Historic Designation for St. Petersburg’s Mirror Lake Neighborhood Approved by City Council

Historic Designation Approved for Mirror Lake Neighborhood in St. Petersburg

St. Petersburg has taken a significant step to preserve its heritage with the recent local historic district designation for the Mirror Lake neighborhood. On a 5-2 vote, the City Council approved the request aimed at protecting the area’s historic structures during a meeting held on a recent date. This decision, championed by local residents and supported by the preservation group Preserve the Burg, marks a new chapter for the community.

Why the Designation Matters

This historic district designation is especially important for the Mirror Lake neighborhood, known for its unique architecture and historical significance. Council member Gina Driscoll initially presented the proposal back in 2020, driven by community interest in safeguarding the neighborhood’s cultural legacy. Residents overwhelmingly welcomed the decision, reflecting a strong desire to maintain the character of their community.

Concerns Surrounding the Designation

However, the path to approval was not without controversy. Council members such as Lisset Hanewicz voiced concerns regarding the 200-foot boundary used for the designation. Critics, including some property owners, expressed worries that the designation process was flawed and would hinder future development opportunities in the area.

The new district does not impact structures that are already listed on the St. Petersburg Register of Historic Places.

Key Features of the Historic District

One of the key aspects of the designation is that properties within the district must now obtain a Certificate of Appropriateness for any renovations or new construction. However, existing developments with approved site plans will not be affected by this change. This means that projects already in the pipeline can continue without interruption, while future developments will need to adhere to the historic guidelines.

The newly designated district will also exempt the Sunshine Senior Center, a city-owned property, from historic restrictions, allowing for potential future redevelopment that aligns with community needs.

Community Support and Engagement

Residents had an opportunity to voice their opinions about the potential historic district designation as early as January 2024, with a stipulation that over half of the tax parcels in the area demonstrate support. Out of 142 tax parcels involved, 77 were in favor, surpassing the required threshold for approval. This citizen-driven initiative is a notable first for the Mirror Lake area, which faced challenges in a 2021 attempt at establishing a historic district due to concerns related to a new courthouse project.

Future Outlook for Development

The historic designation is expected to influence property values positively near the district, as seen in similar communities across the country. Recent projects, including luxury condominiums by Backstreets Capital and Skyward Living, will now need to align with the new regulations, impacting future urban development plans.

Additionally, the Red Apple Group has plans for a mixed-use tower across from the historic district, while Pinellas County Schools collaborates with developers on a workforce housing project nearby.

The neighborhood’s recent addition of the Reflection condominium tower further illustrates the area’s evolution, welcoming new residents on the west side of Mirror Lake. As this historic district takes shape, it sets the stage for a careful balance between preserving the past and accommodating future growth.