United Paper Company, 238 South Franklin Street

United Paper Company building at 238 South Franklin Street. 1921. Burgert Brothers. Courtesy, Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library System

Parking lot at 238 South Franklin Street. 2021. © Chip Weiner

The United Paper Company was the largest producer in the south for paper products primarily used in wrapping citrus and vegetables for shipping. Their building was located on S. Franklin St. at the corner of Franklin and Carew (now Channelside Dr.) until they moved in the late 1920s. By 1931, National Cleaners and Dyers, offering cleaning and pressing three dresses for $1, was in business here and lasted about ten years.

In 1947, the Tampa Movie Center moved here and changed its name to Photomart in 1955. They sold cameras and home movie equipment. The business lasted until late 1957. The area, filled primarily with old warehouses and industrial property, became blighted late in the 20th century.  In the 1980s, the Tampa Port Authority decided to acquire the nearby waterfront property and develop what is now known as the Channel District. The entire area is still being redeveloped. The former United Paper Company property is now a parking lot.

 © Chip Weiner. All rights reserved

From Burgert Brothers: Look Again, Vol. 1