About Ybor City Historic District
Ybor City, pronounced [EE-bor], is a National Historic Landmark District in Tampa, Florida, located just two miles northeast of downtown. Founded in 1885, Ybor City has and continues to play a crucial role in the development and growth of the City of Tampa.
1980-1990
The historic district was reinvigorated in the ‘80’s as a burgeoning business district along 7th Avenue. Artists flocked to the bohemian haven and the masses followed suit in the ‘90’s when sprouting clubs and bars solidified Ybor’s stake as an entertainment district. The district has transitioned yet again with office space now topping Ybor real estate usage. Corporate headquarters, manufacturing operations, tech startups and small retailers have redefined Ybor, recognizing it as a historical gem that has retained its cultural integrity.
1885
Founded in 1885 by Vicente Martinez Ybor, Tampa was once known as the Cigar Capital of the World due to its booming cigar industry. Immigrants from Cuba, Spain, Italy and Germany populated the historic district, breathing life into the neighborhood as it flourished as a culturally rich, self-contained community.
Present Day
Today Ybor City continues to build on its rich past with an eclectic mix of history, heritage, entertainment and excitement. This urban oasis offers historically renovated and newly constructed commercial and residential buildings located on and off Ybor City’s main thoroughfare 7th Avenue; currently ranked as 15 in the Great Streets in America by the American Planning Association.
Ybor’s history, cultural roots and diversity make it one of the most unique neighborhoods in Tampa. Its appeal has drawn in major motion pictures, commercials and high-end photo shoots. The district offers people a connection to the past with a chance to explore and experience a fascinating period in Tampa’s history and appreciate the cultural diversity that is ‘the Cigar City’ legacy.