SEMINOLE HEIGHTS - A boarded-up store at Nebraska and Louisiana avenues came tumbling down in about three hours Tuesday.

But the plot of dirt isn't being developed right away.

"The building was unsafe," said owner and restaurateur Phil Alessi Jr. "A car hit it about six months ago."

Property records show the building, which Alessi sometimes used for storage, was built in 1928.

Alessi said he is exploring possible development projects at the site but has no immediate plans.

"It's just something in discussion," he said.

In 2006, Alessi listed the property for sale at about $1.2 million. The real estate includes three parcels stretching along Nebraska between Louisiana and New Orleans Avenue.

Initial discussions focused on a range of developments including shops, a restaurant and apartments.

The Alessi family owns Alessi's Bakery in West Tampa, and Alessi Jr. and his father opened Alessi Woodstone Oven on North Dale Mabry Highway in 2006.

Reporter Kathy Steele can be reached at (813) 835-2103 or ksteele@tampatrib.com.