Preserve the Burg upcoming events

Cade Allen House at Mirror Lake Porch Party (05 May 2026)

Tue, 05 May 2026 22:00:00 GMT

Cade Allen House at Mirror Lake Porch Party

Tuesday, May 5, 2026 at 6 PM

Join Preserve the ‘Burg and Backstreets Capital for a tour and talk at the historic Cade Allen home on Mirror Lake that is currently undergoing a complete restoration.

Most recently used as an office space, the restoration team is returning the structure’s intended residential purpose while highlighting its historical and architectural significance. Cade Allen, for whom the Allendale neighborhood is named, built the family home at Mirror Lake in 1937.

This project showcases the possibilities of new development working hand in hand with historic preservation. Backstreets Capital’s founder and president Will Conroy stated, “Our aim is to maintain and enhance the craftsmanship of the original interiors and exteriors while incorporating the modern amenities that today’s luxury homeowners expect. This home will be truly one-of-a-kind, offering its future owner a unique chance to own a piece of St. Pete history.”

The community conversation will be led by PTB Executive Director Manny Leto and include insights from Will Conroy (Backstreets Capital Founder and president), local architect Elizabeth Hallock (EDAD Studio), Cassie Gardner (CEO, ALL Trades Historical Restoration), and leading general contractor Mike Fox (Fox Building Company).

Light refreshments provided and a donation bar is available courtesy of Backstreets Capital

$25 for PTB members and $30 for non-members

Author Series: Polita Glynn: Brick Roads (07 May 2026)

Thu, 07 May 2026 22:00:00 GMT

Author Series: Polita Glynn

Brick Roads

Thursday, May 7, 2026 at 6 PM

Saint Petersburg, Florida has more surviving brick streets than almost any city in America. But what is the story of the brick roads of Saint Petersburg? And why is almost every brick stamped with the name AUGUSTA BLOCK?

Join us for a screening of Brick Roads followed by a conversation between PTB Executive Director Manny Leto and Co-Director and Producer Polita Glynn. This short film explores the City’s brick roads, showing the miles of original brick streets, the loss of those roads as they were paved over with asphalt and the preservation work of the City of St. Petersburg to protect these iconic traditional roadways.

The Brick Roads project received grant support from the City of St. Petersburg.

Grand Central Happy Hour Tour (15 May 2026)

Fri, 15 May 2026 21:30:00 GMT

Grand Central Happy Hour Tour

Friday, May 15, 2026 at 5:30 PM

Celebrate 100 years of St. Pete's Grand Central District. This guided experience connects past and present in one of St. Petersburg’s most dynamic corridors. Begin with a complimentary beverage while you explore the district’s evolution from a working-class commercial strip to a vibrant center of culture, community, and creativity.

From there, cross Central Avenue to the historic Mari Jean Hotel building to see how thoughtful rehabilitation allows modern life to thrive within spaces rich in historic character. This tour highlights the value of preservation, adaptive reuse, and the stories embedded in the places we use every day, offering a fresh perspective on how Grand Central continues to grow while honoring its roots.

Registration is required. Participants must be 21+ years of age.

Want to get involved? As part of the district’s centennial celebration, the Grand Central District Association is hosting the 100 Year Gala Fundraiser on Thursday, May 7, 2026.

Tour reservations are required, space is limited.

Preserve the ’Burg Restoration & Design Expo (16 May 2026)

Sat, 16 May 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Preserve the ’Burg Restoration & Design Expo
Saturday, May 16 | 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
St. Petersburg Shuffleboard Club

Join Preserve the ’Burg for a day dedicated to historic homes, thoughtful design and St. Pete’s architectural heritage at the annual Restoration & Design Expo. Held at the iconic St. Petersburg Shuffleboard Club, this free community event brings together local vendors, preservation tradespeople and experts in historic restoration, home décor and period-appropriate design.

Connect with professionals who specialize in restoring older homes, explore vintage-inspired home décor and design ideas, and attend presentations on topics including best practices for rehabilitation and how to advocate for your neighborhood. Learn about the architectural styles that define St. Petersburg’s neighborhoods and discover resources available to property owners and community advocates.

Whether you’re restoring a historic bungalow, researching your home’s past, decorating with vintage flair, or simply curious about St. Pete’s history and design, the Restoration & Design Expo offers tools, tips, resources, and a little St. Pete-inspiration.

