Florida Construction News staff writer
Ronald Lee Harden, one of the major contributing architects to Tampa’s largest building projects, is sharing his story and the contributions of his fellow African-Americans in a book titled “Untold Architectural Black History of Tampa, Florida.”
The book details the 36 years Harden spent as an architectural project manager. Titled “Untold Architectural Black History of Tampa, Florida: My 36-Year Architectural Career in Tampa”, it details the experience working up the ranks of the city’s architects and eventually giving his own major contributions to some of its most ambitious projects.
Harden worked closely alongside many of his fellow African-Americans in the community to realize these goals. Among the projects he had worked on include Tampa’s Bloomingdale High Schools and Harbour Island. He was also involved in the construction of the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center.
Projects made a large positive impact by creating jobs, building homes, and empowering cultural events for African-American communities as well as other mixed communities in Tampa.
Harden writes about his humble beginnings, getting a start as an office boy for Reynolds, Smith & Hills Architects. He earned a President’s Award from the American Institute of Architects for his contributions.
The book is available at the digital bookstore of ReadersMagnet, a self-publishing and book marketing firm and at major outlets like Amazon and Barnes & Noble.
Ronald Lee Harden resides in Riverside Heights in Tampa, designing artwork and is currently writing a suspense novel.
