The Thompson Cigar Factory, added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2002, has faced demolition for several years. The building, constructed in 1925, was the first mechanized cigar factory in Florida.
Polk County commissioners voted 3-2 to demolish the building, citing a lack of room in the budget for the $2 million to $4 million refurbishment it would cost to repair the building.
Supporters attempting to salvage the site were granted an additional four months from the Historic Architectural Review Board to raise the funds needed for repair.
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