The Historic Old Northeast is bursting with St. Petersburg charm. A vibrant mix of historic homes, cobblestone streets and the iconic hexagon patterned sidewalk gives it its character. Here, you’ll find a home that’s essentially a giant kaleidoscope (just off 1st Street North and 9th Avenue), and another home that’s a brekky hotspot for parrots (near 7th Avenue N and 2nd Street).
Also, Historic Old Northeast is holiday decor royalty. In this blogger’s opinion, the neighborhood is the undisputed Halloween and Christmas decoration champion. Can someone make a trophy or belt?
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Seeking Historic Landmark Designation
City Council member Darden Rice submitted a request for the City to initiate landmark designation of the 1926 Westminster Presbyterian Church at the corner of 1st St. and 11th Ave NE at the end of 2019. On December 5, the City Council agreed on the proposal, and submitted an application for public hearings.
On February 11, 2020, Westminster Church was unanimously recommended by CPPC for local historic landmark designation.
Next, the designation heads back to City Council for official approval.
The property is currently for sale. Rice, along with officials from Preserve the ‘Burg, believe the Landmark status will encourage the future owner of the property to reuse the building rather than demolish it.
Take a historic biking tour of the ‘Burg
Full disclosure: I’m a Historic Old Northeast resident, and personally would like to see this church reused. It’s a structure that I find myself transfixed by whenever I walk my dog. It certainly has potential for any developer looking to add something to the neighborhood.
The landmark request isn’t unusual. Many churches/schools in the Tampa Bay region have received similar distinctions.
Want to take in even more St. Pete history?
Preserve the ‘Burg will host a brand new historic bike tour of the Sunshine City on March 1. It’s slated to be a fun, leisurely ride with numerous stops, offering you a chance to learn about traditional neighborhoods and what it takes to become a historic district.
Don’t have a bike? Preservethe ‘Burg has partnered with Coast Bike Share to offer this tour. The tour price includes use of a Coast bicycle. The tour departs at 10am on Sunday, March 1. Click HERE to register.
Celebrating 100 years of Women’s Suffrage
On Wednesday, March 4, Historian Dr. Peggy MacDonald will give life to Florida women’s fight for suffrage.
Even before ratification of the 19th Amendment to the Constitution giving women the right to vote, Virginia Burnside was elected to the St. Petersburg City Council, the first woman commissioner south of the Mason Dixon Line.
In this, the centennial year of ratification, Preserve the ‘Burg invites you to celebrate at the Carter G. Woodson African American Museum. You can grab a drink and a nibble at the bar and explore the garden while you learn what you can do to help preserve Virginia Burnside’s home at 136 5th Avenue North, which was granted landmark status by the City Council in 2017.
The event takes place on Wednesday, March 4 at 6:30pm. You can register to attend online.
Keep up with all of Preserve the ‘Burg’s events by following the organization on Facebook, Instagram, and its website.
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