the Restaurant, features a glass roof to connect the dining room, tea bar, and coffee shop bar, flooding the space with natural light. One of the project's goals was to preserve the building's history through the use of authentic materials. Visitors enjoy a connection with the historic materials throughout the space - bricks from demolished walls and lumber from the roof were salvaged and reused throughout the project.

The second floor houses the Commerce Club, a private office membership club, and offices for The Oxford Exchange, Casper Company, and Oxford Design Studio. Filtered natural light now pours through saw-tooth monitors in the Commerce Club and the offices. The exposed masonry walls, original to the building, create a counterpoint to the more modern and refined interior finishes.

Reclaimed Oak

Oxford Exchange was hand-built, using materials from over a dozen countries. Look down at the wood floor throughout Oxford Exchange. This beautiful reclaimed white oak is from a distillery in Kentucky. Also, the floor leading into the building from The Bookstore is slanted, just as the original building was.
Natural Light

What better way to celebrate the Sunshine State than filling the space with natural light. From the retractable glass roof in the conservatory to the saw tooth roof in the Commerce Club - natural light greets guests wherever they gather.
Italian Marble

The black and white patterned floor is made of Italian marble that was cut overseas. Pieces were numbered before transit so it could be put reassembled precisely. Oxford Exchange is letting them age for a timeless, classic look.
Brick + Wood

The bricks in The Restaurant were carefully reclaimed from the demolition of the building in its place. The kitchen backsplash is petrified wood from the shores of Thailand after the tsunami in 2009.