Temple Terrace, Florida
Temple Terrace is a historic city in north-central Hillsborough County, just northeast of Tampa. Its name comes from the once-famous hybrid Temple orange and the area’s terraced landscape near the Hillsborough River. Today, the city continues to build on the vision of its founders while preserving much of its distinctive character.
About the Community
The Potter Palmer family of Chicago bought the land that is now Temple Terrace in 1911 as part of a 6,000-acre winter hunting preserve. In 1918, developers acquired the property and organized Temple Terrace Estates, Inc. to develop the golf course and residential areas, and Temple Terraces, Inc. to develop about 5,000 acres of orange groves. In 1922, the city was surrounded by what was described as the largest orange grove in the world.
The original concept was ambitious: a golf-course community designed for affluent winter residents, with homes planned as seasonal villas and nearby citrus grove tracts. The neighborhood was laid out in the Mediterranean Revival style, and more than 85 notable homes were built. That early design still helps give Temple Terrace its distinctive historic feel today.
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Temple Terrace was incorporated in 1925, and the city enjoyed a lively early period during the Florida land boom. In the 1920s, the golf club and casino were central to social life in the region, and well-known entertainers of the day appeared there. A severe winter freeze in 1927-1928, followed by the stock market crash of 1929, dealt heavy blows to both the city and its citrus economy.
Vicinity of Temple Terrace
Major development slowed for about two decades and then resumed after World War II. Temple Terrace expanded again in the 1960s, including annexation of nearby areas. Today, the city has an estimated population of about 26,500 and continues to balance neighborhood growth with preservation of its historic identity, parks, and riverfront setting.
Temple Terrace is strategically located near three major interstates: I-4, I-75, and I-275. That convenient position, along with the city’s tree-lined neighborhoods and riverfront scenery, makes it appealing to both residents and visitors. It is close to Tampa and the St. Petersburg area, and it is also within reasonable driving distance of Orlando and the Sarasota beaches. Residents also have access to major medical facilities, cultural venues, sporting events, shopping, and popular regional attractions.
The Temple Terrace Golf & Country Club was designed and built in 1921-1922 by noted golf architect Tom Bendelow. The course remains one of the city’s defining historic features, with mature trees, strategically placed bunkers, and a classic layout. The original clubhouse building is now part of Florida College. According to local history, evangelist Billy Graham reflected on his future calling while on the 18th green in 1939, when he was attending what was then known as Florida Bible Institute, now Florida College.
