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Macaroni Factory doomed or donated?

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: April 22, 2009

YBOR CITY - The historical Ferlita Macaroni Factory will escape the wrecking ball for at least 60 more days while its owner discusses a possible donation of the building to the Italian Club.

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

Building manager Les Thompson has been discussing the 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.

The building changed hands in 2008, and Thompson became the manager.

Kathy Steele

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