St. Petersburg City Council Approves Historic District Designation Near Mirror Lake
St. Petersburg, FL — The City Council has officially designated a local historic district for properties within 200 feet of Mirror Lake. This decision, aimed at preserving the area’s historic character, was passed with a vote of 5 in favor and 2 against after substantial discussion.
Background on the Decision
The push for this designation began in 2020, initiated by council member Gina Driscoll. Local support for the preservation of the unique architecture in the area has grown since then, ultimately leading to the current outcome. Following past attempts, including a deferred initiative in 2021 related to a planned courthouse, residents and the preservation group Preserve the Burg hailed the recent vote.
Community Reactions
Local residents celebrated the decision, expressing gratitude for the council’s efforts to protect their neighborhood’s historic identity. Meanwhile, some council members raised valid concerns regarding the 200-foot boundary deemed arbitrary for the historic district. Opponents such as Matthew Weidner expressed apprehension that the historic designation could infringe on property rights, claiming that the application for the designation was incomplete.
Developer Concerns
Developers, including Will Conroy of Backstreets Capital, also voiced their worries over how the new designation could impact future developments in the vicinity. “The restrictions on new builds could hinder growth in a thriving community,” Conroy commented. However, properties already listed on the St. Petersburg Register of Historic Places, like the notable Mirror Lake Community Library, will remain unaffected.
Exemptions and Regulations
The Sunshine Senior Center, which sits within the newly designated area, is exempt from the restrictions, allowing for potential future redevelopment. As part of the new historic district regulations, any changes to exteriors, new constructions, or demolitions will require a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA). Despite the new rules, existing projects with prior approvals will continue as planned.
Support for the Designation
The city mandated a majority support from the tax parcels in the area to proceed. This resulted in a significant approval from residents, with support from 77 out of 142 parcels. The designation is not only a reflection of community backing but is also expected to enhance property values close to the historic district.
Recent Development Approvals
In the backdrop of this preservation effort, St. Petersburg has seen recent approvals for multiple development projects. These include plans for a luxury condominium and an 11-story residential building near Mirror Lake, alongside a proposed 225-unit apartment complex intended for workforce housing.
Conclusion
This historic district designation is a significant step taken by the St. Petersburg City Council to maintain the area’s rich history while navigating the challenges of modern development. As discussions continue about the impact on current and future projects, the balance between development and preservation remains a top priority for both residents and officials.
Author: STAFF HERE PETERSBURG WRITER
ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER The ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREStPetersburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in St Petersburg, Pinellas County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, Localtopia, and SHINE Mural Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce and St. Pete Downtown Partnership, plus leading businesses in finance, manufacturing, and healthcare that power the local economy such as Raymond James Financial, Jabil, and Bayfront Health St. Petersburg. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
