Design Inspired: Tampa’s Ybor City

Just northeast of downtown Tampa lies the historic Latin quarter of Ybor City, a culture-rich gem founded by Spanish entrepreneur Vicente Martinz Ybor in 1885. Aptly nicknamed the “Cigar Capital of the World” at the turn of the 20th century, Ybor City was an immigrant-populated cigar manufacturing town.

Today, this National Historic Landmark District is home to more than 950 buildings and structures that have stood the test of time since the city’s peak industrial years. Ybor City’s charm and character are perhaps best captured along the 7th Avenue Commercial strip.

Take a stroll through some of Ybor City’s beautiful neighborhoods, a cultural melting pot of numerous immigrant countries. Breathe in the smell of freshly roasted coffee and the aroma of signature hand-rolled cigars as you cruise along the streets.

This must-see destination is perfect for every type of enthusiast, from history buffs to architectural aficionados and foodie fanatics to serious shoppers.

Here, we’ll look at how the district’s distinct heritage, along with Cuban influences, plays a part in the design inspiration of some of our leather furnishings.

Havana Nights

By day, a sightseer’s delight, by night, a vibrant nightlife district for adults, Ybor City perfectly captures the essence of its Cuban roots.

Cuba’s reputation as a playground for the rich and famous hit its height in the 1920s. Hotels, nightclubs and casinos began to spring up on every corner. From socialites to celebrities like Frank Sinatra, everybody who was somebody flocked to this exotic, tropical paradise for a good time.

De rigueur for the decade, the ubiquitous club chair dotted the interiors of these swanky venues, coveted for their unrivaled sink-in comfort and VIP vibes.

The Accoglienza chair offers an updated take on classic club chair style. It has all the same comfortable appointments as the original design but is made modern with the convenience of a power recline that allows you to prop your feet up with the simple flip of the discreet inline switch.

Contrasting topstitching lends a relaxed feel, while wood block feet give this recliner the look of an armchair.

Cigar Central

Populated by thousands of immigrants, primarily from Cuba, Spain and Italy, this port city’s subtropical weather and proximity to Cuba made it an ideal location for cigar manufacturing. Ybor City’s cigar factories hand-rolled an estimated half-billion cigars each year during its heyday.

Founded in 1895 and the last remaining cigar manufacturing factory in Tampa, the J.C. Newman Cigar Company is the oldest family-owned premium cigar maker in America. It’s headquartered in an iconic building known as El Reloj, where a 1,500-pound bell of the same name kept the neighborhoods of Ybor City on schedule.

In honor of the city’s cigar-making legacy, the company converted part of its building into a history museum and offers tours of the factory during the week.

Rendered in rich, cigar-toned leather, our power glider recliner pays tribute to its color’s namesake. Neatly tailored with welted details and topstitching, this recliner puts you at just the right angle for viewing television, reading or enjoying a good cigar with a glass of cognac in hand.

Step Back in Time

Steeped in tradition, pockets of Ybor City’s history remain alive today. You can still witness roosters roaming the streets and cock-a-doodle-doing at dawn. Or step inside the Columbia Restaurant for a cup of coffee as patrons did in 1905. And, lucky for us, the La Segunda Bakery still makes homemade Cuban bread, just like it did in 1915.

To celebrate this city’s heritage, we pay tribute to more traditional furnishings like our barrel chair. A tried-and-true classic, this tub chair is styled with a tight back and seat. Vertical seams along the back add a tailored touch. Tapered square legs in a dark finish further enhance the established aesthetic or you can opt for a swivel base that allows you to rotate 360 degrees for a more modern spin.

Explore Some More

Step inside one of our Florida Leather Gallery showrooms to sample silhouettes and leather options that speak to Florida’s rich heritage. Or reach out to one of our Leaxperts™ to find the perfect recliner, sofa or chair and ottoman.