CITY OF CLEARWATER PLANNING AND ELIGIBILITY STUDY, HISTORIC RESOURCE RECONNAISSANCE SURVEY OF THE DOWNTOWN CORE - MAY 2005 - FINAL" ` Y 2�y,��� ;
a� � �
� �'��y!��F,§��
�('� �^ ��? i�r�'��;p .,
�k*�"„r�� �����'. �
.,uMe�q'. �,`";�:
G
�
�'� :,.� �,'
�,�, �r�� --_'
����� f�����
� ..:, �,
��
�� �,�� � ��� y4 ��_
, � ������� �� .
�� ���a���� � � .W._. �....��..
� �� ��{�������'; #
�.�.�� - ;
_ �� �_
Prepared by
�
.
��
h i
�
� � .y_
1300 N. Westshore Blvd., Suite 100 • Tampa, Florida 33607 • 813.636.8200
301 Almeria Avenue • Coral Gables, Florida 33134 • 305.446.7470
t
City of Clearwater Planning and Eligibility Study
Historic Resource Reconnaissance Survey of the Downtown Core
Mav 2005
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Historic Resource Reconnaissance Survey of the Downtown Core in the City of
Clearwater, Florida was undertaken at the request of the City of Clearwater by Janus
Research of Tampa, Florida. This historic resource reconnaissance survey was performed
as part of the City of Clearwater Planning and Eligibility Study to identify historic
resources located within the Downtown Core that are potentially eligible for local
designation or listing in the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) on an
individual basis or as part of a historic district.
The literature review and Florida Master Site File (FMSF) search identified 91 previously
recorded historic resources in the defined Downtown Core project area. Two of these
previously recorded resources are currently listed in the NRHP, the Cleveland Street Post
Office, 650 Cleveland Street (8PI00317), and the Old Pinellas County Courthouse, 315
Court Street (8PI01894). Although these two buildings are not currently listed by the City
of Clearwater, they are considered eligible for local designation.
In the Downtown Core, an additional six resources recorded during previous cultural
resources assessments were determined by the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO)
to be eligible for listing in the NRHP. Following the current reconnaissance survey and
coordination with Dr. W. Carl Shiver, Historic Sites Specialist with the Florida Division
of Historical Resources (DHR), one building still appears eligible for inclusion in the
NRHP, Peace Memorial Presbyterian Church, 110 S. Fort Harrison Avenue (8PI08024).
Although this building is not currently listed by the City of Clearwater, it is also
considered eligible for local designation.
Four of the initial six potentially NRHP-eligible resources, the Coachman Building, 503
Cleveland Street (8PI00860), Guaranty Title and Trust Building, 411 Cleveland Street
(8PI02255), Calvary Baptist Church, 331 Cleveland Street (8PI02251), and Fort Harrison
Hotel, 210 S. Fort Harrison Avenue (8PI08023), have been altered to such a degree that
they no longer meet the strict significance criteria and integrity aspects for the NRHP
established by the National Park Service. Consequently, they are not currently considered
eligible for listing in the NRHP, but they are considered potentially eligible for
designation at the local level by the City of Clearwater. One of the six potentially NRHP-
eligible resources, Haven Street House, 400 Pierce Boulevard (8PI8022), is no longer
extant.
The Historic Resource Reconnaissance Survey of the Downtown Core was conducted in
March and April 2004. This investigation identified the significant historic resources
within the project area. Two historic resources, the Clearwater Masonic Lodge 127, 408
S. Garden Avenue (8PI08426) and the Bank of Clearwater Building, 500 Cleveland
Street (8PI02262), are potentially eligible for local designation only. Individually eligible
resources are shown on the following map.
Janus Research 1
'
'
�
'
'
�
�
t
�
'
'
'
'
�
1
C
�� .....__. _ ..__...._
m O
n �.. i �''�.D
`� m
�
.....,�. \ .
� .. . _....;
�....
� .,
1�..__..._\.`. .
City of Cleanvater Planning and Eligibility Study
Historic Resource Reconnaissance Survey of the Downtown Core
Mav 2005
I ;..... i�---� 3 . .. ... .. . ....... ...__�__. ._ �:�.m
: _... ___ _ . .� _ ...---- - � m
, _,__ � � . Hendencks S6eet� � ^
; �-- ....--. _. .. __. _ .1 [
i _...�
; � ._.. __.� .__
- ......_ .... _.. �j
��. i � . �. � �_ .... � - — : \ . .. `' f f .
€ m
.._ —. .—��. V r. E
�.,
i '_'
� �
. -::._.. . �.. � _._. �
Laura Street ---�--' I � �
- — — �
I l ....... ;
a
� � t i
� � �
� r ,
� -.__ : 1.�. ......1 �. + '
�
� _
� -- (
I f
�........ i i' ` � €_ � . _ I__
�
:........., 50Q
Cleveland Street
503 .............
411 .. _...._. � ---- i ,
� ' '� � ,
__I_-�: � t ,
i r__�__u__ _; � __
____�.
. ;
�
__-- _ ,
�-- , ,
i �;
� ;
o_ _. _ __.
� . ... . ..... ..... . Park Street
'o:
; _ ..__. , .__�.. .......__._._...� ____ .. � ......._.......
D _ ____. . .. � � .. I N ��- )
m p , � � i
m I � � .__� � � ( i
I �
I . _. D i .......__
. , � I-.._.._.. 1 � � F t
i I ,
� f �
� ' � : � i t _ __.t .._.__..._..
' __...__.. _....:::::::I _......_ � �
Pierce Sveet .... -_.._ f '
.. ........ _ ..... — __...
�, � � � Pierce SUeet � � � �
�� p r — — -� —; � r --.__._
i r
N i I_
f r
' i'. �
'. �n : i ��. : � _
T �
� I � ?
''. w j ��' i �
�
`_"_
m � I! : f i '
o ,
, , _........_- ---<. _....__......._.:.......
�: a � � � � ��-- � �. � ��� Franklin Sheet ����������������
_. __ m ........_. ... __'._ 7 , _
_..—, . .
� I � ,�, 3 � �- _
j j � �: �
...._ ,:...._. .........__� i j ;
, 3 .
` m° 1 � t i
.. ,. ,,. i i j, ➢ �__._.... l: � �
� �
� �� r �__.....
r
:._---_. . _ �_...._ � .
. . .. � Court Stree[ ... . _.-. :;�, � -__..::: � ...._:� i
� I
__�_ � � _. � .__.____
� Chesmut Avenue
..._..__. _____�
Markley Street
(
i
�
� ........._ ; �
J _ ��_
Ro9e�s.
0 0.02 0.04 0.08 0.12 O.iMiles
Laura Street
650
Legend
. NRHP-Listed and Locally Eligible
Locally and NRHP-Eligible
� Locally Eligible
Individually Eligible Resources Identified During the
, Historic Resource Reconnaissance Survey of the Downtown
Core
'
' Janus Research 11
�
'
'
u
'
'
L__J
1
��
'
1
L
'
'
'
'
'
'
Ciry of Clearwater Planning and Eligibility Study
Historic Resource Reconnaissance Survey of the Downtown Core
May 2005
At this time, there does not appear to be a defensible historic district within the
Downtown Core. Twenty-one resources were identified that could be rehabilitated and/or
restored in order to gain contributing status within a historic district. Eleven resources
were determined to be contributing resources to a potential historic district in their
present condition. However, these resources are not located close enough together to
form a concentrated historic district. Contributing resources and resources that could be
contributing, pending rehabilitation, to a potential downtown historic district are shown
on the following map.
� maw s«�� —__ �
__ _ _ _ ,
Z _. ;
o ; �
�� � __ 'o
__ , ,
0 3
m T . —.,
D: .. . .........: , � j; ::. : � ; ;
� _ ............ . � : . ; .
--: _ ._.. ; . :
q � j
m . ........ N' � � '�., , � . � ._..
.._..... _ S. , ,.
�__..__.. :.
n � f !t
7 i , f
r �
c I
�m
���i, ........ . ...... ___ � Hendencks Street � '
i ...., i. ___ .__.' D -
— � i
.._.___ ._ ._.... i ' � �
I R I :
_. . .
- �� 6 i � I ( � _ ;
_.......__ __._-. _.s...
Laura Street � �-f��� ���. � � Laura SVee[
' � r
_ _
II�Y i._.___\ i
I I / i
' ,�� a i
a ( ( ;
„� � _ f,��
� � �.
