Advocacy Issues The Issue: 900 Central Ave. Threatened by Development Neighborhood: Downtown/The Edge District City Council Member: Gina Driscoll gina.driscoll@stpete.org Action You Can Take Now: Send a message to City Council by clicking here. (ask Council to Keep Central Avenue Special and to Landmark 900 Central Ave.) BACKGROUND The EDGE District is the busy mixed-use corridor bracketed by the 1st Avenues between Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and 16th Streets. It’s a booming area with many local businesses and still retains a Main Street feel. The building at 900 Central is the area's oldest (1918) and one of the EDGE District's most important historic buildings as it played a pivotal role in the city's westward moving development (click here for more detailed info).
1915: Central Ave. is extended west of 9th Street. 1918: The Western Hotel building is constructed at 900 Central Ave., at the southwest corner of Central Ave. & 9th Street. The hotel was renamed the St. Petersburg Hotel in 1920. 1926: Across from the hotel, on the northeast corner of Central Ave. & 9th St., the 9th St. Bank and Trust Co. (to become First Union Bank) is built. It is renovated as part of the ICON Central Apartment development in 2019. 2008: 900 Central undergoes renovation 2011: Central Ave., between Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. St. and 16th St. is renamed the EDGE District. The Edge Business District Association pushes forward with plans to promote & renovate the area. 2016: A historic resource survey of the EDGE District is completed, identifying 900 Central as the District's oldest and one of its most significant buildings. 2019: 900 Central is purchased by an entity controlled by St. Petersburg resident Dr. Anthony Aboud. 2020: A development application for 900 Central is submitted, calling for demolition of the historic building. After talks with the developer fail to result in a compromise to include the building's reuse in development plans, the Edge Business District Association submits a local landmark application for 900 Central. THE THREAT
THE OPPORTUNITY
WHAT PRESERVE THE ‘BURG IS DOING PTB is working with the Edge Business District Association to raise awareness about the importance of 900 Central Ave. to the city's history and development. PTB also supports efforts to have the building designated as a local landmark. WHAT YOU CAN DO
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