Restoration work on the historic Sanchez y Haya Building in Ybor City has reached its final phase after years of deterioration. The $18.5 million project is being supported by several funding sources, including a $5 million investment from the East Tampa Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA), a $600,000 grant from Hillsborough County, and $2.3 million from the National Park Service.
A ceremonial groundbreaking was held Tuesday to mark progress on the restoration. CRA Board Members Charlie Miranda, Guido Maniscalco, and Naya Young attended alongside U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (D–Tampa) and members of the Newman family, owners of J.C. Newman Cigar Co., who have been leading efforts to restore the building.
“My family and I are tremendously grateful for the City of Tampa Community Redevelopment Agency for supporting our project,” Drew Newman said. “It is a privilege for us to preserve this piece of Tampa’s history so that it can stand and serve our community for another 115 years.”
The Sanchez y Haya Building, constructed 115 years ago, once housed businesses such as a grocery store, distillery, coffee mill, knitting shop, and operated as a speakeasy during Prohibition. In later years it became known as the Chip-Inn bar before closing and remaining vacant along Columbus Drive.
Restoration began in 2023 with efforts focused on preserving original features using historic preservation standards. Workers manually restored structural elements like beams and columns using more than 1,400 bags of concrete to reinforce the frame.
With structural repairs complete, attention will now turn to restoring architectural details that reflect the building’s original character. The project is scheduled for completion in October 2026.
The Tampa Community Redevelopment Agency manages redevelopment activities within designated areas of Tampa such as Central Park, Channel District, Downtown, Drew Park, East Tampa, Tampa Heights Riverfront, West Tampa, and Ybor City. The board consists of members from Tampa City Council who work with city staff to oversee projects aimed at improving quality of life in these districts.