��� ��� ��� !
�
.
��.� 3� � ���� ,�: � . _ _ s:,
„o, .,�,
�. Cleveland Street
�
ws i �nvu� � w3 sas�= r a �s
�� �� �� ��� ��
�.
�� �� ��� r �.
_ __ � ;
��
N: ''. �.. �j :
Q' ''. :- '....... ._1.... ......... __..... ._ . :_......
. N : �; ......... Park Streef ..
�
� � —__ '
d: r_. ... . _....._._ ____. . r_.._._ .____
.. D .. ..... � � : 1 ;
j N
j �
c a I
m m
� �
I, . � : � -� D. ... � i
'�. I �. I , ._.. II
� �Pierce Street�� � �
�. ........... ...... ....... .. ____.. _.__ ...... �__......__
. � , ... Pierce Street . .
, N ' Legend
o i
�
x - . Cantri6uting Resource
d
_ a ,
i
_ .
"�: ' J%/ Contributing Resource rf Reha6ilitated
o .
� . ...._ .... . _..
-- Frank6n SUeet � � �
IS 0.03 0.06 a.o9 o.ttM�BS �'Non-ContribudngResource
Contributing Resources and Resources that could be
Contributing, Pending Rehabilitation, to a Potential
Downtown Historic District.
' Janus Research 11i
'
'
City of Clearwater Planning and Eligibiliry Study
Historic Resource Reconnaissance Survey of the Downtown Core
Mav 2005
This report also includes recommendations for the City of Clearwater regarding its
' historic preservation efforts. The following summarizes the recommendations. The city
can utilize the information in this report to consider designating the identified locally and
NRHP-eligible individual resources. The current ordinance should be reviewed by the
' city staff and Clearwater City Council and updated to reflect requirements of the Florida
Certified Local Government (CLG) program and the standards for designation
established by the NRHP, which advise that a historic resource must be at least 50 years
' old. The design guidelines and implementation strategies in the Clearwater powntown
Redevelopment Plan should be utilized to rehabilitate and/or restore many of the historic,
but altered, buildings in the Downtown Core so that they may gain contributing status
, within a historic district. The City of Clearwater's fa�ade grant program could be revised
to encourage historic preservation projects, similar to other fa�ade gant programs
implemented throughout the nation. The City of Clearwater should become a CLG.
' Special zoning districts or overlay districts, as allowed by the Clearwater Community
Development Code, for historic districts should be created in the Downtown Core.
Finally, community awareness and understanding of Clearwater's historic resources
' needs to be enhanced.
�
'
'
'
�
'
'
1
'
'
' Janus Research lv
'
'
'
'
'
'
'
'
�
1
'
'
'
'
�
�__I
,
1
'
City of Clearwater Planning and Eligibility Study
Historic Resource Reconnaissance Survey of the Downtown Core
May 2005
TABLE OF CONTENTS
EXECUTIVESUMMARY ................................................................................................. i
INTRODUCTION...............................................................................................................1
PROJECTDESCRIPTION ..................................................................................................2
ProjectNeed .................................................................................................................... 2
ProjectDescription .......................................................................................................... 2
HISTORICOVERVIEW .....................................................................................................4
METHODS........................................................................................................................16
RECONNAISSANCE SURVEY CRITERIA ...................................................................17
NRHP Criteria for Evaluation ....................................................................................... 17
Local Criteria for Evaluation ........................................................................................ 19
FLORIDA MASTER SITE FILE SEARCH AND LITERATURE REVIEW .................21
RESULTS..........................................................................................................................25
Individual Resources Currently Listed in the NRHP .................................................... 28
Individual Resources Determined Eligible for Inclusion in the NRHP ........................ 32
Individual Resources Considered Potentially Eligible for Local Designation ............. 34
Historic District Evaluation .......................................................................................... 45
RECOMMENDATIONS...................................................................................................63
REFERENCES..................................................................................................................66
APPENDIX A
APPENDIX B
LIST OF TABLES
Table 1. Previous Cultural and Historic Resource Surveys .............................................. 21
Table 2. Previously Recorded Historic Resources ............................................................ 22
Table 3. Individually Eligible Resources Identified During the Historic Resource
Reconnaissance Survey of the Downtown Core ....................................................... 27
Table 4. Resources Featuring Reversible Alterations in the Downtown Core ................. 46
Table 5. Resources Contributing to a Potential Historic District in their Present Condition
................................................................................................................................... 49
LIST OF FIGURES
Individually Eligible Resources Identified During the Historic Resource Reconnaissance
Survey of the Downtown Core ................................................................................... ii
Contributing Resources and Resources that could be Contributing, Pending
Rehabilitation, to a Potential Downtown Historic District . ....................................... iii
Figure 1: Project Location Map .......................................................................................... 3
Figure 2: Individually Eligible Resources Identified During the Historic Resource
Reconnaissance Survey of the Downtown Core ....................................................... 26
Figure 3: Cleveland Street Post Office, 650 Cleveland Street, Facing Northeast. ........... 28
Janus Research v
'
'
�
�J
'
'
'
'
'
'
'
'
1
'
1
'
'
'
City of Clearwater Planning and Eligibility Study
Historic Resource Reconnaissance Survey of the Downtown Core
May 2005
Figure 4: Cleveland Street Post Office, 650 Cleveland Street, c. 1933, Facing Northwest.
From Clearwater, A Pictorial History . ..................................................................... 28
Figure 5: Old Pinellas County Courthouse, 315 Court Street, Facing West ..................... 30
Figure 6: Old Pinellas County Courthouse, 315 Court Street, c. 1945, Facing West.
Courtesy of the Florida Photographic Collection ...................................................... 30
Figure 7: Peace Memorial Presbyterian Church, 110 S. Fort Harrison Avenue, Facing
Northwest. ................................................................................................................. 32
Figure 8: Peace Memorial Presbyterian Church, 110 S. Fort Harrison Avenue, c. 1921,
Facing Northwest. From Images of America: Clearwater . ....................................... 32
Figure 9: Coachman Building, 503 Cleveland Street, Facing Southeast .......................... 34
Figure 10: Coachman Building, 503 Cleveland Street, c. 1920, Facing Southeast. On
display at 503 Cleveland Street . ............................................................................... 34
Figure 11: Calvary Baptist Church, 331 Cleveland Street, Facing Southwest . ................ 36
Figure 12: Calvary Baptist Church, 331 Cleveland Street, c.1924, Facing Southwest.
Fro»i Iynages of America: Clearwater . ...................................................................... 36
Figure 13: Guaranty Title and Trust Building, 411 Cleveland Street, Facing South........ 38
Figure 14: Guaranty Title and Trust Building, 411 Cleveland Street, c. 1935, Facing
South. From Images ofAmerica: Clearwater . .......................................................... 38
Figure 15: Bank of Clearwater Building, 500 Cleveland Street, Facing North ................ 40
Figure 16: Bank of Clearwater Building, 500 Cleveland Street, c. 1922, Facing Northeast.
Courtesy of the Florida Photographic Collection . ................................................... 40
Figure 17: Fort Harrison Hotel, 210 S. Fort Harrison Avenue, Facing Southwest........... 42
Figure 18: Fort Harrison Hotel, 210 S. Fort Harrison Avenue, c. 1925, Facing Southwest.
From Images of America: Clearwater . ...................................................................... 42
Figure 19: Clearwater Masonic Lodge 127, 408 S. Garden Avenue, Facing Northwest. 44
Figure 20: Contributing Resources and Resources that could be Contributing, Pending
Rehabilitation, to a Potential Downtown Historic District . ...................................... 48
Figure 21: The Exchange Building, 401 Cleveland Street, Facing Southeast . ................. 50
Figure 22: Bay View Building, 410-414 Cleveland Street, Facing Northeast .................. 51
Figure 23: Bay View Building, 410-414 Cleveland Street, Facing Northeast. On display
at 420-428 Cleveland Street . ..................................................................................... 51
Figure 24: 416-418 Cleveland Street, Facing Northwest .................................................. 53
Figure 25: 413 Cleveland Street, Facing South . ............................................................... 54
Figure 26: The Colony Arcade, 421-423 Cleveland Street, Facing South . ...................... 55
Figure 27: The Colony Arcade, 421-423 Cleveland Street, c. 1911, Facing Southeast.
