Restorations might pump life into Ybor's west end

For years the west end of Seventh Avenue in Ybor City has languished on the outer edge of the entertainment mecca, not quite settling into a defined role.

It gave off a quieter vibe than its more vibrant neighbors to the east, generally starting at 15th Street where developers and investors, sometimes aided by the city, poured money into nightclubs, bars, restaurants, shops and the Centro Ybor retail/entertainment complex.

For decades retail anchors at the avenue's western gateway into Ybor, off Nebraska Avenue, were Larmon and Badcock furniture stores. Then, about six years ago, Badcock left.

"That [Badcock] was a vibrant business," said Vince Pardo, the city's director of the Ybor Community Development Corp. "That was a big impact to lose that."

Now there are adjacent projects on the south side of Seventh that will restore historical buildings - including the former Badcock location - and aim to bring new life to this end of Ybor City.

One is The Bricks, a restaurant, café and skate shop hybrid that plans to feature food, music and Internet access. It has a target opening date of July 5.

The mantra is to keep it simple but diversify.

"It's going to be very eclectic," said co-owner Brian Schaefer. "It can't hurt this [area] being a little more active. We're getting closer and closer to tying in the whole west end."

Schaefer is a founder of Skatepark of Tampa, a skateboarding venue on Columbus Drive with a national reputation.

The other project is to restore the former Badcock store's building, next door to The Bricks, and turn it into a mixed retail and office venue of about 22,000 square feet. The owner, Ybor Property Group, received project approval last year from the Barrio Latino Commission, which has oversight for historical renovations.

Construction is expected to take several months. The group received a $1 million low-interest loan through the city's Historic Preservation Commission.

The building was constructed in 1906 and once housed storefronts and, beginning in 1917, the Sans Souci theater. The restoration will bring back the building's 1920s look. A blade sign on the restored building, with a burgundy background and mustard yellow letters spelling out "Sans Souci," will replicate the theater's marquee.

Plans include a locally-owned pharmacy and a health clinic as well as other stores and offices, Pardo said.

The twin projects should complement each other and, for visitors staying at nearby Hampton Inn, Pardo said, commercial activity is an "important first impression at least for people on foot. It will be great."

Both projects have been embraced by the Ybor Chamber of Commerce, Historic Ybor Neighborhood Association and the Ybor Community Development Corp.

Area residents who sometimes look skeptically at bars and loud music are on board as well.

Resident Camille Renshaw has lived in "up and coming" neighborhoods elsewhere, including Brooklyn, N.Y., and Nashville, Tenn., where she said residents enjoy a mix of shops, restaurants and art galleries.

"This is exactly the kind of business we as professionals want to have in the neighborhood," she told Tampa City Council members during a recent public hearing for The Bricks' alcohol license. "We are praying for more of these and less of the things we come in here normally fighting."

Schaefer once looked at the Sans Souci building for his restaurant but settled on the corner building.
The restaurant with an enclosed outdoor patio and a skate shop next door will be on the first floor; the second floor with a dozen or more rooms will be leased, ideally to one tenant.

Local artwork will be displayed on the walls, and special art shows held. Entertainment will include DJs and area bands. There will be flat-screen television and a video projection screen. A private-party room also is planned but it also can be a "study hall" for patrons seeking a quiet place.

The menu will feature fruit, yogurt, granola and eggs for breakfast. Other offerings include a variety of salads, sandwiches of pulled pork, "house-made" hummus and "kinky tuna" with wasabi pea and pistachio crusted ahi.

The Elvis - named for Elvis Presley's favorite sandwich - will be banana, bacon and honey on white toast.

Initial operating hours will be 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Wednesday and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Thursday through Saturday. Times could change depending on what people want.

"There may be people who want coffee and breakfast. Others could want lunch and others want a happy hour," Schaefer said.

The intent is to adapt and evolve as The Bricks introduces itself to the community.

"We're invested," Schaefer said. "We believe in it."