By GEORGE WILKENS | gwilkens@tampatrib.com

T AMPA - A three-story brick building where cigarmakers learned their trade a century ago is now a modern university campus where students work toward degrees in clinical psychology and other professions.

During Argosy University's open house last week, scores of prospective students toured the refurbished building, erected in 1903 as the Berriman Cigar Factory.

As senior director of admissions at the Tampa campus, Gail Neidinger has introduced many students to the 107-year-old building at 1403 N. Howard Ave. "When we bring a student in for an interview we take them on a tour, and they love it," she said.

The basement is a logical starting point for a run-through of one of Tampa's oldest brick buildings. "This was a cool place where they stored the tobacco," the large space where the bales of dried leaves were separated according to quality, Neidinger said.