Founded in 1977, long before most of us thought to care about whether or not St. Pete needed its character preserved (I think we called it God's Waiting Room back then, no?), St. Petersburg Preservation started scrambling to protect and preserve the 'Burg.
The destruction of the 1913 American Bank and Trust building was the impetus history-minded locals needed to form what we call St. Pete Preservation today. They're celebrating their 40th anniversary this month — here's a look back.
Want to join the party? You can; they're celebrating at Nova 535. Call 727-824-7802, or get more info at our comprehensive online events calendar, local.cltampa.com.
1977 — where it all began: All that’s left of the 1913 American Bank & Trust building ( 300 block of Central Ave., at the corner of 4th St.) is this postcard and a few architectural remains; the bank was demolished in 1977; in its place today is the BB&T building, often called the “glass box.”
The City of St. Petersburg has part of the facade facade and, in 1995, two of the columns found a new home in Williams Park as part of the Veterans Memorial. This loss was the catalyst for St. Petersburg Preservation. Credit: State Archives of FloridaOne of St. Pete Preservation’s earliest victories was the 1903 Veillard home. John Warren took this photo shortly before the home’s relocation in 1979. You can see the home now at the corner of 4th Ave. N. and 3rd St. N.
St. Pete Preservation put the banners there. The home is listed on the National Register and as a local landmark. This photo was part of the application packet to the National Register. Credit: John WarrenAnother view of the Veillard home on its way to its new home. Credit: John WarrenThe 193 Veillard home en route to its new location. Credit: John WarrenThe Veillard home today. Credit: Peter Belmont1979: The City of St. Petersburg had bought this 1913 Herman Dann home in Roser Park. (800 7th Ave. S.) and intended to tear it down to clear a path for the 8th Street Bridge. St. Pete Preservation teamed with the neighborhood to preserve the home. Today, it’s restored and in its original location. Credit: Peter Belmont1980s: The 1921 Dr. Thaddeus Green home in Roser Park (745 8th Ave. S.) was in danger of demolition after Bayfront Hospital bought in the 1980s. Because of St. Pete Preservation’s efforts, the hospital agreed to sell the home, which remains a single-family home. Credit: Peter Belmont1992: The 1925 Soreno Hotel was destroyed. St. Petersburg city council voted 5-4 *not* to designate the hotel as a local landmark and demolition soon followed, but not before SPP stood with banner, a call to action for the community to never let a loss like this happen again. The Soreno’s last moments are part of “Lethal Weapon 3” — but local artist Gregg Perkins has recreated the building for his upcoming exhibit at St. Pete’s Museum of Fine Arts. Credit: Colette Eddy, Aerial Innovations2005: The historic Bay Gables, built circa 1906. Presently, it’s part of Watergarden Inn at the Bay, but many remember it as the Chateau France Restaurant at 136 4th Ave. NE.
St. Pete Preservation stepped in to prevent the building’s demolition about 12 years ago. The demolition was part of a high rise project that came to pass. Credit: Courtesy of St. Pete Preservation2005: The historic Bay Gables, built circa 1906. Presently, it’s part of Watergarden Inn at the Bay, but many remember it as the Chateau France Restaurant at 136 4th Ave. NE.
St. Pete Preservation stepped in to prevent the building’s demolition about 12 years ago. The demolition was part of a high rise project that came to pass. Credit: Courtesy of St. Pete PreservationThe Vinoy across the “North Mole.” Date unknown. Credit: Burgett Brothers2008: The Crislip Arcade opened in 1926. When a high-rise developer tried to get a demolition permit for the Arcade (and other buildings nearby), SPP prevented it. With the help of a new owner, the Crislip Arcade has a new lease on life. Credit: Tim Arruda