From Clearwater, A Pictorial History . ..................................................................... 55
Figure 28: Peoples Bank Building, 430-432 Cleveland Street, Facing Northwest........... 57
Figure 29: Peoples Bank Building, 430-432 Cleveland Street, c. 1925, Facing Northeast.
Courtesy of the Florida Photographic Collection ...................................................... 57
Figure 30: Mason Arcade Building, 16-20 N. Fort Harrison Avenue, Facing West. ....... 59
Figure 31: Mason Arcade Building, 16-20 N. Fort Harrison Avenue, c.1925, Facing
Southwest. Courtesy of the Florida Photographic Archives . .................................... 59
Figure 32: 29 N. Fort Harrison Avenue, Facing East . ...................................................... 61
Figure 33: 29 N. Fort Harrison Avenue, c. 1922, Facing East. Courtesy of the Florida
Photographic Archives . ...................................
................................................... 61
, Janus Research vi
'
�
u
II
,
'
L'
'
�
�
,
'
,
�
l�
'
'
'
'
Ciry of Clearwater Planning and Eligibiliry Study
Historic Resource Reconnaissance Survey of the Downtown Core
Mav 2005
INTRODUCTION
The Historic Resource Reconnaissance Survey of the Downtown Core in the City of
Clearwater, Florida was undertaken at the request of the City of Clearwater by Janus
Research of Tampa, Florida. This report is the result of the survey and evaluation of all
identified historic resources located within the Downtown Core. This report contains
information regarding downtown Clearwater's historic resources and the importance of these
resources to the distinctive identity and heritage of the City. Within this report, historic
resources are identified and evaluated, in an effort to ensure the significant resources are
recognized and protected for current and future use. The City of Clearwater's extant historic
resources enhance the quality of life for those who live and work in the City, and they help to
establish a sense of place. Without an understanding and appreciation for those historic
resources, Clearwater would lose an integral aspect of its identity.
Janus Research's principal investigators exceed the qualifications for archaeology, history,
architecture, architectural history, or historic architecture contained in 36 CFR 61
(Procedures for Approved State and Local Historic Preservation Programs). Appendix A
includes a description of Janus Research's Professional Qualifications Standards and resumes
of key personnel. Historic resource investigations for this study were conducted under the
direction of Amy Groover Streelman, M.H.P.
This historic resource reconnaissance survey was performed to identify historic resources
located within the Downtown Core that are potentially eligible for local designation or listing
in the NRHP on an individual basis or as part of a historic district. For this historic resource
reconnaissance survey, a summary of the project area's history has been prepared. 'This
overview describes the important events, locations, resources, and individuals associated
with the project area. The report also includes the results of the background research and
reconnaissance investigation. Photographs, preliminary descriptions, and evaluations of the
identified NRHP-listed, determined NRHP-eligible, or potentially NRHP-eligible historic
resources and districts have been included in this report. Additionally, resources that are
eligible for designation at the local level have been identified as well.
Janus Research
'
��I
'
'
'
�
Ciry of Clearwater Planning and Eligibility Study
Historic Resource Reconnaissance Survey of the Downtown Core
Mav 2005
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Project Need
The City of Clearwater adopted a new Downtown Redevelopment Plan in September 2003.
The objective of this plan is to reclaim the "traditional downtown and make it the center and
heart of the City" (City of Clearwater 2003b). This 20-year plan serves as a Special Area
Plan in accordance with the Countywide Rules of Pinellas County and Florida Growth
Management Rules, and it serves as a Community Redevelopment Plan in accordance with
Florida's Community Redevelopment Act. This document acts as a land use plan for
Downtown Clearwater, and it guides the actions of the City's Community Redevelopment
Agency (CRA).
' The Downtown Redevelopment Plan is to be carried out, in part, through public strategies.
These strategies implement the goals, objectives, and policies of the plan either through
direct action or through study and comparison of specific techniques. The strategies include
' evaluating the potential for a NRHP or local historic district in certain areas, especially along
Cleveland Street from Myrtle to Osceola Avenues. Also included in the strategies is the
evaluation of the implementation of incentives for the preservation of historic resources and
' the enhancement and/or development of educational programs regarding the maintenance of
historic buildings (City of Clearwater 2003b). As part of the overall City of Clearwater
' Planning and Eligibility Survey, which includes this reconnaissance survey report and an
educational plan and brochures, Janus Research is assisting the City with these
abovementioned strategies.
�
'
,
C''
'
'
�
'
Project Description
The Downtown Redevelopment Plan includes six major neighborhoods: the Downtown Core,
Old Bay, Town Lake Residential, Town Lake Business Park, South Gateway, and East
Gateway (Figure 1). This historic resource reconnaissance survey focuses on the Downtown
Core. The Downtown Core is bound on the north by Drew Street, on the south by Chestnut
Street, on the east by Myrtle Avenue, and on the west by Clearwater Harbor. This area is the
traditional center of the City of Clearwater. It serves as the focus of office, government, and
civic activity (City of Clearwater 2003b).
' Janus Research 2
City of Clearwater Planning and Eligibility Study
Historic Resource Reconnaissance Survey of the Downtown Core
Mav 2005
Figure 1: Project Location Map
� � Janus Research � 3
'
'
'
L'
'
�
�
'
'
,
,
'
'
'
'
'
'
�
'
Ciry of Clearwater Planning and Eligibility Study
Historic Resource Reconnaissance Survey of the Downtown Core
Mav 2005
HISTORIC OVERVIEW
The following overview traces the historical development of the general study area through the
twentieth century. The intent of this overview is to provide a context with which to interpret
any historic resources encountered during the study. Much of this information has been
documented in previous historic resources surveys, including the Clearwater Historic
Preservation Survey and Planning Project: Clearwater Central Business District and the Old
Clearwater Bay Neighborhood (ACI 1998).
The earliest contact between the native populations and Europeans consisted of slave hunting
expeditions. Because the Spanish Crown prohibited the enslavement of Caribbean natives,
"slaving expeditions," which provided warkers for the mines of Hispaniola and Cuba, were
not recorded in official documents. Evidence of these slave raids comes from the familiarity
with the Florida coast stated by navigators of the earliest official coastal reconnaissance
surveys (Cabeza DeVaca 1542: Chapter 4). The hostile response of the native population to
expeditions during the 1520s may confirm this hypothesis.
Official credit for the discovery of Florida belongs to Juan Ponce de Leon, whose voyage of
1513 took him along the eastern coast of the peninsula (Tebeau 1971:21). He is believed to
have sailed as far north as the mouth of the St. Johns River before turning south, stopping in
the Cape Canaveral area and possibly at Biscayne Bay. 'The expedition then sailed
southward, following the Florida Keys, and making contact with the local Tequesta en route
before turning to the northwest, where they encountered the Calusa along the southwestern
Gulf coast. Other Spanish explorers followed Juan Ponce de Leon, and over the next 50 years
the Spanish government and private individuals financed expeditions hoping to establish a
colony in "La Florida." King Philip II of Spain licensed Pedro Menendez de Aviles, one of
Spain's most able naval officers, in 1565 to establish a settlement in St. Augustine, Florida.
His goal was to eradicate the French from Fort Caroline, a French colony established in 1564
within present-day Jacksonville. Between 1565 and 1566, Menendez sailed along the Florida
coast placing crosses at various locations and leaving Spaniards "of marked religious zeal" to
introduce Christianity to the Native American peoples (Gannon 1965:29). Settlements with
associated missions were established at St. Augustine, San Mateo (Fort Caroline), and Santa
Elena. Smaller outposts and missions were located in Ais, Tequesta, Calusa, and Tocobaga
territory (Gannon 1965:29).
Jesuit missions were established in the Central Peninsular Gulf Coast and Glades cultural
regions, including the mission of Carlos at Charlotte Harbor, the mission of Tocobaga at
Tampa Bay, and a mission at a Tequesta village at the mouth of the Miami River. In March
of 1567, Menendez sailed into the Bay of Tocobaga (now Old Tampa Bay) with a group of
30 soldiers, Captain Martinez de Coz, and Fray Rogel. The mission was established at the
village of the cacique known as Tocobaga and consisted of 24 houses (Velasco 1571: 161). It
was abandoned in January of 1568, due to the hostility of the Native Americans (Solis de
Meras 1964: 223-230). This Jesuit mission represented the final Spanish attempt to colonize
the region.
