Figurative Sculpture: WWII Home Front at Tampa Union Station

Issued by: Tampa Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) 
Project Location: Tampa Union Station, Tampa, Florida

The Tampa Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) invites qualified professional artists or artist teams to submit qualifications for the creation of a figurative public sculpture honoring the families who gathered at Tampa Union Station during World War II as their loved ones departed for military service. This sculpture will serve as a permanent, site-specific tribute reflecting the emotional, social, and historical significance of Tampa’s home-front community during WWII. 

This project is initiated at the request of the CRA Board and has been approved by historic preservation authorities. 

PROJECT BACKGROUND 

Tampa Union Station, opened in 1912, has long served as a vital gateway for the City of Tampa. Designed in the Italian Renaissance Revival style, the station connected Tampa’s growing communities—including Ybor City, West Tampa, and Downtown—to destinations across the country. During the first half of the 20th century, the station saw millions of travelers move through its halls, from cigar workers visiting family to soldiers mobilizing for military training at area bases. 

During World War II, Tampa Union Station became one of the region’s most emotionally charged public spaces. With Tampa serving as home to major military installations—including Drew Field and MacDill Field—the station became a primary departure point for service members shipping out for combat. Families gathered on the platforms, often for their final moments together before soldiers boarded trains headed for training centers or deployment. These farewells were marked by a complex mix of pride, fear, hope, and resilience—feelings that touched nearly every household in Tampa at the time. 

The station’s role during WWII was not only functional but deeply human. It served as a backdrop for countless personal stories: spouses embracing before separation, children clutching parents in uniform, and families standing together in solidarity during a time of global uncertainty. Today, Tampa Union Station is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and has been restored as both a functioning train station and a historic landmark. The site remains an enduring symbol of Tampa’s cultural identity. 

The sculpture envisioned for this project aims to honor these stories by creating a figurative artwork that portrays the families who stood on these platforms during WWII. The artwork should not only reflect historical events but create a powerful emotional response, allowing viewers to connect with the hope, courage, and love that defined these wartime departures. 

ARTWORK VISION & GOALS 

The CRA seeks a figurative artwork that: 

Reflects the emotional weight, resilience, and human experience of families during WWII. 

Creates an immediate, powerful emotional response when viewed—evoking connection, empathy, remembrance, and the atmosphere of departure experienced at Tampa Union Station. 

Honors Tampa’s historic home-front story, focusing on the families who supported their loved ones. 

Is accessible, inclusive, and resonates with diverse audiences. 

Enhances the cultural significance of Tampa Union Station while respecting its historic context. Artists may interpret “families” broadly to reflect spouses, children, parents, siblings, or loved ones. 

SITE INFORMATION 

Location: Pre-approved outdoor site at Tampa Union Station. See Site Plan  

Setting: Historic structure, high visitor visibility, existing pedestrian pathways. 

Scale: Life Size See site plan for placement and dimensions  

Material: Bronze preferably other materials will be considered   

Site Constraints: 

Must comply with historic preservation guidelines. 

Must not impede circulation or damage historic elements of the station. 

Final placement will be coordinated with City staff and preservation officials. 

SCOPE OF WORK 

The selected artist will be responsible for: 

Concept Development 

Creation of a detailed design proposal (narrative, drawings, models). 

Implement the approved design proposal 

Engineering & Permitting (CRA can help with permit process) 

Structural review and documentation (as required). 

Fabrication 

Production of the sculpture in durable, outdoor-appropriate materials for Florida 

Installation 

Coordination with the CRA, and site officials. 

Sculpture should be floor/ ground mounted 

Create a maintenance manual for the work of art

 Community or Stakeholder Meetings 

a. Presenting concept designs and discussing artistic vision. 

BUDGET 

Total Project Budget:  $200,000  

Budget must include all costs: artist fees, design, engineering, materials, fabrication, transportation, installation, permits, travel, insurance, and contingency. 

Applicants must submit: 

Letter of Interest (1–2 pages) 

Describe your artistic background, interest in this project, and approach to figurative public art. 

Professional Résumé 

For teams, include all key members. 

Work Samples 

8-10 images of completed relevant works. 

Include title, materials, dimensions, date, and project budget. 

Do NOT submit designs or proposals at this stage. 

ELIGIBILITY 

This RFQ is open to: 

National professional artists or artist teams with experience in figurative sculpture. 

Artists with demonstrated ability to complete public art projects of similar scale and complexity. 

Artists legally able to work in the United States. 

Artists residing in the State of Florida or with experience working in historic contexts are encouraged to apply, though not required.