"Saved Landmarks" and "Local Landmarks" are essentially the same thing: buildings and places that have been officially protected from redevelopment or demolition.
These structures are St. Petersburg historical gems, and we are very happy that they are currently designated as safe from harm. Some we played a part in preserving, some we did not. Either way, they are critical parts of our collective history that people can view and enjoy.
Featured on our home page: the Detroit Hotel (far left)
The Historic Detroit Hotel
The Historic Detroit Hotel is St. Petersburg’s most historic building and the first significant building constructed in the city. The hotel was built by the Russian, Peter Demens, who brought the railroad to south Pinellas, thus assuring the City’s growth. The hotel was named after city founder “General” John C. Williams’ home town. The earliest part of the hotel has Russian touches in its design; later brick wings were added in 1911 and 1913.
Surprisingly, the Detroit was not designated a city landmark until March 2010. Saint Petersburg Preservation met with both the city and the owners of the Detroit in August, 2008 to advocate that the building be designated a local landmark, and in September 2009 filed a Landmark Designation Application with the City to designate the Historic Detroit Hotel a local landmark. In November 2009 the City Community Preservation Commission voted unanimously (7 to 0) to recommend the Detroit be designated a landmark, and in March 2010 City Council concurred with their unanimous decision to designate the historic Detroit Hotel a local landmark.
For additional information on the historic Detrot Hotel and its landmarking, including an original poem by playwright and actor Bob Devin Jones, click the links below.
Will Michaels and Bill Heller remarks on landmarking of the Historic Detroit Hotel at the 11/20/09 CPC hearing
Kai Warren remarks on landmarking of the Historic Detroit Hotel at the 11/20/09 CPC hearing
The Detroit Hotel - an original poem by Bob Devin Jones