The building boom that will bring modern residential towers to downtown St. Petersburg is getting a lot of attention. But for many, the city's charm is in its architectural history and diversity.
Saint Petersburg Preservation, Inc., is ready to celebrate the best of St. Petersburg. The nonprofit is accepting nominations for the 2014 Preservation Awards. The awards recognize people, associations and businesses for their efforts to preserve, restore and complement the city's architectural history and sense of place.
Some past winners are preservationists of the
Mirror Lake Lyceum, the
Historical Kenwood Neighborhood Association and the owner of a 1920s bungalow and carriage house on Bay Street.
"They give a unique character to St. Petersburg that makes people want to come here," says Monica Kile, executive director of the preservation agency.
Nominations are accepted until Sept. 15. The award ceremony will be Oct. 24 at the
Studio@620. There also will be an exhibit and sale of watercolor paintings of area landmarks by local artist Robert Holmes.
There are four categories: residential and commercial restoration and rehabilitiation; compatible infill; adaptive reuse; and residential and commercial stewardship. Also an award will be given to Preservationist of the Year. Descriptions of each category are available at the
SPP website.
“The Preservation Awards are a great way to highlight our community’s landmarks and for neighborhoods to take pride in the buildings and features that make their area unique and special,” says Logan Devicente, SPP’s awards program chair.
While historic restorations are important, reuse of buildings and compatible infill also play a role in preservation, Kile says.
"We encourage good design that fits with the city," says Kile. "That can be a very modern design."
Writer:
Kathy Steele
Source: Monica Kite and Logan Devicente, Saint Petersburg Preservation
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