Tampa City Council approved on first reading a special use permit to add a wine‑tasting bar and public access to part of the restored YPendes & Alvarez cigar factory at 2301 North Albany Avenue in West Tampa.

Applicant Ted (Tedaro) Buscaino, representing a family business restoring the property, described an ongoing multi‑year rehabilitation of the historic factory and clock tower. “We have been restoring the YPendes and Alvarez cigar factory now for, 4 years,” Buscaino said, and presented renderings and interior photos showing restored flooring, a clock dial display and other historic features. He said the family-owned winery operation uses adjacent warehouse space for manufacturing and will open a public tasting area in part of the manufacturing space to begin connecting consumers to the site while restoration continues.

Staff described the proposal (AB22511) as adding approximately 2,664 square feet of indoor tasting area and noted the site already has an approval for a wine lounge; the request would bring the total indoor alcohol area to 8,586 square feet. The site currently provides 32 parking spaces and the applicant requested a parking waiver; staff found the waivers inconsistent with applicable land development regulations and noted minor site plan modifications would be required if the application is approved.

Speaking in support, several neighbors and community members praised the owner’s investment in historic preservation and said the project would bring more visitors and activity to West Tampa’s Riverwalk vicinity. Supporters also emphasized the applicant’s focus on walkability and on measures intended to discourage driving while drinking, including encouragement to use ride‑hail services and on‑site bicycle parking.

Councilman Escapko moved the ordinance for first reading; council approved it unanimously and scheduled second reading and adoption for Aug. 28, 2025. The council and applicant acknowledged that staff will require minor site plan edits and that the applicant’s phased restoration will continue over multiple years.