Speaker Schedule

(Click any link to register for reminders about specific talks/panels)

10:15 – 11:15 a.m. "Florida’s Preservation Toolkit: How You Can Be A Part of Preservation Advocacy" — Melissa Wyllie, CEO and President of the Florida Trust for Historic Preservation
11:30 – 12:30 p.m. "Old Soul, Bold Style: Designing Your Historic Home Authentically" — Panel Discussion: Lisa Gilmore (Lisa Gilmore Design), Brooke Eversoll (Bee Studios Design), Charlie Schiller (Charlie Schiller Design and co-owner of Schiller's Salvage), Kim Levell (Kim Levell Design); Moderated by Lindsey Howell from STROLL Magazine
12:45 – 1:45 p.m. "Florida’s Preservation Toolkit: How to Make Small Changes for Better Resiliency" — Jenny Wolfe, President of Planning 2 Preserve
2 – 3 p.m. "Old House, New Life: A Guide to Thoughtful Renovation" — John Barie, Architect and Owner, John Barie Design, LLC

Tour Schedule

(Click any link to register for a tour; tours today are free but space is limited so tour registration is required)

10 a.m. – noon Historic Mirror Lake Tour led by Emily Elwyn
1 – 3 p.m. Historic Mirror Lake Tour led by Emily Elwyn

All Day

The Foundry Pop-Up Boutique in the Bridge Room
Exhibitors in the Clubhouse including: St. Petersburg Library System, St. Petersburg Shuffleboard Club, John Barie Architects, Window Classics Corporation, Revolution Contractors LLC, Heritage Village, St. Petersburg Museum of History, Pinellas County Historic Preservation Board, City of St. Pete Urban Planning & Historic Preservation, Home Illustrations, Austin Historical, Southern Roots Realty, Cask Construction, Lisa Gilmore Design, Preserve the 'Burg, Preservan Tampa Bay, Craftsman Rose Garden LLC, Florida Trust, Florida Public Archaeology Network, The Faux Zone, Levell Homes, Boone Architectural Restoration LLC
Food available from Clam Master Jay

The Expo is presented in partnership with the Florida Trust for Historic Preservation and their Preserve Florida Conference, taking place May 14 and 15 in St. Petersburg. Visit the Florida Trust website here to register.

Historic Mirror Lake Walking Tour 10 a.m. (16 May 2026)

Sat, 16 May 2026 14:01:00 GMT

Historic Mirror Lake Walking Tour

Saturday, May 16, 2026 at 10 AM

Tour St. Petersburg's newest Local Historic District, Mirror Lake!

Designated as a LHD at the end of 2024 after years of hard work by Mirror Lake residents and Preserve the 'Burg board members and volunteers, Mirror Lake and its surrounding neighborhood are a special part of the 'Burg. While it is just blocks from Central Avenue, the area has its own sense of place, with an array of historic buildings including the 1916 Carnegie Library, and the 1924 St. Petersburg Shuffleboard Club among many others. The area still retains much of its historic integrity and is a part of the Downtown National Register Historic District in addition to its new distinction as a local district.

This tour, led by PTB founding member and past president Emily Elwyn, will be a leisurely stroll around Mirror Lake, taking in the best of the past as well as discussing changes on the horizon.

We will begin at the St. Pete Shuffleboard Club.

Connect with professionals who specialize in restoring older homes, explore vintage-inspired home décor and design ideas, and attend presentations on topics including accessory dwelling units (ADUs), best practices for rehabilitation and how to research your home's history. Learn about the architectural styles that define St. Petersburg’s neighborhoods and discover resources available to property owners and community advocates.

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.

Attendance is limited; advance registration required.

The Foundry Pop-Up Boutique at Preserve the ’Burg Restoration & Design Expo (16 May 2026)

Sat, 16 May 2026 14:01:00 GMT

The Foundry Pop-Up Boutique at

Preserve the ’Burg Restoration & Design Expo

Saturday, May 16 | 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
St. Petersburg Shuffleboard Club

Vintage home furnishings shop The Foundry will bring some inspiring items to our Restoration & Design Expo at a Pop-Up Boutique!

Get inspired with our speakers, exhibitors, tours, and bring home some treasures from The Foundry to infuse your space with one-of-a-kind vintage objects and furniture.

Florida’s Preservation Toolkit: How You Can Be A Part of Preservation Advocacy (16 May 2026)

Sat, 16 May 2026 14:15:00 GMT

Florida’s Preservation Toolkit: How You Can Be A Part of Preservation Advocacy

Melissa Wyllie

CEO and President of the Florida Trust for Historic Preservation

Saturday, May 16 | 10:15 – 11:15 a.m.

Preserve the ’Burg Restoration & Design Expo

St. Petersburg Shuffleboard Club

Historic preservation happens through people — and you can be a part of it. Melissa will share how to connect with your community through meaningful conversation and action to raise awareness, build relationships, and make a compelling case for preserving our historic places.

Melissa Wyllie is President and CEO of the Florida Trust for Historic Preservation, leading statewide efforts to protect Florida’s heritage. A national preservation advocate and Certified Nonprofit Professional, she holds advanced degrees in nonprofit management and is pursuing a PhD in History at Florida State University.

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.

