Stogie News: Historic Cigar Factory Finds New Life
20 Nov 2006
Originally built in 1903, the Berriman-Morgan Cigar factory may seem to be a relic of a bygone era. But the Ybor City factory that once produced millions of Havanas a year is coming back to life after decades of abandonment and disrepair.
Thanks to Nicholas Jammal, the Tampa Tribune reports the century-old building will be thoroughly restored as it is transformed from abandoned cigar factory to office space.
When [Jammal] first saw the factory, he knew its location on Howard Avenue (just south of Interstate 275 halfway between West Shore Boulevard and downtown) would make it ideal for professional offices. It already had been designated as a national and local historic landmark, which meant he could take advantage of federal tax credits and local property tax exemptions.
He bought it in 2004 for $600,000, partly with a loan earmarked for historic preservation projects like his. It took 18 months – much longer than he expected – to get all his plans approved. It might have taken longer if Tampa City Councilwoman Mary Alvarez had not streamlined the approval process for him. Her mother was a cigar roller at the factory in the 1940s…
He inherited his devotion to historic preservation from both parents, Roda and Aliya Jammal. His father once told him their passion for historic buildings may come from the fact that their ancestors are from Baalbeck, an ancient city in Lebanon known for its ruins.
Over the past year, Jammal and his employees at Jammal Engineering fixed the factory’s roof. Parts of the tongue-in-groove bead board ceiling were missing, so they relocated materials from other parts of the building and flawlessly blended them. The crew also made new ceiling boards, so it’s hard to tell where the old stop and the new begin.
They took hundreds of concrete blocks out of the 100 window openings and designed replicas of the original windows and frames.
Some original green shutters survived, so Jammal made a replica of one as a pattern for his workers to copy. They brought the old brick back to its original color, matched missing bricks and created a replacement for the column base at the entranceway.
They shored up other column bases, replicated existing arches and moldings and made doors to match originals. Next, they plan to put the old water tower back up on its perch on the south side of the factory.
Jammal hopes the work will be done by March. He plans to rent space to architects, engineers or lawyers and maybe save a corner space for himself on the third floor.
For more information, we highly recommend the Tampa Tribune’s interactive tour of the factory.
Patrick Ashby
Co-Founder & Editor in Chief
Patrick Semmens
Co-Founder & Publisher
George Edmonson
Tampa Bureau Chief
Too bad they didn't restore it to a cigar factory! But I guess better office space than the wrecking ball.
I had problems running the SWF presentation from the main page (possibly platform incompatibilies) but was able to view it from this direct link:
http://tinyurl.com/yz9ptm
Allow plenty of time for loading—well worth the effort IMHO.
I'm so happy to see this article, my Great Grandfather was one of the Berriman Brothers!
Hi Stacia, I am so excited to find out that your great grandfather was one of the Berriman Brothers. I would to talk to you please contact me via email. Sincerely ,Nicholas Jammal
“International Cigar Tobacciana Museum“
Ever heard of it? You will. As a Semi – D.A.V. and the things I‘ve experienced, I know without a doubt, Anything is Possible! Hi, I’m Doc. A 13 yr former CONTRACT Pilot for the U.S.Military (no benefits) from 73’ – 86’. Did 10 months in Nam and 2 years in South America, (El Salvador). (East Wing, C.A.T., Air America – whatever you want to call it, we did the Dirty Work no one wanted or the U.S. were not suppose to be there. Nam, not bad, El Salvador, they tried to do me in there. Shot down my Huey “HU-1” down twice. First time was easy, got traded of for Med‘s. Second time, Not Good. They broke both legs so I wouldn't escape, electrocuted me 4 or 5 times in the face, beating’s daily with a short whip and broken glass glued to the end, hung by the neck once but I didn’t die again. Food, yea ok, half cup of raw meat of? & rotten fruit once every other day and water ½ cup daily. After 10 days of this crap, I was finally Pissed and Ready to get the hell out and found the perfect opportunity. Was left with 1 drunken guard. We won’t go into details, but I’m Alive and he‘s not. So, for 3 days and nights I crawled to a safe village. Now you can ask, why the story. I have another Challenge and need Help. I have FAITH and Will Do This, but assistance and Support is necessary. I’m building a Real 100% HONEST Operated “Historical Cigar Tobacciana Museum“. What I’m asking for is Anything related to Tobacco / Cigar / Snuff / etc items. Examples: Old Rolling Tables, Cutters, Tools, Presses, Wood Molds, Store Tokens, Old Ad Signs, Smoking Tables, Cigar Cutters, Punches, Bands, Old Stamps, Cigar Coupons, Cigar / Sports Punch Boards, Wood Cigar Boxes, A Wooden 6’ Tall Indian(wow, that would be nice). If it’s in ANYWAY Connected, I need it. Also Display Cabinets, Shelves, Fixtures, Signs, Furniture, and Cash. Lots of Cash to keep buying. I honestly don’t have much and my Savings is disappearing FAST. The wife has been patient but she‘s right, time to ask for HELP. Something I‘ve NEVER DONE. We are a Legal Non-Profit Florida Corporation, so anything from a Token to an old delivery truck, office desk or a cash register, All would be a STRONG Greatly Appreciated RECEIPED! Moreover, your receipt would be Much More Valuable as a Tax Write off than what you could sell it for. Again, I honestly do not have much & a little crippled up, but the Museum is Happening within 6 months if all possible! All I ask is just donate one (1) item, $1 or 100 items and $100, that choice is yours. However, the Books shall be open to All Contributors / Donators ANYTIME. I’ve Never ask anyone for nothing before until now, but it’s All Good. So, would you work with me, would you give something, Please?
Future Museum Location: Approx 10 mins from the New International Golf Village & Museums here in St Augustine, You could not ask for a better location. Now just ONE (1) last request; PASS THE WORD – Give em’ My Contact if they want to help. My real name is Alan M. Rankin, Wife Brenda. Our Home / Our Office are always open for verification that we are Real and Sincere. Here’s our Contact Info:
Alan M. Rankin DBA International Cigar Tobacciana Museum // 3530 Agriculture Center Dr Ste 210 //
Saint Augustine, Florida 32092 My personal cell: 904-887-7778 email: iamdoc@live.com
Here is a Copy of our Corporate Documentation:
Certified Copy
I certify the attached is a true and correct copy of the Articles of Incorporation of INTERNATIONAL CIGAR TOBACCIANA MUSEUM, INC, a Florida corporation, filed electronically on April 27, 2009 effective May 01, 2009, as shown by the records of this office. I further certify that this is an electronically transmitted certificate authorized by section 15.16, Florida Statutes, and authenticated by the code noted below.
The document number of this corporation is N09000004087.
Authentication Code: 090427083731-300152582513#1
Given under my hand and the Great Seal of the State of Florida
At Tallahassee, he Capital,
This the Twenty Seventh day of April, 2009