Ybor Square Controversy with Sale to Church of Scientology
Well it was rumored for several weeks prior to execution and it came to fruition May 3rd of this month. The Church of Scientology acquired Ybor Square, one of the most notable and significant historic landmarks in the Ybor District. Ybor Square had been owned by Zybor Inc. The property sold for $7.05 million. Zybor purchased the building in 2000 for $3.9 million, not a bad profit on a building for which discussed plans never seemed to fully materialize.
The building was constructed as a cigar factory by Vicente Ybor, the father of Ybor City, in 1886. In the early days of Ybor, Jose Marti, the legendary father of Cuban Independence frequently waxed eloquently about the need for Cuban independence on the steps of the entrance to the building.
Needless to say, because the buyer is the Church of Scientology, the sale and zoning changes are controversial. The zoning changes seemed to be hurried through, and allegedly, places of religious assembly are prohibited in that part of Ybor. Because the Church is a not-for-profit, the city loses all property tax revenue. Additionally, local residents are concerned that the increased presence of the Scientologists will change the vibe of Ybor and the Church could further restrict access to the space. The most notable tenants in the property are Creative Loafing and the Spaghetti Warehouse.
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