Do you love local history, architecture, or thoughtful design? Then pull up to the St. Petersburg Shuffleboard Club at 559 Mirror Lake Dr N on May 16. Preserve the ‘Burg is hosting a Restoration & Design Expo, and it’s a showcase of the people, projects, and stories that make St. Pete special. It’s a tour through the city’s past, present, and future, all in one big event.
From 10 am -3 pm on Saturday, May 16, this free community event brings together dozens of local vendors, preservation tradespeople, and experts in historic restoration, home décor, and period-appropriate design (see the full list at the bottom). The Expo is designed to make preservation feel accessible. Attendees will learn about the architectural styles that define St. Petersburg’s neighborhoods and discover resources available to property owners and community advocates.
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The expo also features two excellent speakers, with well-known local designer Lisa Gilmore, and Melissa Wyllie, the CEO and President of Florida Trust for Historic Preservation. And in case you needed motivation to arrive early, the first 25 guests will receive a free signed print from local illustrator Alli Arnold, a designer who has worked with national brands including Tiffany and Co and Bergdorf Goodman.
At the intersection of history, architecture, and restoration
The Expo will also feature guided tours of the historic Mirror Lake area, offering an up-close look at one of the city’s treasured neighborhoods and its distinctive architecture. These tours provide context for how preservation and everyday life intersect within one of St. Pete’s most historically rich districts.
Preserve the ‘Burg is a local nonprofit dedicated to protecting and celebrating the historic character of St. Petersburg. For more than 40 years, the organization has worked at the intersection of education, advocacy, and community engagement to ensure the city’s built environment reflects its history while supporting thoughtful growth.
Preserve the ‘Burg regularly hosts tours, events, and educational programs that invite residents to explore the stories embedded in St. Pete’s architecture. They also advocate with city officials for appropriate guidelines on the management of historic properties, neighborhoods, and landmarks.
Why preservation matters in St. Pete
As St. Petersburg continues to grow, conversations around development and preservation have become increasingly urgent. Historic homes and neighborhoods aren’t just there for aesthetics. They’re living landmarks representing cultural history through architecture.
Organizations like Preserve the ‘Burg emphasize that preservation is not about resisting change, but about guiding it thoughtfully. When historic structures are maintained and adapted responsibly, they continue to contribute to the city’s identity while remaining functional for modern use.
Keeping St. Pete’s story alive, one building at a time
The Restoration & Design Expo offers a chance to engage with St. Petersburg’s built environment in a more meaningful way. The Expo creates space for both learning and conversation surrounding the purpose and maintenance of historic architecture.
It’s also an opportunity to connect with others who care about the same thing: keeping the character of St. Petersburg intact as it evolves. Because ultimately, preservation is not just about buildings, but about community, memory, and the ongoing story of place.
Experts and vendors on site at the expo include:
- Austin Historical
- AIA Tampa Bay
- Boone Architectural Restoration LLC
- Cask Construction
- City of St. Pete, Urban Planning & Historic Preservation
- Craftsman Rose Garden
- Florida Public Archaeology Network
- Florida Trust
- Heritage Village
- John Barie Architects
- Levell Homes
- Lisa Gilmore Design
- Manglitter Studio
- Pinellas County Historic Preservation Board
- Preservan Tampa Bay
- Preserve the ‘Burg
- Revolution Contractors
- Sherwin Williams
- Southern Roots Realty
- St Petersburg Shuffleboard Club
- St. Petersburg Library System
- St. Petersburg Museum of History
- The Faux Zone
- Window Classics Corporation
