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Art Studios Face Fire Safety Issues

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By JOSE PATINO GIRONA

The Tampa Tribune

Published: May 31, 2008

WEST TAMPA - The city's fire marshal's office has cited a former cigar factory that houses artists' studios for not having enough exits and not having the fire alarms and sprinklers inspected annually.

If improvements weren't made by Friday, artists faced eviction from the Antonio Santaella Cigar Factory, also known as the West Tampa Center for the Arts, 1906 N. Armenia Ave.

Co-owner Bubba Ellis said Tuesday that he hoped to have some of the work completed this week.

Ellis said he plans to enclose the second- and third-floor interior staircases, which would comply with fire regulations for the second floor and partially comply for the third floor.

To be in compliance, the building needs two exits on the second and third floors. The second floor has an exterior staircase that serves as a fire exit. A second exterior exit needs to be built for the third floor.

The fire marshal's office believes a contractor can finish enclosing the staircases in a few business days, said Capt. Bill Wade, a spokesman for Tampa Fire Rescue.

"The goal is to make the public safe and make the building safe," Wade said.

Ellis estimates he may have to find a temporary location for five of the 20 or so artists.

"It is terrible that they may have to leave their space for a while," he said. "This is the best outcome. At least most everyone gets to keep their space."

Ellis and his family bought the building in 1997. They operate Ellis-Van Pelt Inc., an office furniture store, on the first floor.

For years, artists have rented space in the 1904 building, and numerous shows have attracted hundreds of people.

However, an exhibition May 23 was changed because of concerns raised by the fire marshal's office. The show was allowed to continue, but only 50 people were allowed on the second floor and 50 on the third floor at one time.
Fire officials were present to ensure capacity wasn't exceeded.

Maida Millan, the center's art director, said the May 23 show was disappointing.

"Everything was scattered all over the place," Millan said. "It was a strange show to say the least."

She said the situation has artists asking questions.

"Where are they going to work?" Millan said. "Where are they going to greet clients?"

Last month, Ellis submitted a plan to the city to add exterior exits on the second and third floors to meet requirements. He was told that he needed an assembly permit to host the May 23 event.

The permit application caught the attention of the fire marshal's office and triggered the inspection, Wade said.

Ellis said he wasn't aware previously that he needed an assembly permit.

Reporter Jose Patino Girona can be reached at (813) 835-2110 or jpatino@tampatrib.com.

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