In the 1920s, Columbus Drive (then called Michigan Avenue) was the main connector between Ybor City and West Tampa, both homes to the cigar industry. By 1925, when this photo was taken, United Markets had 19 stores in the area. This one was built at the corner of Florida Avenue and Michigan, a main artery and streetcar route. Oliver’s Hardware and Henderson Baking Company were also located in the stucco-covered Mediterranean-style mixed-use building, with apartments on the top floor.

The store closed around 1933 when J. P. Cook Roofing company moved in, and in 1935, it was Cahill Paint Store. In 1944, a Tennessean, John Greer, opened Watts Bakery Company as part of a chain and later sold it to local bakers Medina and Raymond Diaz, owners of Holsum Bakeries. It is currently home to Power Circle Barbershop and remains a mixed-use building with apartments on the second floor.

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