Janus Research 4
'
'
City of Clearwater Planning and Eligibility Study
Historic Resource Reconnaissance Survey of the Downtown Core
Mav 2005
In 1567, Brother Francisco Villareal was sent to one of the large Tequesta villages located on
' Biscayne Bay. In 1568, a skirmish between the Spanish soldiers and the Tequesta Indians
temporarily closed the mission. By the end of 1568, the Tequesta were willing to reopen the
mission, largely due to the work of Don Diego, a Tequesta who had visited 5pain. Despite
, zealous attempts, the native groups in Florida continued to resist conversion and, in 1572,
Jesuit authorities decided to abandon their missionary efforts in Florida.
'
'
'
l�
�
�
,
'
'
'
'
�
'
'
'
Undaunted, Menendez turned his attention to another order, the Franciscans, and entreated
them to send priests. The Franciscan mission effort was most successful in the northern areas
of Florida. One possible reason may have been differences in Native American settlement
patterns and economies. According to Milanich (1978b:68), the failure of the Spanish
missions among the southern Florida native population was due partially to the groups'
subsistence patterns, which required seasonal movement for maximum resource exploitation.
Consequently, for the remainder of the First Spanish period (1565-1763), South Florida was
virtually ignored as the Spanish concentrated their efforts in the northern half of the
peninsula.
During the eighteenth century, Cuban fishermen had established seasonal fishing camps, ar
ranchos, along the Gulf coast. These fishermen were engaged in catching mullet and drying
them for sale in the Havana markets. By the early nineteenth century, Native Americans were
often employed as workers in these "ranchos pescados," which is probably why they were
called "Spanish Indians" in Anglo-American documents (Wright 1986: 219).
While settlers steadily populated the region throughout the eighteenth century, the Native
American population of Florida declined considerably because of disease, slave raids,
intertribal warfare, and attacks from a new group of Native Americans, the Seminoles. The
Seminoles, descendants of the Creek Indians, moved into Florida during the early eighteenth
century to escape the political and population pressures of the expanding American colonies
to the north (Wright 1986:218). 'The Seminoles had become the dominant Native American
group in the state by the end of the eighteenth century. Groups of fugitive African-American
slaves had settled among the Seminoles by the early nineteenth century (Brown 1991:5-19).
Armed conflict with pioneers, homesteaders, and eventually the U.S. Army resulted in the
eventual removal of most of the Seminoles from Florida.
The mounting threat to national security and interests that Florida represented and the ease in
which Andrew Jackson invaded Florida during the First Seminole War illuminated Spain's
inability to effectively retain power. Consequently, the Adams-Onis Treaty was signed by
Spain in 1819 relinquishing territorial power of the provinces to the United States in 1821.
As more European-American settlers heard of the geogaphic locale of Florida's vast and
fertile land, emigration steadily intensified; consequently, conflicts arose with the Seminole
people over available land. Pressure was brought to bear upon the government to remove the
Seminoles from northern Florida and relocate them further south. The Treaty of Moultrie
Creek (1823) restricted the Seminole people to approximately four million acres of land in
the middle of the state, running south from Micanopy to just north of the Peace River
(Mahon 1967: Rear foldout map). The Seminoles did not approve of this treaty because they
Janus Research 5
'
'
C
'
'
Ciry of Clearwater Planning and Eligibiliry Study
Historic Resource Reconnaissance Survey of the Downtown Core
Mav 2005
were reluctant to move from their established homes to an area that they felt could not be
cultivated. Other treaties soon followed such as Payne's Landing (1832) and Fort Gibson
(1833), which called for Seminole emigration to the western territories (Mahon 1967:75-76,
82-83). Osceola defied the conditions of the Treaty of Payne's Landing, and was arrested and
imprisoned at Fort King until he promised to leave Florida. Both the Payne's Landing and
Fort Gibson treaties fostered Seminole resentment of settlers that culminated in the Second
Seminole War in 1835, beginning with the Dade Massacre and murder of General Wiley
Thompson.
During the Second Seminole War, the area around Lake Tohopekaliga was a Seminole
' stronghold. They kept their cattle in the woods around the lake and retreated into the cypress
swamp west of the lake at the approach of soldiers (Mahon 1967; Sprague 1964; Moore-
Willson 1935). Tohopekaliga means "Fort Site," and the lake shares the same name because
' the islands within the lake housed the forts and stockades of the Seminoles (Moore-Willson
1935:29).
' In January 1837, General Jesup's men encountered the Seminoles near the "Great Cypress
Swamp." The soldiers drove the Indians into the swamp, across the "Hatcheelustee" and into
even more dense swamp (Sprague 1964:172). On January 28th, the army "moved forward and
, occupied a strong position on Lake Tohopekaliga, within a few miles of the point at which
the Cypress Swamp approaches it, where several hundred head of cattle were taken"
(Sprague 1964:172). Hetherington (1980:3), citing Major Edward Keenan, a"noted authority
' on the Seminole Wars," believes that General Jesup's base camp was located in the vicinity
of the present-day Kissimmee Airport. The "Great Cypress Swamp" and "Hatcheelustee
Creek" referred to by Sprague (1964) are now called Reedy Creek Swamp and Reedy Creek
, respectively (MacKay and Blake 1839; Mahon 1967: Rear fold out map; USGS Lake
Tohopekaliga Quadrangle Map 1953; Hetherington 1980:3).
L_J'�
'
C
u
�
,
'
,
At the beginning of the Second Seminole War, the conflict was centered near the
Withlacoochee area. In 1838, U.S. troops moved south to pursue the retreating Seminoles
into the Lake Okeechobee and Everglades regions. Colonel Zachary Taylor was sent to the
area between the Kissimmee River and Peace Creek. Colonel Persifor Smith and his
volunteers were dispatched to the Caloosahatchee River, and U.S. Navy Lieutenant Levi N.
Powell was assigned the task of penetrating the Everglades (Mahon 1967:219-220). Powell's
detachment had several skirmishes with Seminoles near Jupiter Inlet. Powell established a
depot on the Miami River and erected Fort Dallas in the approximate location of present-day
Downtown Miami. For three months, Fort Dallas was a base of operations as Powell led his
men into the Everglades in search of the Seminoles (Gaby 1993:47). In the Clearwater
vicinity, the army established Fort Harrison on April 2, 1841, which served as a center for
sick and wounded Sixth Infantry soldiers. The fort, named after General William Henry
Harrison, who became president in 1841 and died a month after taking office, was abandoned
in November 1841. The federal government ended the conflict in 1842 and withdrew the
troops in Florida (Dunn 1973:14).
The Second Seminole War, from 1835 to 1842, had a deleterious effect on new settlement in
Florida. To further encourage settlement in the middle portion of the territory after the war,
Janus Research 6
,
'
'
l�
,
�
1
'
'
'
�
'
City of Clearwater Planning and Eligibiliry Study
Historic Resource Reconnaissance Survey of the Downtown Core
May 2005
the Armed Occupation Act of 1842 offered settlers 160 acres of land at no cost, provided
they built a house, cleared five acres, planted crops, and resided on the land for at least five
years. Any head of a family or single man over 18 years of age and able to bear arms was
eligible to receive a homestead. This act, plus the end of the Second Seminole War, created a
small wave of immigration by Anglo-American pioneers to central Florida. Most of these
immigrants were Anglo-American farmers and cattle ranchers, or "crackers," from the
southeastern United States. Twenty-four settlers filed claims under this act in the land that
would eventually become Pinellas County (Dunn 1973:15).
During this period, the Clearwater area fell under the jurisdiction of Hillsborough County,
which was established in 1834. At that time the county encompassed an area that now
comprises Pinellas, Pasco, Polk, Manatee, Sarasota, DeSoto, Charlotte, Highlands, Hardee,
and Hillsborough Counties. Florida was admitted to the Union in 1845 and Tallahassee was
established as the capital. The first road from Tampa to Clearwater was constructed in 1849,
and by 1850, 178 residents were living on the Pinellas peninsula (Sanders 1983:13; Dunn
1973:22).
With the beginning of the Civil War, cattle were needed to help feed the Confederate Army.
Herds from as far south as central Florida were driven to railheads near the Georgia border.
