Image Number

Photographer

Date

Rights

Collection

Geographic Term

Subject Term

Corporate Subject

Physical Description

General Note

Note Amber's Beauty Shoppe on the door in the center.

The Tallahassee Downtown Improvement Authority (TDIA) authorizing legislation was created by an act of the Florida legislature in 1971, as a special assessment district. The mission of the TDIA is to promote downtown Tallahassee as a place for business and entertainment. The TDIA was created as a special assessment district by authorizing legislation passed by the Florida Legislature (chapters 71-935 and 91-394, codified as Chapter 2003-356, Laws of Florida). The district's boundaries are Tennessee Street on the north, Gadsden Street on the East, Jefferson Street on the south, and Bronough Street on the west. A board of directors appointed by the Mayor and approved by the City of Tallahassee Commission governs the TDIA. Board members must be property owners and tax payers within the TDIA district.

To accomplish its goals, the TDIA assists in creating reports and surveys about the downtown area which have led to a variety of projects and programs relating to parking, pedestrian accommodations, business, and recreational opportunties. Over the years the TDIA has also created events to promote the downtown area. Some, such as the Downtown Market and the Winter Festival, continue to this day. The TDIA also promotes the beautification of the downtown district through new banners and other aesthetic programs. TDIA also participates in commemorative events such as the celebration of the Florida A&M University Marching Band participating in the Bastille Day Bicentennial.

The building is located on the southeast corner of South Monroe Street and College Avenue. The Exchange Bank Building was constructed in late 1927 and formally opened on March 3, 1928. Consisting of a basement and five floors - including an 18-foot first floor that gives it the appearance of a six-story building, it was the tallest building in Tallahassee when it opened. The building was known for many years as the Midyette-Moor Building, for the insurance company that owned and occupied the building from 1935-1973. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1984.