TAMPA, Fla. – A century-old former cigar factory is being converted into a new boutique hotel in Tampa, Fla.
According to an article from The Tampa Bay Times, plans for the former Balbin Bros. Cigar Factory were announced seven years ago, when the building was purchased by family-operated My Hospitality Hotels for $1.4 million.
Dylan Desai of My Hospitality Hotels told The Times the project had been delayed due to architectural plans and the COVID-19 pandemic. The company owns around 50 hotels across Florida, Alabama, Louisiana, and Mississippi.
According to the article, the company has yet to finalize a deal with a hotel franchise but expects to sign one soon.
The interior of the building will be completely gutted, but the original look of the exterior will remain. However, a local official noted restoring that original look would take a “significant effort” because the building was in “pretty poor condition.”
According to AbandonedFL.com, the building was built in 1904, originally occupied by the Samuel I. Davis & Company. In 1911, it was acquired by Balbin Bros. Cigar Company. After a number of ownership changes, cigar-making operations ceased in 1934. From there, the building was converted into a brewery, which closed in 1936.
From 1936 to 2005, a number of companies made use of the building, including Empire Mercantile Company, Fremac’s Clothing, EverWear Products Inc., Royal Kitches Inc., and Daystar International. Since then, the building has mostly sat vacant.
Construction on the project began three months ago and is expected to be completed by the end of the year.