Old Soul, Bold Style: Designing Your Historic Home Authentically (16 May 2026)

Sat, 16 May 2026 15:30:00 GMT

Old Soul, Bold Style: Designing Your Historic Home Authentically

Lisa Gilmore (Lisa Gilmore Design), Brooke Eversoll (Bee Studios Design), Charlie Schiller (Charlie Schiller Design and co-owner of Schiller's Salvage), Kim Levell (Kim Levell Design)

Moderated by Lindsey Howell from STROLL Magazine

Saturday, May 16 | 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Preserve the ’Burg Restoration & Design Expo

St. Petersburg Shuffleboard Club

How do you honor history without feeling stuck in it? This panel explores balancing preservation with personality—embracing bold color, layered design, and modern living while respecting your home’s architectural roots. Learn how to make a historic space feel uniquely, unapologetically yours.

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.

Florida’s Preservation Toolkit: How to Make Small Changes for Better Resiliency (16 May 2026)

Sat, 16 May 2026 16:45:00 GMT

Florida’s Preservation Toolkit: How to Make Small Changes for Better Resiliency

Jenny Wolfe, President of Planning 2 Preserve

Saturday, May 16 | 12:45 – 1:45 p.m.

Preserve the ’Burg Restoration & Design Expo

St. Petersburg Shuffleboard Club

Practical, effective improvements to address sea level rise, extreme heat and more severe storms can be made in your very own home or small business. Jenny's experience across Florida, particularly St. Augustine, and in Charleston helps her understand different approaches that balance risk and historic preservation.

Jenny Wolfe is a cultural resource advocate and president of Planning 2 Preserve. With 20 years in government and nonprofit preservation planning, she specializes in community engagement and adaptive strategies, and is certified by the American Institute of Certified Planners.

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.

Historic Mirror Lake Walking Tour 1 p.m. (16 May 2026)

Sat, 16 May 2026 17:00:00 GMT

Historic Mirror Lake Walking Tour

Saturday, May 16, 2026 at 1 PM

Tour St. Petersburg's newest Local Historic District, Mirror Lake!

This tour, led by PTB founding member and past president Emily Elwyn, will be a leisurely stroll around Mirror Lake, taking in the best of the past as well as discussing changes on the horizon.

We will begin at the St. Pete Shuffleboard Club.

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.

Attendance is limited; advance registration required.

Old House, New Life: A Guide to Thoughtful Renovation (16 May 2026)

Sat, 16 May 2026 18:00:00 GMT

Old House, New Life: A Guide to Thoughtful Renovation

John Barie, Architect and Owner, John Barie Design, LLC

Saturday, May 16 | 2 – 3 p.m.

Preserve the ’Burg Restoration & Design Expo

St. Petersburg Shuffleboard Club

Thinking about remodeling an older or historic home? Don’t swing that sledgehammer just yet. Join Preservation Award-winning architect John Barie for a look at how to plan your project the right way—from preserving historic charm to making smart, modern updates that actually work for today’s living. Perfect for homeowners, prospective buyers, and anyone who loves old houses and wants to get it right the first time.

John Peter Barie, AIA Emeritus, is an award-winning architect specializing in residential design and historic preservation. A former preservation board vice chair, he continues shaping community-focused projects in St. Petersburg.

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.

Waterfront Walking Tour (23 May 2026)

Sat, 23 May 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Waterfront Walking Tour

Saturday, May 23, 2026 at 10 AM

Join our expert PTB guide for a stroll along the waterfront!

Tour participants will learn about the waterfront's importance to the city's efforts to promote itself as the embodiment of the Florida dream and hear stories about the civic visionaries who transformed a working waterfront into one of the country's largest waterfront park systems.

The waterfront is where baseball’s spring training got its start, was the 1914 home to the world’s first airline, the St. Petersburg - Tampa Airboat Co., and the location for the 'Burg's historic Fountain of Youth.

Tour meets at South Straub Park on the small paved plaza on the southeast side of 2nd Ave N and Beach Drive.

Walking tours are $10 for PTB members or $20 for any non-members.

Tour reservations are strongly recommended, space is limited.

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2026 PTB Walking Tours Sponsored By

PTB Road Trip: 50 Years of Heritage Village (30 May 2026)

Sat, 30 May 2026 14:00:00 GMT

PTB Road Trip: 50 Years of Heritage Village

Saturday May 30, 2026 at 10 AM

For our next PTB Road Trip, you’ll visit Madeira Beach, Clearwater and Tampa all in one place—Heritage Village.

Located on a 20-acre wooded park in Largo, Heritage Village is home to more than two dozen historic structures from around the Bay Area, including the 1852 McMullen Cabin and the House of Seven Gables, which was originally constructed in Clearwater in 1907.

For this special Preserve the ‘Burg tour, Heritage Village Executive Director Monica Drake will offer a behind-the-scenes look at the work they do to maintain these historic structures. You’ll hear about recent upgrades to the park and see Heritage Village from a Preservationists’ perspective.

This experience is limited to just 15 guests. Admission includes private tour; proceeds benefit Friends of Heritage Village and Preserve the ‘Burg.

Admission: $20 for members, $30 for non members.