Advocacy

Local media was abuzz last week with news that the historic Union Trust building at 895 Central Avenue has been leased, with local entrepreneur Jim Fiore announcing plans for a high-end restaurant in the nearly 100-year-old building. While it may have taken a while, that the property is still there to be developed, that its unique architectural details and irreplaceable features such as a basement vault containing original safe deposit boxes, will be reimagined for a new generation, is proof that historic preservation works.

The City’s Development Review Commission unanimously denied a developer’s application for a 200-foot condo tower planned for the Mirror Lake waterfront.

PTB, along with the Historic Old Northeast Neighborhood Association (HONNA) and supported by a strong resident turnout, successfully convinced the city’s Development Review Commission (DRC) to deny special exceptions sought for a drive-thru restaurant and the demolition of a home to create a parking lot on residentially-zoned property.

Pinellas County opens RFP for historic Tomlinson Adult Learning Center, a early 20th century William Ittner building