Historic Ybor City Building Restored, Tampa

A 90-year-old building in Ybor City was recently renovated for a new use.

Built in 1924, the historic Ferlita Macaroni Factory in Ybor City reopened as a new TMD Windows and Doors showroom and office on February 28th, marking the end of a three-year process to save the building.

Located at 1607 N. 22nd St., the building was once used as a pasta factory and residence for the Ferlita family. The  dilapidated building was saved from demolition after a partial roof collapse in 2007 and fully restored by SALT Construction Company.

“I was really interested in owning and rehabilitating some kind of structure in Ybor City,” says John Rosande of SALT and TMD Windows and Doors. “When you come into the renovated building now, it's pretty self explanatory why we chose this specific location. The building's look couldn't be recreated. It tells a story.”

While all that currently remains of the original building is the facade, SALT rehabilitated the existing structure while adding a 1,250-square-foot second story to the top of the building. The new floor will act as an office gathering space.

“I think we're going to bring a really different crow to Ybor,” Rosande says. “It will be the type of clientele that obviously won't be visiting for the nightlife -- it will be a business clientele. It's going to be a destination spot for people who come to buy high-end, nice items.”

Writer: Alexis Quinn Chamberlain
Source: John Rosande, SALT Construction Company & TMD Windows and Doors