Everything old is new again. Historical buildings are tres chic, and Downtown’s First Block/Detroit Block is a real beauty. But can it be saved? The answer is yes, if it’s designated a Landmark District.
It’s been slow going but that’s all about to change.
In 2014, St. Petersburg’s then Councilmember Jeff Danner brought it up and now it’s finally moving forward. On September 13, the city’s Community Planning & Preservation Commission (CPPC), conducted a public hearing and voted to recommend city council approve the historic district designation. The final step in the process will be another public hearing and a vote by city council on October 20. (Mark your calendar for the 6 pm hearing in City Council chambers – City Hall, 175 5th St. N.)
There are many benefits to the Local Landmark District Designation for the First Block. Most importantly, it minimizes potential for demolitions or alterations that would significantly harm the block’s historic & cohesive sense of identity. It provides tax incentives for property owners within the block and recognizes the significance of First Block in the Burg’s history.
First Block is essentially where the ‘Burg started and includes the individually landmarked Detroit Hotel building on Central Avenue and the historic Bishop Hotel building on 1st Ave. N. Certain owners in the block have publicly stated that they want the unfettered right to tear down their buildings to build high rises and are opposed to the designation.
But consider how significant First Block is in the city’s history. Over the years, it has been called many things including the Detroit Block, Janus Landing and Block 25. Bordered by Central & 1st Ave. N, 2nd and 3rd Streets, it’s home to the 1888 Detroit and 1910 Bishop Hotels.
It’s downtown’s oldest block and the site of some of the city’s earliest businesses and a majority of blocks are pre-1910 structures. So far, only one historic structure on the block has been lost (building at 1 Ave. N & 3 st rd St in 1966). The other structures retain their historic integrity as examples of early 20th century commercial architecture, some designed by prominent architects. Many of the buildings are associated with city founders and pioneers.
Thanks to the hard work of the St. Petersburg Preservation group and other concerned citizens, the Burg might just have a new attraction to boast. For more information, contact info@stpetepreservation.org.
By Nanette Wiser