However, cattle ranchers discovered they could sell their herds in Cuba for more profit and
began dealing with blockade-runners. The Union had attempted to stop all shipping from
Florida ports, but blockade-runners were too abundant. Cattle ranchers from all over Florida
drove their cattle to Punta Rassa to be shipped to Cuba for payment in Spanish gold. Jacob
Summerlin, a successful cattle rancher from the Fort Meade area, gave up his contract with
the Confederate government to supply cattle and in 1863 teamed up with James McKay,
from the Tampa area. McKay, a successful and daring blockade-runner, supplied the
schooners and Summerlin the cattle. It is not known how many cattle were shipped from the
port during the Civil War, however, after the war, it is reported that in the decade between
1870 and 1879, over 165,000 head of cattle were shipped (Grismer 1950).
' During the war, Union gun boats raided Clearwater and acquired provisions and supplies
from the local residents. In 1861, James McMullen organized a local company of
Confederate volunteers known as the Home Guard (Woman's Club 1917).
�
'
,
'
'
'
The post-war economic conditions of much of the rest of the South contributed to changes in
the economy of the Tampa Bay area. An influx of poor farmers coinciding with the
southward movement of cattle ranches made the economic stability of the area dependent
upon reliable sources of overland freight transport. Beginning about 1870, many settlers
began to buy the land on which they had homesteaded for so many years in anticipation of
the coming railroad (Hetherington 1980: 86).
The local population increased to a total of 780 residents by 1870 (Dunn 1973:22). The
area's first newspaper, the Clear Water Times, was started in 1873, by Reverend C.S.
Reynolds, a New Yorker who also started publications in Tampa, Ocala, Palatka, and Key
West. Reynolds also established the first Baptist church in Clearwater, which was housed in a
log building. The log building was utilized by all denominations and served as "the social
Janus Research �
'
'
,
'
C
�
II
1
1
�J
LJ
'
L!
'
'
'
'
'
'
City of Clearwater Planning and Eligibility Study
Historic Resource Reconnaissance Survey of the Downtown Core
Mav 2005
and religious center of the community" (Woman's Club 1917). The first public school on the
peninsula was also held in this building in 1873 (Woman's Club 1917).
In the 1880s, interest in the resources of southern Florida increased due in large part to
people like Hamilton Disston and Henry B. Plant. By 1881, the State of Florida faced a
financial crisis involving a title to public lands. On the eve of the Civil War, land had been
pledged by the Internal Improvement Fund to underwrite railroad bonds. After the war, when
the railroads failed, the land reverted to the state. Almost one million dollars were needed by
the state to pay off the principle and accumulated interest on the debt, thereby giving clear
title.
Hamilton Disston, son of a wealthy Philadelphia industrialist, contracted two large land deals
with the State of Florida: the Disston Drainage Contract and the Disston Land Purchase. The
Drainage Contract was an agreement between Disston and the state in which Disston and his
associates would drain and reclaim all overflow lands south of Township 23 (later changed to
Township 24) and east of the Peace River in exchange for one-half the acreage that could be
reclaimed and made fit for cultivation. This agreement was sealed with a contract signed on
March 10, 1881. Disston and his associates formed a company called the Atlantic and Gulf
Coast Canal and Okeechobee Land Company on July 20, 1881 (Davis 1938: 205).
During 1881 and 1882, channels were dug between the lake systems to the north and the
Kissimmee River (Tebeau 1971: 288). The Atlantic and Gulf Coast Canal and Okeechobee
Land Company was responsible for opening up Lake Okeechobee to the Gulf of Mexico by
dredging a channel to the Caloosahatchee River. Disston and his associates received
1,652,711 acres of land under the Drainage Contract, although they probably never
permanently drained more than 50,000 acres (Tebeau 1971: 280). Drainage operations began
and the Florida Land Improvement Company and Kissimmee Land Company were formed to
help fulfill the Drainage Contract (Hetherington 1980: 6).
Private land claims between 1881 and 1883 were probably squatters acquiring the land on
which they lived prior to the land transfers under the Disston Land Purchase contract. 'The
flurry of land transfers recorded in the early 1880s reflects two main factors: large influxes of
people brought by the railroads and the widespread unpopularity of the Disston Land
Purchase and Drainage Contracts.
The Disston Land Purchase and Disston Drainage Contract were not popular among many of
Florida's residents. Many resented the 25¢ per acre price Disston paid under the land contract
while they were required to pay $1.25 per acre under the terms of the Homestead Act of
1876. Claims were also made that Disston was receiving title to lands that were not
swamplands or wetlands (Tebeau 1971: 278). Many residents bought up the higher, better-
drained parcels of land for speculation, knowing that the surrounding wetlands and flatwoods
would be deeded to Disston under the Land Purchase contract. Many hoped that their more
desirable land purchases would increase in value.
Disston changed Florida from a wilderness of swamps, heat, and mosquitoes into an area ripe
far investment. This enabled Henry B. Plant to move forward with his plans to open the west
Janus Research g
�
'
'
�
�
,
�
'
'
City of Clearwater Planning and Eligibility Study
Historic Resource Reconnaissance Survey of the Downtown Core
Mav 2005
coast of Florida with a railroad-steamship operation called the Jacksonville, Tampa & Key
West Railway. Through the Plant Investment Company, he bought up defunct rail lines such
as the Silver Springs, Ocala & Gulf Railroad, Florida Transit and Peninsular Railroad, South
Florida Railroad, and Florida Southern Railroad to establish his operation (Mann 1983:68;
Harner 1973:18-23).
The first hotels in the Clearwater area, the Orange Bluff Hotel and the Sea View Hotel, were
constructed in the early 1880s, and marked the beginning of local tourism. Another event that
made the Clearwater area a desirable destination was the declaration of Dr. W.C. Van Bibber
of Baltimore, during the American Medical Society Convention in New Orleans, that the
Pinellas peninsula was the healthiest spot on earth. His report resulted in an influx of tourists
and emigrants encouraged by their doctors to settle in Florida (Pinellas County Planning
Department 1995:22).
In 1888, Russian immigrant Peter Demens (Piotr DeMentieffl completed the Orange Belt
Railway, which stopped in Clearwater on its way in between St. Petersburg and Oakland.
The depot in Clearwater and the one in Palm Harbor were built in the Russian architectural
style. Plant purchased the railway from Demens in 1897, and incorporated it into his network
(City of Clearwater 2003b). In 1902, Plant sold all of his Florida holdings to the Atlantic
Coast Line, which would become the backbone of the southeast (Mann 1983:68).
' The City of Clearwater was incorporated in 1891 and received a special charter in 1897.
Significant growth was immediately apparent. This growth was due, in large part, to tourists
becommg permanent residents. Tounsts were drawn to the area by its healthful climate and
, luxury hotels, such as the Verona Inn, built in 1889, and the Belleview Biltmore Hotel, built
in 1897 by Henry Plant (City of Clearwater 2003b). At this time, the local paved roads
included Cleveland Street, from the harbor to the Orange Belt Railroad station, and Fort
� Harrison Avenue, from Cleveland Street to a point south of the original Methodist Church;
both streets were covered with shell removed from a local aboriginal site near the harbor
(Dunn 1973:23).
�
'
'
'
�
'
'
In 1898, Cuba was fighting for its independence from Spain and Florida, and the United
States was preparing to assist in the efforts. As Florida is the closest state to Cuba, American
troops were stationed and deployed from the state's coastal cities. Harbors in Tampa,
Pensacola, and Key West were improved as ships were launched with troops and supplies.
Although short in duration, "The Splendid Little War" left its mark in the form of improved
harbors, expanded railroads, and increased military installations (Miller 1990).
The Spanish-American War had little economic impact on Pinellas County. However, a large V-
shaped island at its southern terminus did figure prominently in the nation's coastal defense
system. Mullet Key, along with Egmont Key to the south, had long been regarded as vital to the
protection of Egmont Channel, which provided access to Tampa Bay and the port facilities of
Tampa. The advent of the Spanish-American War led to the construction of coastal fortifications
at both Mullet and Egmont Keys. The Mullet Key military reservation was named Fort DeSoto
after the famous Spanish explorer (Sarles 1960). The war was short-lived, and no shots were
fired from Fort DeSoto. The fort continued to serve as a training facility until 1910 when it was
Janus Research 9
,
'
'
'
'
,
'
'
'
'
'
'
'
'
'
'
,
'
'
Ciry of Cleanvater Planning and Eligibiliry Study
Historic Resource Reconnaissance Survey of the Downtown Core
Mav 2005
inactivated. It was reactivated in 1941 and served as a bombing practice field during World War
II for the Air Force Base at MacDill Field in Tampa.
