The Bunker Preservation
Built in 1926, this historical building began its journey as the Two Friends Cafe. The cafe was a special spot for Cuban cigar rollers living in the small casitas surrounding the building. Years later, the building was moved, painted, and remodeled into a favorite hangout for war veterans, fondly dubbed, The Bunker.
In the following years, burdened by neglect, the Bunker Building slowly deteriorated.
The journey back home was a challenge for the little building. It took the cooperation of the county, the city, the museum, and the community to reunite the Bunker Building with its casitas near the Ybor City Museum. Luckily, the Ybor City Museum Society decided it was time to find someone who could love this beaten-up, old building now located in the heart of Ybor’s Historic District. The building waited while the Society hunted for the perfect people to take on this precious project. In December of 2004, Dale Swope (of Swope, Rodante P.A.) and Joe Kokolakis (J. Kokolakis Contracting) decided that the Bunker Building was worth the effort.
Pre-construction Exterior:
Pre-construction Interior:
Post-construction Exterior:
Post-construction Interior:
More information about the Bunker Building can be found at Tre Amici @ the Bunker