Site

Located within the National Historic Landmark District of Ybor City, the historic Regensburg factory—nicknamed “El Reloj” for its iconic clock tower—was the largest cigar factory in the world when completed in 1910. More than a century later, it remains the last historic cigar factory in Tampa still producing hand-rolled cigars, sustaining the legacy of “Cigar City.”

Program Challenge

Complete a series of ambitious renovations for the last operational historic cigar factory in the United States in time for the company’s 125th anniversary. Modernize aging infrastructure, improve operational efficiency, and create new public-facing spaces while preserving the character and historic integrity of the landmark structure.

Solution

Rowe Architects implemented a multi-phase renovation strategy that balanced preservation, operational modernization, and public engagement. Initial phases focused on improving the efficiency of the factory’s shipping and receiving operations while comprehensively assessing and upgrading building systems, offices, and restroom facilities that had remained largely unchanged since the 1960s.

To support the factory’s evolving role as both a working industrial facility and cultural destination, the project reimagined the museum experience and introduced a new retail component featuring cigars alongside products from local makers. Central to the renovation was the creation of a dedicated hand-rolling room, reestablishing Tampa-based cigar hand rolling within the historic factory and reconnecting visitors to one of the city’s defining artisan traditions.

Consistent with the principles of historic preservation, the project embraced an approach of “addition by subtraction,” removing decades of non-historic alterations to reveal and celebrate original materials and architectural character. The resulting interventions establish a clear architectural language that reinforces the company’s renewed connection to the community while preserving the identity of one of Tampa’s most significant historic structures.