In 1904, Governor Napoleon Bonaparte Broward initiated significant reforms in Florida's
politics. Several of Broward's major issues included the Everglades drainage project, railroad
regulation, and the construction of roads. During this time, railroads were constructed
throughout Florida, and automobile use became more prevalent. Improved transportation in
the state opened lines to export Florida's agricultural and industrial products. As various
products, such as fruits and vegetables, were exported from the state, new homesteaders were
entering (Miller 1990).
Rapid and widespread growth was the theme of this period in Florida's history. Thousands of
miles of railroad tracks were laid, including the Florida East Coast, Atlantic Coast Line, and
Seaboard Air Line railroads. While agriculture, especially the citrus industry, was the
backbone of the Florida economy, manufacturing and industry grew during the beginning of
the century. Fertilizer production, boat building, and lumber and timber products were strong
secondary industries (Weaver et al. 1996:3).
The Pinellas peninsula dramatically increased in population during this time, growing from
2,572 in 1900 to 8,057 in 1910. Census data show that the majority of the increases took
place in urban areas (U.S. Bureau of the Census, Hillsborough County 1900, 1910).
Clearwater had 1,171 residents by 1910 (Pinellas County Planning Department 1995:98).
Telephone service was available by 1903 and electricity by 1905 (Sanders 1983:47; Dunn
1973:25-26). The first ice factory, constructed in 1900, was developed into a community
water system and later purchased by the city in 1910. In 1910, Congress provided $29,000 to
dredge Clearwater and Boca Ciega Bays to Tampa Bay. The project was completed in 1915,
and resulted in a five-foot channel at low tide from the Cleveland Street dock to Tampa Bay
(Dunn 1973:23-28).
The growth of the peninsula meant a need for county services and road building that was
ignored by the courthouse in Tampa. The movement for separation of Pinellas from
Hillsborough County began in 1906 when William Straub, editor of the St. Petersburg Times,
wrote an editorial called "The Pinellas Declaration of Independence" (Arsenault 1988:139).
The issue went to a public referendum vote in 1911 and voters overwhelmingly approved the
creation of a new county for the peninsula. Pinellas County became a legal entity on January
1, 1912 (1988: 141). Clearwater was named the county seat. The first Pinellas County
Courthouse, built in 1912, was later replaced by a new courthouse in 1917.
A disastrous fire occurred on June 24, 1910, which destroyed all the buildings on the north
side of Cleveland Street, from Fort Harrison Avenue to Osceola Avenue (Dunn 1973:55). As
a result of the fire, in 1911, the Clearwater Fire Department was established, and new
building codes required brick construction. The original brick fire station building (now
altered) still stands on N. Fort Harrison Avenue. Other new construction dating from this
period included the People's Bank Building, Clearwater Theatre Building, and Bank of
Clearwater. The 1906 South Ward School (built to replace the original 1883 wood frame
school) was expanded in 1912, and still functions today. The North Ward School was
Janus Research
10
City of Clearwater Planning and Eligibility Study
Historic Resource Reconnaissance Survey of the Downtown Core
May 2005
constructed in 1915, as was the Morton F. Plant Hospital (Sanders 1983: 48-49). One of the
largest brick buildings in Clearwater, the five-story Coachman Building, was constructed in
the summer of 1917. This building replaced the S.S. Coachman and Sons General Store at the
southeast corner of Cleveland Street and Fort Harrison Avenue (Sanders 1983:78).
In 1912, a bond was issued for hard-surfaced roads, and four years later brick roads were
funded. Another railroad, the Tampa and Gulf Coast, was developed in 1914, and connected
Clearwater, Largo, and St. Petersburg with Tampa (Pinellas County Planning Department
1995:28). This rail line was eventually taken over by the Seaboard Coastline Railroad. A new
daily newspaper, the Clearwater Evening Sun, was unveiled in 1914 and published by W.B.
Powell. During the early years of the twentieth century, Clearwater also had two public
parks, Island Park and Water Works Park, as well as the Clearwater Golf Club, which was
started in 1915 (Woman's Club 1917). The golf course was later renamed the Clearwater
Country Club.
The United States entered into World War I in 1917. During World War I, 172 men from the
' Clearwater area served in the Army in 1917 and 1918. Company D of the Pinellas County
Guards was established in August 1917, and Taver Bayly served as the leader (The Sun 1939;
' Dunn 1973:30). Wartime activity required several training facilities to be set up in the state.
Protecting the coastlines was a priority at this time. Although the conflict only lasted until
November of 1918, the economy was boosted by the war. Industnalization increased in port
' cities such as Tampa and Jacksonville, where many ships were built. These cities also
functioned as supply depots and embarkation points. An indirect economic benefit of the war
was an increase m agricultural production, such as beef, vegetables, and cotton, due to their
' great demand (Miller 1990). By 1917, Pinellas County shipped one million boxes of citrus
each year, and was considered a leading orange and grapefruit producer in Florida (Woman's
Club 1917).
While Florida industrialization and agriculture flourished, immigration and housing
development slowed during the war. Tourism increased, however, as the war in Europe
forced Americans to vacation domestically. Clearwater's population totaled approximately
3,000 in 1917, and this number doubled during the tourist season (Woman's Club 1917).
Railroad construction resumed at the conclusion of the war. Tycoons such as Henry Flagler
and Henry Plant continued building the hotels and railroads for people desiring winter
vacations in sunny Florida. These magnates took an interest in the promotion of and
improvements in Florida in an effort to bring in more tourist dollars. Clearwater also
promoted its healthy and clean environment, as streets were cleaned and garbage was
collected every day.
After World War I, Florida experienced unprecedented growth. Various factors encouraged
the boom period including the mild climate, increasing numbers of tourists, widespread use
of the automobile, more roadways, and the lack of state income or inheritance taxes. During
this period throughout Florida bank deposits increased, real estate companies opened in many
cities, and state and county road systems expanded quickly. Earlier land reclamation projects
created thousands of new acres of land to be developed. Real estate activity increased
steadily after the war's end and drove up property values. Prices on lots were inflated to
Janus Research 11
'
'
'
'
,
'
,
'
Ciry of Clearwater Planning and Eligibility Study
Historic Resource Reconnaissance Survey of the Downtown Core
May 2005
appear more enticing to out-of-state buyers. Every city and town in Florida had new
subdivisions platted and lots were selling and reselling for quick profits. Southeast Florida,
including cities such as Miami and Palm Beach, experienced the most activity, although the
boom affected most communities in central and southern Florida (Weaver et al. 1996:3).
This boom had a dramatic impact on Pinellas County; the population increased from 28,265
in 1920 to 62,149 in 1930. Clearwater saw an increase from 2,427 residents in 1920 to 7,607
in 1930 (Pinellas County Planning Department 1995:98). Clearwater witnessed an era of
intense real estate investment, with developers creating subdivisions, commercial areas, and
hotels. Buildings constructed during the boom years include the Peace Memorial
Presbyterian Church, erected in 1923 in honor of World War I soldiers and featuring Louis
Comfort Tiffany windows; Calvary Baptist Church, erected in 1926 at the corner of
Cleveland Street and Osceola Avenue; the Mediterranean Revival Capitol Theatre, on
Cleveland Street, later known as the Royalty Theatre Company; and the Guaranty Title and
Trust Building, originally constructed circa 1925 as the Bank of Clearwater and later served
as the Chamber of Commerce from 1935 until 1946 (Sanders 1983:66, 105, 107; Clearwater
Historical Society c.1990).
' Construction projects such as the Fort Harrison Hotel, Clearwater's 1926 skyscraper, brought
more jobs, tourists, and new residents to the area. The 12-story building was constructed for
approximately $1 million by developer Ed Haley and designed by New York archrtect,
' Robert F. Smallwood. The hotel was later operated by R.E. Olds of Lansing, Michigan,
inventor of the Oldsmobile and founder of Oldsmar. He traded the Oldsmar Race Track for
ownership. of the hotel (Clearwater Sun 1988).
