Bartow’s CRA district is home to parks, trails, historic landmarks, public art, and the people and organizations that make this community extraordinary. The CRA exists to serve and strengthen all of it.
The Bartow CRA is committed to doing more than managing grants and infrastructure projects. We are active contributors to the people, organizations, and initiatives that make Bartow a place residents and businesses are proud to call home.
The CRA works side-by-side with local organizations to strengthen the district and better serve Bartow’s residents and businesses. Our partners bring expertise, volunteers, resources, and deep community connections that multiply the impact of every CRA dollar invested.
A key partner in the revitalization of Bartow's historic downtown commercial district. From coordinating events, supporting local businesses, and promoting the unique character of Main Street Bartow.
A key partner in the CRA's IMPACT Community Cleanup program. Providing volunteers, supplies, and coordination for neighborhood beautification and cleanup events across the district.
Connecting Bartow businesses with resources, professional networking, and local advocacy. Helping the business community grow and thrive across the Bartow area.
Polk County's public transit provider and a key partner in local mobility initiatives, connecting residents, workers, and visitors to downtown Bartow and surrounding neighborhoods.
The University of South Florida research lab behind Bartow Unframed. An innovative augmented reality experience that brings downtown murals and public art to life through your phone.
The Bartow Economic Development Council is a non-profit organization with the goal of developing a strong and competitive economy through fostering and encouraging new business development.
A valued partner in the CRA's Owner-Occupied Rehabilitation program. Connecting eligible homeowners within the CRA district with repair resources, skilled volunteers, and improvement support.
The CRA district includes parks, nature trails, and public gathering spaces that serve residents, families, and visitors every day. The CRA invests in these spaces through infrastructure improvements, landscaping, lighting, and placemaking projects that make Bartow more livable and more attractive for everyone
Bartow’s history runs deep, and the CRA district is home to historic landmarks, public murals, and cultural assets that tell the layered story of our community. The CRA actively invests in preserving and celebrating what makes Bartow unique.
A National Register of Historic Places site and one of the finest surviving examples of vernacular architecture built by an African American craftsman in the post-Civil War South. The L.B. Brown House is a powerful testament to Bartow’s rich, layered heritage and the resilience of its community.
The CRA has invested in a growing collection of public murals across the district. Including the beloved Zest Mural (Citrus Bee) and other works that add color, character, and identity to downtown streets. Several murals are now part of the Bartow Unframed augmented reality experience.
An innovative collaboration with the USF Access 3D Lab, Bartow Unframed uses cutting-edge augmented reality technology to transform downtown murals into interactive digital experiences. Simply point your phone at a participating mural and watch it come to life around you.
Located in the heart of historic downtown Bartow, the Luster African American Heritage Museum celebrates the stories, achievements, and cultural contributions of African Americans in Central Florida. Through artifacts, photographs, documents, and educational displays, the museum helps preserve an important part of Bartow’s history while inviting visitors of all ages to learn, reflect, and connect with the community’s rich heritage.
The Bartow CRA continues to evolve alongside the community it serves. Through disciplined investment, responsible stewardship of public funds, and genuine collaboration with residents and business owners, the CRA remains focused on long-term neighborhood revitalization and sustainable economic growth.
For questions about the CRA boundary, available programs, redevelopment plans, or how to get involved, contact our office. We are here to help.
