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The Legacy of Fun-Lan:
Honoring the Past at Marquee Square Apartments
Long before Marquee Square welcomed its first residents, this site was home to one of Tampa's most beloved gathering places. For generations, the Fun-Lan Drive-In Theatre brought neighbors, friends, and families together beneath the glow of the big screen, creating memories that became part of the city's story. More than a movie theater, Fun-Lan was a place where community came to life.
When Fun-Lan opened in January 1950, admission was just 48 cents, and moviegoers gathered to watch The Story of Seabiscuit, starring Shirley Temple. With room for nearly 700 cars, an on-site restaurant, and the popular "Kidde-Lan" playground, it quickly became more than a night at the movies. Families could enjoy dinner delivered right to their car while children played before the show, creating an experience that brought people together long before the opening credits rolled.
As the years passed and moviegoing evolved, so did Fun-Lan. Additional screens were added, and the lively flea market introduced in the 1980s gave the property a new purpose, keeping the spirit of the community alive for decades to come. For many Tampa residents, Fun-Lan became more than a place to shop or watch a movie, it became part of their lives. As one longtime vendor reflected, "We've gone through marriages, divorces, babies, and graduations together." Even during the pandemic, that sense of community endured.
By the mid-1990s, Fun-Lan was the last remaining drive-in theater in Tampa, standing as a symbol of shared traditions, lasting memories, and the connections built over generations. Although its final screening in 2021 marked the end of an era, it wasn't the end of the story.
Marquee Square proudly carries that legacy forward. Named for the iconic marquee that once welcomed moviegoers, the community reflects the same spirit of connection that defined this site for decades. Our brand promise, A Cornerstone of Community, honors the generations of memories created here while embracing a new chapter for this historic corner of Tampa. Today, Marquee Square continues that tradition by creating a place where neighbors gather, friendships grow, and new stories begin.
Fun-Lan Drive-In Theatre entrance sign, 2302 East Hillsborough Avenue. 1950. Burgert Brothers. Courtesy, Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library System
Marquee Square Apartments Exterior in Tampa, Florida. 2302 East Hillsborough Avenue. 2025. Richman Property Services