'
,
'
'
'
�
'
'
'
Road building became a statewide concern, as automobiles became more affordable and road
construction shifted from a local to a state function. These roads made even remote areas of
the state accessible and allowed the boom to spread. During the 1920s, several major bridge
projects were completed in the area, such as the Gandy Bridge linking St. Petersburg to
Tampa that was finished in 1924, and a new bridge to Clearwater Island, known as the
Soldiers and Sailors' Memorial Causeway or "million dollar causeway," completed in 1927.
Captain Ben T. Davis' nine and one-half mile causeway from Clearwater to Tampa was
started in 1927 and later completed in 1934 (Sanders 1983:83-84). Clearwater was growing
so fast during this period that renowned city planner John Nolen was hired to create the 1926
Comprehensive City Plan. This included a regional plan to connect the city with its environs,
and a focused downtown plan, which paid special attention to the city's relationship with the
waterfront (City of Clearwater 2003b).
Although plans appeared to be moving forward in Clearwater, several events led to the bust
of the Florida real estate boom. Housing was scarce, more lots were for sale than could be
sold, more acreage was available than could be portioned into subdivisions, and prices were
out of proportion to the value (Parks 1991:118; Sessa 1950:353). Then, in August of 1925,
the Florida East Coast Railroad announced an embargo on all carload freight except fuel,
petroleum, livestock and perishable goods (Sessa 1950:264-265). Soon after, steamship
companies followed suit and refused to bring in any additional goods until buyers cleared out
the backlog of goods that existed in warehouses, freight cars, and steamships. This embargo
Janus Research
12
�
'
'
'
,
'
1
'
l _J
City of Clearwater Planning and Eligibility Study
Historic Resource Reconnaissance Survey of the Downtown Core
Mav 2005
threatened the economy by delaying or cutting off the arrival of supplies for building
contractors and forcing them to lay off workers. Compounding the problems posed by the
embargo was an active anti-Florida campaign in the northern states. Major magazines did
exposes on the often unscrupulous practices of Florida developers and warned of the dangers
of speculating in Florida real estate.
Another blow to the boom came with the hurricanes in 1926 and 1928 that hit South Florida.
These hurricanes destroyed much property and also weakened the image of Florida as a
tropical haven. By the time the stock market collapsed in 1929, Florida was already suffering
from an economic depression. Construction activity halted and industry dramatically
declined. Subdivisions platted several years earlier remained undeveloped and lots were
occupied by partially finished buildings. In Clearwater, new subdivision plats came to an
abrupt halt, and platting activity did not resume until 1935.
As previously discussed, there were several causes for the economic depression in Florida,
including the grossly inflated real estate market and the hurricanes. During the Great
Depression, Florida suffered significantly. Most areas of the state's economy were affected
by the Depression. Beef and citrus production declined, manufacturing slowed, and
development projects were stopped. One of the state's major sources for revenue, citrus, was
impacted by the Mediterranean fruit fly invasion. Citrus packing plants in Clearwater were
closed, and many employees were out of work (Sanders 1983:34).
' Even the railroad industry felt the pressures of the 1930s; service was greatly reduced and
personnel were let go. In addition, the increasing use of the automobile lessened the demand
for travel by rail. Despite the Depression, tourism remained an integral part of Florida's
' economy during this period. New highways made automobile travel to Florida easy and
affordable, and more middle-class families were able to vacation in the "Sunshine State."
'
'
�
'
As a result of hard economic times, President Franklin D. Roosevelt initiated several national
relief programs. Important New Deal-era programs were instituted such as the Works
Progress Administration (WPA) and the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). The WPA
provided jobs for professional workers and laborers, whose work included the construction or
improvement of many roads, public buildings, parks, and airports in Florida. The CCC
improved and preserved forests, parks, and agricultural lands (Miller 1990). Federal
construction contracts for Bay Pines Hospital, the Veteran's Administration Center, and the
post office on Cleveland Street kept Clearwater residents employed during this time.
Additionally, the 1916 public library was enlarged three times between 1937 and 1939 as
part of a WPA project (Clearwater Sun 1990).
' From the end of the Great Depression until after the close of the post-war era, Florida's
history was inextricably bound with World War II and its aftermath. It became one of the
nation's major training grounds far the various military branches including the Army, Navy,
' and Air Force. Prior to this time, tourism had been the state's major industry; it was brought
to a halt as tourist and civilian facilities, such as hotels and private homes, were placed into
wartime service. The influx of thousands of servicemen and their families increased
,
,
Janus Research 13
,
'
'
�
'
'
'
'
'
Ciry of Clearwater Planning and Eligibiliry Study
Historic Resource Reconnaissance Survey of the Downtown Core
May 2005
industrial and agricultural production in Florida, and also introduced these new residents to
the warm weather and tropical beauty of Florida.
Locally, the Belleview Biltmore Hotel, Fort Harrison Hotel, and the Gray Moss Inn were
leased by the Army Air Force as barracks for soldiers stationed at MacDill and Drew Fields
in Tampa (Dunn 1973:31; Sanders 1983:84). These properties were returned to the owners
following the war. The Gandy Bridge and Ben T. Davis Causeway were forcefully sold to the
government, and the tolls were discontinued for soldiers traveling from Pinellas County to
Tampa (Sanders 1983:84). Railroads again profited, since servicemen, military goods and
materials needed to be transported (Miller 1990).
At the conclusion of World War II, Florida's economy was almost fully recovered. Tourism
quickly rebounded and became the major source of the state's economy. Several servicemen
who were housed at the Belleview Biltmore Hotel and the Fort Harrison Hotel during the war
returned afterwards as permanent residents, leading to a post-war population boom in
Clearwater and throughout Florida (City of Clearwater 2003b). Clearwater's population
increased from 10,136 in 1940 to 15,861 in 1950 (Pinellas County Planning Deparhnent
1995:98). The improved roads were again an important aspect of this era, and the last
segment of the Gulf Coast Highway was opened. This roadway provided a direct route from
St. Petersburg to Tallahassee, and spurred development in the areas flanking it (Pinellas
County Planning Department 1995:4).
Widespread automobile ownership affected the development of downtown Clearwater in the
, 1950s. The larger cars as well as the increase in traffic resulted in parallel curbside parking
on Cleveland Street rather than the previous diagonal parking and new surface parking lots.
The Chamber of Commerce also created a more aggressive campaign to draw in new
' residents and tourists. At this time the phrase "Sparkling Clearwater and its Sparking
Beaches" was coined by the Chamber (Cadwell 1977:95). By 1956, construction in the city
totaled over $1 million and tourists were visiting in the summer and winter months. In 1957,
, Clearwater was recognized as the second fastest growing city in the United States (Sanders
1983:150).
�
l__J
'
'
l�
�
'
In the 1960s, Clearwater's population had gown to 34,653 residents, and by 1970, it
increased to 52,074 residents (Pinellas County Planning Department 1995:98). Tourism
continued to be the major draw to the area throughout these decades, and citrus no longer
contributed as greatly to the economy because of increased land values. Subdivisions,
commercial centers, and roads were constructed in former groves (Sanders 1983:189). Roads
and bridges were also expanded or replaced at this time. The Soldiers' and Sailors' Memorial
Causeway was replaced by a new bridge in 1960s, and the Davis Causeway was improved
and renamed the Courtney Campbell Causeway, in honor of a prominent member of the State
Road Board from Clearwater (Dunn 1973:32). The Sunshine Skyway, from Manatee County
to the southern Pinellas peninsula, was completed in 1954, and the Howard Franklin Bridge,
linking Hillsborough and Pinellas Counties, was completed in 1960 (Pinellas County
Planning Department 1995:5). Other major projects of this era included the new County
Courthouse built in 1960 and located west of the original courthouse; the new City Hall
constructed in 1966; the demolition of the original 1930s City Hall building in 1968; and the
expansion of the Clearwater Public Library in 1961.
Janus Research 14
'
,
City of Clearwater Planning and Eligibility Study
Historic Resource Reconnaissance Survey of the Downtown Core
Mav 2005
' During the years of the 1970s and 1980s, the gradual exodus from the downtown commercial
center and surrounding residential areas was evident. Residential communities, mobile home
parks, and condominiums developed further outside the main city center. However, in 1975,
' the Church of Scientology established their worldwide headquarters in the city, and
purchased the Fort Harrison Hotel and former Bank of Clearwater. Since that time, the
Church has notably increased its real estate holdings and presence in downtown Clearwater
' (Clearwater Sun 1988).
