How modern infrastructure is helping J.C. Newman Cigar Co. protect Ybor City’s history
At El Reloj in Ybor City, J.C. Newman Cigar Co. is preserving something that exists nowhere else in the country: the last traditional cigar factory still operating in the United States.
But keeping a piece of Tampa history alive also means preparing it for the future. As J.C. Newman restores historic properties, every project requires balancing preservation with the modern infrastructure needed to keep a working manufacturing business running.
Founded in 1895, J.C. Newman is the oldest family-owned premium cigar manufacturer in America. Today, the fourth-generation company employs approximately 160 people in Tampa and exports its cigars to more than 80 countries.
Modernizing without losing the history
In recent years, J.C. Newman has restored El Reloj, created Cigar Workers Park and advanced restoration work on the historic Sanchez y Haya building.
Behind those highly visible projects was less visible work, including replacing aging electrical infrastructure, relocating overhead power lines and making upgrades without unnecessarily disrupting business operations.
"We're preserving historic buildings while continuing to operate a manufacturing business and welcome thousands of visitors every year," said Drew Newman, fourth-generation owner of J.C. Newman Cigar Co. "That requires partners who understand both our long-term vision and our day-to-day needs."
Powering preservation
For more than 70 years, Tampa Electric has helped power El Reloj. As J.C. Newman has invested in preserving and restoring its Ybor City properties, that relationship has evolved along with it.
Working together, the companies:
- Replaced a decades-old transformer while minimizing production disruptions.
- Moved overhead power lines underground at El Reloj, Cigar Workers Park and Sanchez y Haya.
- Improved reliability and safety while preserving the historic character of the properties.
During restoration of the Sanchez y Haya building, for example, underground service upgrades helped address safety concerns created by overhead power lines near the building.
A dedicated Tampa Electric account manager also helped simplify coordination across multiple projects.
"Having a single point of contact who understands our business and can help navigate a large organization is invaluable," Newman said.
Honoring a Tampa legacy
Today, El Reloj remains both a working factory and a destination for those interested in Tampa's cigar heritage, welcoming approximately 25,000 visitors each year. Through ongoing investments in historic preservation, education and community spaces, J.C. Newman continues helping revitalize Ybor City while sharing its story with future generations.
"For more than 70 years, we've relied on TECO to help support operations at our historic El Reloj cigar factory," Newman said. "From day-to-day needs to restoration projects in Ybor City, their responsive support and dedicated account management have helped us navigate challenges and preserve an important part of Tampa's heritage."
Visitors to El Reloj may never notice a new transformer or that power lines have been moved underground. But those behind-the-scenes improvements are helping ensure that more than a century after J.C. Newman opened its doors, an important piece of Tampa history remains a working part of its future.
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