TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Historical macaroni factory gets temporary reprieve

ADVERTISEMENT

By KATHY STEELE | The Tampa Tribune

Published: April 21, 2009

TAMPA - The historical Ferlita Macaroni Factory in Ybor City will escape the wrecking ball for at least another 60 days while its owner discusses a possible donation of the building to the Italian Club.

A Barrio Latino Commission hearing scheduled for today to consider the building's demolition was postponed to June 16. A code enforcement hearing scheduled for Wednesday also is expected to be postponed.

Building manager Les Thompson has been discussing a donation with the club's building and cultural trust fund, said architect Ken Ferlita, who is the grandson of the factory's original owners. Ferlita has offered his professional services to help salvage the 85-year-old structure.

The building on 22nd Street between Fifth and Sixth avenues was third in a line of Ferlita macaroni factories that once operated in Ybor City. Thompson bought the property in 1985 for $85,000, county records show.

Last year, the 1609 22nd Street company became owner, with Thompson as manager.

City code enforcement inspectors last year issued a warning to secure the building. An aerial photo later showed the roof partially collapsed and a second code enforcement warning led to the roof's removal.

Reporter Kathy Steele can be reached at (813) 259-7652.

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT