HPC recommends landmark designation for Nieto–Fuente Buckeye cigar factory at 2708 N. 18th St.
Loading...
Summary
The Tampa Historic Preservation Commission unanimously recommended that City Council designate the Nieto–Fuente building at 2708 North 18th Street as a local historic landmark, noting its association with the early Buckeye‑style cigar factories and with Arturo Fuente's company.
The Tampa Historic Preservation Commission on Sept. 16 voted unanimously to recommend that Tampa City Council designate the Nieto–Fuente building at 2708 North 18th Street as a local historic landmark.
Heather Bonds, historic preservation specialist, presented the nomination and the staff evaluation. Bonds said the two‑story frame building, constructed circa 1923, is "the last known Buckeye cigar factory in Tampa" and that staff found the property meets the local designation criteria under City of Tampa Code section 27‑2‑57 and National Park Service standards for significance and integrity. "The Nieto Fuente Buckeye represents the Buckeye Cigar Factory, a type and use of building for small cigar factories often owned and operated by a family," Bonds said. "A local landmark designation would protect the structure from inappropriate additions or demolition."
Roger Grunke, the applicant's architect, described the building's history and proposed sensitive rehabilitation. He said the building housed the Nieto Brothers cigar company and later supported early production for the Arturo Fuente firm during a period when the company moved from home‑based production to a commercial facility. Grunke described the design approach as distinguishing the 1925 fabric from later 1970s additions while restoring historic openings revealed under later drywall.
Liliana (Liana) Fuente, owner and fourth‑generation family member associated with the Arturo Fuente business, said she purchased the building for restoration. "My goal here in purchasing this building wasn't to break it down, was to restore it," Fuente said. "I am so excited to bring her back."
Staff noted the building is unique in the city’s landmark inventory because it is the only documented example of a Buckeye cigar factory, a small family‑run smoking or manufacturing operation that historically coexisted with larger factories and the surrounding worker housing. Bonds said the building's history is tied to broader Ybor City patterns: early 20th‑century cigar manufacturing, immigrant and family enterprises, and later industrial shifts triggered by the Cuban revolution and the U.S. embargo.
Commission discussion touched on alterations, restoration of original window openings found beneath modern finishes, and the availability of tax credits and other incentives if the building receives local designation and later rehabilitation. A commissioner asked staff to confirm this is a voluntary owner‑initiated nomination and whether nearby properties remain outside the local district; staff confirmed the nomination was owner‑initiated and that the property currently sits in the National Register district but outside the local district boundary.
A motion to recommend Tampa City Council approve the local landmark designation was moved, seconded and carried by a unanimous voice vote. The commission also received submitted documents and exhibits into the official record.
Case: HPC25‑000029 — Local landmark nomination for 2708 North 18th Street (Nieto–Fuente Buckeye building).
