El Circulo Cubano 101
All you wanted to know compiled and edited by Lloyd Carrera Santos
Mayor Bob Buckhorn and Manny Alvarez attending a fund raiser for the Circulo Cubano in September 2011.
Raised cement Brassio Frieze on the exterior of the building. Several were scrapped off instead of being restored many years ago. Guessing weather erosion? These too, we are wanting to replace/restore to the outside of the building.
La Clinica inside door. Entrance from La Cantina. Reads: “CIRCULO CUBANO DISPENSARY DOCTORS OFFICE”.
Photography by: Joe Giannotti. Greeting cards can be ordered from this site as well. Go to SHOP on the homepage. (Prints and photographs of this picture can be ordered at: yborphotography.com)
Original/restored hanging light fixture
Stairway entrance from La Cantina out to the front of the building 14th Street/ La Republica de Cuba
Original and restored sconce. Several are missing like from the Salon de Damas. Someday hopefully we will be able to make replicas and have them replaced.
Original and restored sconce. Several are missing like from the Salon de Damas. Someday hopefully we will be able to make replicas and have them replaced.
Another beautiful picture of the stain glass mural from the inside, third floor. In the middle is the coat of arms for Cuba and the six Cuban flags draped behind it represent the six provinces of Cuba: Pinar del Río, La Habana, Matanzas, Las Villas, Camagüey, and Oriente. Below is the date the current new building was built, 1917.
Above front door of El Círculo Cubano de Tampa
Beautiful color design placed in the ball on the ends of the stairwell going down into La Cantina. Never realized it before. Really beautiful, and meaningful
La Cantina with lights strung across the dance floor
Raised plaster Brassio Frieze above the exit doors in El Teatro
Tile plaque outside El Teatro honoring Rolando Manteiga in recognition of his efforts to save and restore the Cuban Club building to its original grandeur
In recognition of Mr. Mesa’s generosity and his efforts to save and restore this historic Cuban building back to its original grandeur, we the Cuban Club Foundation and the Cuban Club members proudly name this room the “Fernando R. Mesa Ballroom” Dated this 29th day of September 2009
Lloyd Carrera Santos standing in the 1917 safe in the main office, second floor. His great grand father's picture on the left.
Original 1917 chandelier after restoration in the 90's.
La Farmacia where they would distribute medications
El Teatro seating
Concert event in El Patio
Concert event in El Patio
Stairwell with Cuba coat of arms stain glass window
La Cantina, first floor / basement
Concert in El Patio
Ybor City/El Circulo Cubano de Tampa Historic Sign/Marker