St. Petersburg Establishes Local Historic District Around Mirror Lake

News Summary

The St. Petersburg City Council has voted to create a Local Historic District surrounding Mirror Lake, marking the area’s first new historic designation since 2021. The district will encourage the preservation of historic buildings while integrating new development that aligns with the community’s character. With incentives for property owners and a streamlined development process, this initiative aims to maintain the charm and cultural significance of St. Petersburg, embracing both history and modern growth.

Exciting Times for St. Petersburg: New Historic District Around Mirror Lake

St. Petersburg has just taken a significant step in its evolution as the City Council recently voted 5-2 to establish a Local Historic District around the picturesque Mirror Lake. This momentous decision marks the first new historic district in the area since 2021, and it aims to promote the appreciation of the city’s unique historical resources.

Why Mirror Lake?

The new designation around Mirror Lake isn’t just about preserving pretty buildings; it’s about highlighting the importance of protecting and utilizing historical resources. The district extends an impressive 200 feet from the lakefront, creating a zone where past meets future in a harmonious blend. The goal? Encourage the reuse of historic structures while ensuring that new development fits right in with the neighborhood vibe.

Preservation with a Purpose

In a city full of character like St. Petersburg, demolishing historic buildings can feel like losing a piece of home. The new district aims to discourage such practices and instead offers property owners some really appealing incentives. These include everything from exemptions from certain building codes to tax abatements and grants that give priority for state funding. And don’t worry, existing height allowances of about 125 feet will stay the same, so current projects can move ahead without hiccups.

The Future is Bright

For future developments, a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) will be required, but the process should be fairly smooth. After all, a staggering 95% of COA applications were greenlit at the staff level in 2020. So while there will be some regulations to follow, it seems like the hurdles are quite manageable.

The Numbers Don’t Lie

A recent report titled “Keeping the Vibe Alive: The Impact of Historic Preservation in St. Petersburg” has shown the undeniable advantages of maintaining historic buildings. According to the report, properties along Central Avenue, which is part of the city’s historic landscape, enjoy a higher occupancy rate and house more local businesses. In fact, around 60% of commercial buildings on Central Avenue were erected before 1960! Among them, a whopping 21% date back to the roaring 1920s.

Where the Locals Like to Go

Interestingly enough, Central Avenue houses approximately 12% of all bars and restaurants in St. Petersburg despite only making up 4% of total businesses. This eclectic mix has created a hub that nearly 70% of those surveyed visit at least once a month, illustrating that these historic buildings are more than just pretty facades; they’re vibrant parts of the community!

Affordable Housing in Historical Spaces

Older homes in St. Petersburg not only contribute to the city’s charm but also offer much-needed affordable housing options in densely populated areas. When we look at the bigger picture, just 1% of the city’s land area is designated as a historic district, which is quite a contrast when compared to larger cities like Miami and Nashville.

A Long-Awaited Change

The creation of this historic district is a culmination of efforts from local advocacy group Preserve the Burg and supportive residents. During the ballot process, 77 of the 142 tax parcels within the proposed district showed enthusiastic support for the designation. Even city-owned assets like the Sunshine Senior Center will be exempt from certain restrictions, keeping the focus on preserving history without stifling community services.

Balancing Act Ahead

Of course, with significant changes come some concerns. Residents and business owners have voiced worries that this new historic district designation might limit future developments in this prime area of St. Petersburg. As the city embraces this new chapter, it will be intriguing to see how officials balance preservation with the need for modern growth.

For the folks living in St. Petersburg, this decision to establish a Local Historic District isn’t just about saving bricks and mortar; it’s an affirmation of community, nostalgia, and the shared journey toward preserving the essence of what makes St. Petersburg so special.