In an update from previous pieces, the building of the 5 level parking garage (300 covered spaces) for museum patrons and customers of its cafe, store and restaurant is set to begin in the next several weeks– That's according to a recent email issued by the founding Two Red Roses Foundation. Alfonso Architects made sure the design was was as inventive and unique as the items in the museum's collection.

Using diverse materials and special lighting, Alfonso Architects created one-of-a-kind fins in combination with stainless steel mesh on the exterior. The look will be a gorgeous highlight to St. Pete's downtown area. The construction on the property, formerly owned by Synovus Bank, is expected to take about 8 months.

Last November, the Burg learned that its already burgeoning art scene (both contemporary and historic) would add another notch to its belt. The Two Red Roses Foundation announced the construction of The Museum Of The American Arts & Craft Movement (MAACM). The 90,000 square foot museum will be designed by Alberto Alfonso, the award-winning architect who designed the Chihuly Collection.

*Rendering via Alfonso Architects

"Our goal is not to show off or compete with the [American Arts and Crafts] collection. When you give the piece that dignity, it enhances the value of it," said Alfonso back in March of this year. The museum's permanent collection will be comprised of 1,300 objects collected by Pinellas entrepreneur Rudy Ciccarello. The MAACM will also have gallery space for special exhibitions, a lecture hall, a children's education center, a gift shop, a cafe and a restaurant. Two Red Roses Foundation also hopes to include a reference library which will host a comprehensive collection of books and catalogs on the American Arts and Crafts Movement.

The MAACM will be located at 333 3rd Ave North. The designers hope to complete the museum within the first quarter of 2017.