By Joe Potter
Dade City is seeking bids from Design-Build firms to provide comprehensive, professional services for the demolition and reconstruction of the James Irvin Civic Center. James Irvin Civic Center was built in 1963 at 38122 Martin Luther King Blvd. The current James Irvin Civic Center has historically served as a neighborhood gathering and event space within Naomi Jones Pyracantha Park. Due to the age of the facility, functional limitations, and ongoing maintenance needs, the City has evaluated long-term options for the site.
There have been discussions for the past few years regarding the possible future of this center, which is named after Mr. Irvin, who was one of the most active members of the Dade City community who attended Moore-Mickens as a young teen. Known for his integrity and diligence, he dedicated himself to the community by mentoring at-risk youth, serving as a church deacon, and coaching and umpiring Little League games, including the 1977 Taiwan–Canada international game.
In addition to owning Main Street Cleaners (known for its excellent customer service), one of the oldest businesses in Dade City, he was an active volunteer with the Pasco Public Schools Foundation, the Community Alliance of the Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce, Boy Scouts, and the city’s Historical Preservation Advisory Board. He was born Aug. 8, 1909, in Baconton, Mitchell County, Ga., and died on Oct. 31, 1993, in Dade City, at 83 years of age. His grave is located in Indian Pond Cemetery in Pasco County.
Dade City is now considering having the current 2,496-square-foot building demolished and replacing it with a modern, 3,000-square-foot building. The new building would potentially contain an open gathering space, a commercial kitchen, and numerous other features. The purpose of having a new James Irvin Civic Center, according to a legal advertisement published in the April 19, 2026, edition of the Tampa Bay Times, is to “have a modern, flexible and community-centered facility that reflects the City’s character, enhances public use, and honors the historical significance of the existing site.”
The other option considered was to refurbish the existing James Irvin Civic Center. The city stands at a turning point as it seeks to reimagine a historically underserved neighborhood on the eastern edge of its boundaries. That neighborhood is Mickens-Harper, which was established in the late 1940s, after Black veterans began returning from World War II. It’s named after Odell Mickens, a teacher, and James Harper, a funeral director. Both of those men were involved in the negotiations with Dade City to purchase land where the neighborhood is now located.
Plans call for the bids to be opened at 2 p.m. on May 21 in the City Commission chambers within City Hall, which is located at 38020 Meridian Ave. It’s not known how much this project would cost. City Commissioners were previously told that part of the expense could be covered through $1,200,000, which Dade City has in its LGS Penny for Pasco funds. Those funds may be used for Dade City’s capital infrastructure needs. Penny for Pasco is effective through Dec. 31, 2039.
Dade City might also have to obtain grant money or funds from other sources, including appropriations, to help pay the remainder of the cost of the current James Irvin Civic Center being demolished, and the new building being constructed in its place. Pasco County would help to help cover the cost of maintaining its operations after the new building was opened. ♥
