J.C. Newman Cigar Company — El Reloj

Client

J.C. Newman Cigar Company

Location

Ybor City, Tampa, Florida

Project Type

Historic Renovation

Completed

2003

Size

Architect / Designer

Delivery Method

Construction Duration

Industry / Market

Cultural / Historic

Project Overview

The Project

ABI Companies completed a historical renovation involving the clock tower and museum at J.C. Newman Cigar Company’s El Reloj factory in Tampa’s Ybor City.

Constructed in 1910, the landmark brick factory is distinguished by its nearly 115-foot clock tower and its longstanding connection to Tampa’s cigar-making industry. ABI’s work addressed historically significant areas of the property while respecting the character of a building that remained an active part of J.C. Newman’s operations and identity.

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Scope of Work

What ABI Delivered

ABI’s project involved the historical renovation of El Reloj’s clock tower and museum.

The work supported the preservation and continued use of two features central to the building’s identity: the prominent clock tower that has overlooked Ybor City for generations and the museum space used to share the history of J.C. Newman, cigar manufacturing, and Tampa’s cigar industry.

How ABI Delivered

The Challenge

Renovation within a historically significant property requires the existing building to guide the work. Original construction, aging conditions, architectural character, and the needs of an operating facility all have to be considered carefully.

At El Reloj, the clock tower was more than an architectural feature. It was a defining part of the factory and a recognized Ybor City landmark. Work involving the tower and museum therefore required an approach appropriate for areas carrying both functional and historical importance.

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ABI’s Approach

ABI approached the clock tower and museum renovation with an emphasis on careful execution, quality workmanship, and respect for the existing property.

The objective was to support J.C. Newman’s continued use of these important spaces while preserving the character that connects El Reloj to Tampa’s cigar-making history. ABI’s performance on the project demonstrated the level of coordination and attention required when construction work becomes part of the continuing story of a historic building.

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The Result

The completed renovation helped preserve two of El Reloj’s most significant features while supporting their continued role within the J.C. Newman property.

The clock tower remains a recognizable part of the Ybor City skyline, and the museum helps visitors understand the Newman family, cigar manufacturing, and the industry that played an important role in Tampa’s development.

For ABI, the project became an award-recognized example of the company’s ability to perform thoughtful renovation work within a historically important commercial property.

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Notable Features

Inside the Work

Historic El Reloj cigar factory constructed in 1910

Landmark clock tower rising nearly 115 feet

Museum dedicated to J.C. Newman and Tampa’s cigar-making history

Renovation within an active cigar-manufacturing property

Historically significant Ybor City location

Award-recognized workmanship and safety performance

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Recognition

Awards and Recognition

Associated Builders and Contractors Excellence in Construction recognition, 2003, for the J.C. Newman Clock Tower and Museum Historical Renovation in Ybor City.

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