Century-old Ybor City building will be restored

To Ybor City preservationists, the word "demolition" can be akin to uttering a four-letter-word.

But in the case of the old Badcock Furniture building on Seventh Avenue, a partial demolition involving the removal of a wall is expected to bring significant restoration to the 1906 building.

And by early March developers anticipate the first tenant will move into leased office space on the ground floor of the 2-story structure. On Tuesday the Barrio Latino Commission approved the project and cleared the way for construction.

"We have blind love for Ybor City," said co-owner and contractor Alan Kahana. "We're excited about having a full historical renovation of the building."

Kahana, Frank Capitano and Joseph Capitano Jr., all of Ybor Property Group, are partners on the approximately $1.5 million project.

"Great news on a lot of different levels," said the city's historic preservation manager, Dennis Fernandez. "Owners are very sensitive to historic preservation. They understand the importance of bringing the building back correctly."

Fernandez's staff will oversee certain details of the restoration including windows, storefronts and lighting.

With the goal of attracting multiple tenants, Fernandez said the project can be an economic boost to Ybor.

The building's 1906 construction date was confirmed through the city's Sanborn maps. An old photograph shows the building housed storefronts and the Sans Souci theater in 1917.

The project will give the building a 1920s look. Paint will be removed from the façade, restoring the yellow brick and natural colors. An awning will be removed, windows repaired and others added. Tiles at doorways generally are in good shape and will be restored. A courtyard will be built at the rear of the building, enclosed by a 6-foot block and stucco wall.

A wall along an alley will be removed but its bricks are expected to be salvaged. "This wall is bowed out. It's in poor shape," said Eric Kreher, principal architect for The Beck Group.

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. "We think it's a big part of the character of Ybor City," said Kreher. "We want the building to known by that name."

About 22,000 square feet will be available for lease, Kahana said.

Until about five years ago Badcock Furniture occupied the building at 1315 E. Seventh Ave., known at varies times as National Furniture and Walker Hood Furniture.

Badcock moved to the building which is on the opposite side of the avenue from its initial location next to Larmon Furniture. Larmon dates to 1931 and is Ybor's longest operating furniture store.

In 2004 the building was gutted amid speculation that a House of Blues' amphitheater would open there. No company officials at the time would confirm that, according to a news article.

"I hated to see Badcock leave in the first place," said Larmon's co-owner Jimmy Kalamaras. "We're looking forward to whatever would move across there."

Although the House of Blues could have been an ideal tenant for an entertainment district, Kalamaras said the key is striking a balance among businesses that settle in Ybor. The building has been falling into disrepair, he said.

"Anything they can do will be a positive," Kalamaras added.