Today we’d like to introduce you to Cristal Blackwell-Lastra and Daniel F. Martinez, III.
Hi Cristal and Daniel, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
In 1902, a group of 546 immigrants from a province in Spain know as Asturias founded the Centro Asturiano de Tampa, one of the city’s first mutual aid societies and a branch of the original club established in Havana, Cuba. Centro Asturiano de Tampa began in a two-room, wood-frame building on Seventh Avenue in Ybor City, and thanks to rapid membership growth, the club moved to an impressive new building at the corner of Palm and Nebraska. The original building burned down in a fire, but a more impressive building was rebuilt in 1914 and it still stands today as an iconic piece of Tampa’s history. At one time, thousands of members enjoyed the many perks from birth to the grave. Membership included insurance coverage and a hospital for all medical needs, a gym, a bowling alley, a 1,000 seat theatre, and several rooms where all types of social functions could be held.
Today, the Centro hosts wedding receptions, comedy shows, musicals, recitals, bingo nights, auctions and more. The Centro Asturiano was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1974 and is a designated heritage structure in the Ybor City Historic District. Cristal: As a multi-generational Tampa native there are some things that are most likely part of your history: a proud Ybor City heritage, the cigar industry, and stories of these clubs being told to you by parents, grandparents, and family. One of my strongest childhood memories was my mother standing in front of her mirror in a sparkling ball gown, putting on her jewelry and perfume before whisking away for a New Years Eve of Big Band dancing in the Centro’s ballroom. The next morning I would have party favors of hats, noise makers and balloons waiting for me to find them. In the daytime, many grandfathers could be found playing dominoes in the Salon or reading La Gaceta in the library. I have been surrounded my whole life by people who loved and spent time at Centro Asturiano. I left Tampa during college, and didn’t come back for many years as my career took me on a different path. When an opportunity to work at JC Newman Cigar Company came about, I was able to come home.
One of the first things I did was become a member, attend the activities and join the Board of Directors. Because of my love for the club, and ties to its history I was compelled to be involved and help that legacy continue. Daniel: I was born and raised in Tampa, and other than 4 years away at college, Tampa has always been my home. My family heritage on both sides traces back to the Asturias region in Spain. In fact, we still have relatives that reside there today! About five years into my career, I began to become more interested in honoring my family Spanish roots, and being involved at the Centro Asturiano de Tampa was at the top of my list. I first became a member, and eventually a spot opened up on the board of directors. I put my name in the hat, and I was fortunately voted in to join the board. I will never forget the day I went and surprised my 89-year-old grandfather to tell him I was on the board just like he was over 30 years ago. It brought such a smile to his face! What I did not realize though was that he had an even greater surprise for me. He then informed me that my great-great grandfather on my mother’s side of the family was the first President of the Centro when the club started! My great grandfather was also on the board as well. My father’s side of the family has also had involvement with the club since the very early years. I am quite honored to say I represent five generations of service and membership with this wonderful organization.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
We have a long and significant history to so many families in Tampa, and yet today if you asked people what they know about us or even what our name means, people are hard pressed to give you an answer. Few people really know our significance, and have ever stepped through our doors. Much like the Italian Club, Cuban Club and German Club, the Centro Asturiano was a mutual aid society, an organization designed to give social and medical support to its members, most of which belonged to the same ethnic group. Our members predominantly came from Northern Spain, specifically Asturias.
The road hasn’t always been smooth throughout the club’s history and each decade brought its own unique challenges. Our challenge today is being relevant, finding ways to bring people in and see this beautiful standing testament to what immigrants brought to Ybor City. We should be seen as one of the most sought after places to hold a special event, and we are working hard to make that a reality. We stay alive as an Event Venue and our revenues go to the maintenance and preservation of our historical building. If you have an event at our venue, you are supporting a significant piece of Tampa’s history. We feel today, much like we did in the early 1900’s with our sparkling chandeliers, iron railings, tin ceilings, and spectacular wood and tiled floors. We hope you take a look at our website or visit us when you have a chance. There are few stories this authentic left in Tampa, and success would be people knowing us, supporting us, and sharing in our story. Even with the brand awareness challenges, we believe our future is bright in so many ways!
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Centro Asturiano de Tampa?
The Centro is one of the most beautiful buildings in Tampa, and you will personally be in awe that a building built almost 108 years old is so impressive and unique. While our club membership enjoys functions and ceremonies that honor Spanish heritage, our event rental side of the business has become a big focus as we expand our reach. We are different from other venues because there are so many rooms that can host different functions, and they are all so different from one room to another. We are continuing to work hard to honor such a strong piece of history in Tampa, but also connecting that history to our modern day society. Our board of Directors ranges from people in their 70’s to people in their 30’s. Membership ranges from people in their 80’s down to their 20’s. Everyone has a family tie to the club or friend that brought them in, but we all offer different perspectives and represent different areas of Tampa. Everyone on the board wears a variety of hats because our needs are constantly changing. Right now, fundraising is key because we are desperate to match a grant that will help us replace our roof. Cristal: It’s been a difficult time for people to be generous, and yet anything people can do moves us in the right direction. Aside from the structural needs a historical building has, we have to try and keep it not only relevant but authentic.
People also seek venues in a totally different way than they have in the past, and we have to be all over our social presence. That’s been a shift for our demographic and as VP of Sales and Marketing for JC Newman Cigar Co. I have some familiarity with telling our story, looking to partner with some of the best venue influencers, and asking creative talent to help us be seen. I would say I am known to be a hard worker; I won’t stop until I get something done and I am passionate about the things I believe in. I am truly most proud of our group understanding we can’t be stagnant; we have to move towards the future even if it’s hard, and we can still do that while holding onto what we love about our club.
Change is never easy for anyone, especially when this is your heritage, your memories, and it feels like home. Daniel: I am most proud that we continue to work so hard to honor our families that paved the path for us, and I think the Centro Asturiano is a secret that can no longer be kept in Tampa. This club used to have 5,000+ active members. Yes, I said 5,000! As people moved out to the suburbs, our club focus has been forced to change regarding benefits, but our heritage is still being honored. I want people to know that taking a trip over to our building will be time well spent, and you will leave asking yourself how you never knew about this jewel of Ybor City until now?
What does success mean to you?
We define success as a recipe of growing awareness of the Centro along with continued celebration of our heritage. Our focus as we ease out of the Covid bubble is to be a place that is at the front of mind for everyone whether their event is big or small. A successful month is when we have several rentals for various celebrations along with membership functions and activities.
Pricing:
- Grand Ballroom Accommodates 350 guests with dance floor Rental fee $4,000 plus tax $1,500 Reservation Deposit $400 Refundable Damage Deposit
- Theatre Ceremony Rental fee $700 plus tax $200 Reservation Deposit $200 Refundable Damage Deposit 1 hour Decorate, 1 hour Ceremony
- Salon Asturias Accommodates 150 guests with dance floor Rental fee $2,500 plus tax $700 Reservation Deposit $300 Refundable Damage Deposit
- Covadonga Room Accommodates 75 guests with dance floor Rental fee $1,000 plus tax $300 Reservation Deposit $300 Refundable Damage Deposit
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: https://www.centroasturianotampa.org/
- Instagram: @centroasturianodetampa
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CentroAsturianodeTampa
- Twitter: @CentroAsturUSA
Image Credits:
The styled shoot photo: Paisley & Sunshine Photography
The Historical Photos: Burgert Brothers Hillsborough County Public Library
The Caldevilla Wedding (Marlo & Danny): Carrie Wildes Photography
Cristal and Daniel in front of the Centro: Ansley Blackwell
