Ybor’s Perfecto Garcia Bros. Factory water tower has been a part of Florida’s Cigar City skyline for generations of locals. Nearly as iconic as J.C. Newman’s historic El Reloj clocktower, and nearly as old, the Perfecto Garcia factory was constructed in 1914. Now, over a century later, the property is being given new life. No cigars will be rolled here, however, as this once bustling factory is being transformed into 36 unit apartment building. While the interior will be modernized, the buildings facade will be completely restored, something the builders felt was their obligation to the community.
With this news, and the ongoing progress of all of J.C. Newman’s own community enrichment projects, Ybor City is set to become a premier destination for tourists and Floridians alike. The Tampa Bay Times got some great quotes from representatives of the group heading up the project, Water Tower Holdings, LLC., including “…don’t call this a restoration project, this is a resurrection.” Which, even before you read that article, paints a relatively clear picture of the poor condition of the aging structure.
Please visit the Curator’s Corner; Cigar City History by Holden Rasmussen on the J.C. Newman website for even more of the rich history surrounding the Perfecto Garcia Bros. factory.