The population of Pinellas County and the City of Clearwater has continued to grow through
' the present day. As of 2002, the city's population was 112,000 residents. The City of
Clearwater is currently promoting significant efforts to revitalize the waterfront and the
commercial core of downtown. At this time, the downtown consists of city and county
' agencies, professional service firms, majar financial institutions, and varied religious
institutions. This historic resources reconnaissance survey is being undertaken by Janus
Research on behalf of the City of Clearwater's Planning Department in an attempt to
' recognize the significant historic resources remaining in the downtown area and develop
planning goals that combine the preservation of these historic resources while encouraging
appropriate growth in the downtown.
'
�
'
'
,
'
'
t_�
,
'
' Janus Research 15
'
'
'
,
'
�
1
C!
1
1
'
City of Clearwater Planning and Eligibility Study
Historic Resource Reconnaissance Survey of the Downtown Core
May 2005
METHODS
With extensive experience in archaeology, architectural history, and historic preservation,
Janus Research has surveyed thousands of resources throughout Pinellas, Pasco,
Hillsborough, Polk, and Orange counties. Therefore, the survey team was familiar with the
types of area resources and the available research materials located in the local public and
private facilities.
A historic resources reconnaissance survey was conducted far the Downtown Core. The
reconnaissance investigation was conducted in March and April 2004. This reconnaissance
included both a"windshield" and pedestrian investigation. Additionally, Amy Streelman,
Project Manager for Janus Research, and Gina Clayton, City of Clearwater's Long Range
Planning Manager, conducted a pedestrian survey of the project area on April 8, 2004.
An architectural historian that meets the qualifications for archaeology, history, architecture,
architectural history, or historic architecture contained in 36 CFR 61 (Procedures for
Approved State and Local Historic Preservation Programs, Appendix A, Professional
Qualifications Standards) and one assistant conducted the historic resources reconnaissance
survey in order to ensure that each pre-1956 building, structure, object, and cemetery within the
project area received a preliminary visual reconnaissance. Any property with features indicative
of pre-1956 construction materials, building methods, or architectural styles was noted on the
aerial photogaphs. Geographic Information System (GIS) and Sanborn Fire Insurance map
information was referenced to determine historic resources whil� conducting the fieldwork. The
year 1955 was chosen as the cut-off date for the survey because it fulfilled the 50-year
criteria used by the NRHP for assessing historic buildings, and it allowed buildings that will
soon meet the age requirement to be documented and included in planning processes.
Each resource's individual significance was then evaluated for its potential eligibility for listing
1 by the City of Clearwater or in NRHP. The criteria utilized during the evaluation are featured in
the following section of this report. Historic physical integrity was determined from site
observations, field data, and photographic documentation, including historic photographs. The
, Downtown Core's history was researched at local libraries to assist in determining known
significant historical associations. The locations of NRHP-listed, determined NRHP-eligible,
potentially NRHP-eligible historic resources, and/or Local Register-eligible resources were
' marked on aerial photographs. Photographs, preliminary descriptions, and evaluations of the
significant historic resources were also prepared.
'
1
�
1
'
Concentrations of historic resources within the defined project area were noted in terms of
their potential inclusion in local or NRHP historic districts. According to National Register
Bulletin 1 S, "a district possesses a significant concentration, linkage, or continuity of sites,
buildings, structures, or objects united historically or aesthetically by plan or physical
development." Contributing and non-contributing buildings found within a potential historic
district were documented with digital photographs and marked on the aerial photographs.
Background research was conducted in order to evaluate the area's historical and
architectural significance.
Janus Research 16
,
,
'
1
'
'
'
'
'
'
'
'
,
'
'
�
�
�
'
City of Clearwater Planning and Eligibility Study
Historic Resource Reconnaissance Survey ojthe Downtown Core
May 2005
RECONNAISSANCE SURVEY CRITERIA
The NRHP is a federal program with criteria for evaluating districts, sites, buildings,
structures, and objects. Properties may be nominated to the NRHP as one of three categories:
as a single, individual property; as a historic district, which features a concentration of
significant buildings; or as a multiple property submission, which can include individual
properties and districts that are thematically related. The NRHP is the "official" list of
significant properties within the United States, however, it does not provide protection or
control over private properties that are listed, unless federal funds and/or undertakings affect
them. Typically, historic resources surveys employ the NRHP criteria as a basis for site
evaluations. This is recommended by the U.S. Department of the Interior/National Park
Service and Florida DHR. Survey findings can be utilized by various agencies and
municipalities that are required to comply with both state and federal regulations. In order to
evaluate the diverse resources found in the United States, the NRHP criteria are worded in a
subjective manner. The following is a brief description of the criteria used to evaluate
properties for inclusion in the NRHP. The City of Clearwater's criteria for historic
designation follows.
NRHP Criteria for Evaluation
The quality of significance in American history, architecture, archaeology, and culture is
present in districts, sites, buildings, structures, and objects that possess integrity of location,
design, setting, materials, workmanship, feeling, and association, and:
A. That are associated with events that have made a significant contribution to the broad
patterns of our history; or
B. That are associated with the lives of persons significant in our past; or
C. That embody the distinctive characteristics of a type, period, or methods of
construction, or that represent the work of a master, or that possess high artistic
values, or that represent a significant and distinguishable entity whose components
may lack individual distinction; or
D. That have yielded, or may be likely to yield, information important in prehistory ar
history.
Resources such as cemeteries, birthplaces or graves of historical figures, properties owned by
religious institutions or used for religious purposes, structures that have been moved from
their original locations, reconstructed historic buildings, properties primarily commemorative
in nature, and properties that have achieved significance within the last 50 years are not
generally considered to be eligible for the NRHP. However, if they are integral parts of
districts that satisfy the criteria or if they fall within the following categories, these properties
will qualify for listing in the NRHP:
Janus Research 17
C
�
l__1
Ciry of Clearwater Planning and Eligibiliry Study
Historic Resource Reconnaissance Survey of the Downtown Core
May 2005
• A religious property deriving primary significance from architectural or artistic
distinction or historical importance; or
• A building or structure removed from its original location but which is significant
' primarily for architectural value, or which is the surviving structure most importantly
associated with a historic person or event; or
,
. A birthplace or grave of a historical figure of outstanding importance if there is no
appropriate site or building directly associated with his or her productive life; or
� . A cemetery which derives its primary significance from graves of persons of
transcendent importance from age, from distinctive design features, or from
association with historic events; or
• A reconstructed building when accurately executed in a suitable environment and
presented in a dignified manner as part of a restoration master plan, and when no
other building or structure with the same association has survived; or
• A property primarily commemorative in intent if design, age, tradition, or symbolic
value has invested it with its own exceptional significance; or
• A property achieving significance within the past fifty years if it is of exceptional
importance.
NRHP Aspects of Integrity
During the historic resources reconnaissance survey, the survey team noted and evaluated all
historic resources in the specified project area that were built before 1956 and appeared on
the Pinellas County Property Appraiser's tax rolls. Integrity was evaluated on the basis of
criteria established by the U.S. Department of the Interior/National Park Service. According
to National Register Bulletin I5, integrity is the ability of a property to convey its
significance. A property must be significant under the above listed criteria and have integrity.
The seven aspects of integrity include: location, design, setting, materials, workmanship,
feeling, and association. Deterioration, extensive modifications, the use of incompatible
exterior siding or windows oftentimes compromises a building's integrity.
NRHP Historic Districts
National Register Bulletin IS states that the majority of the contributing components that
make up a historic district and its character must possess integrity even if they are not
distinctive on an individual basis. A district is no longer eligible if it contains so many
alterations or new construction that it no longer conveys the sense of its history from the
period of significance.
A contributing resource adds to the historic architectural qualities or historical associations of
a district because it is independently eligible for the NRHP, was present during the period of
Janus Research 18
'
'
�
'
'
'
'
City of Clearwater Planning and Eligibility Study
Historic Resource Reconnaissance Survey o.f the Downtown Core
Mav 2005
significance, and possesses historical integrity that reflects it character. Contributing
resources must be 50 years of age. A resource is considered noncontributing if it has been
substantially altered since the period of significance, was constructed after the period of
significance, or does not share the historical associations of the district.
Local Criteria for Evaluation
This survey also considered the criteria for local designation by the Clearwater City Council,
as outlined in the City of Clearwater Community Development Code. The Clearwater City
Council is authorized to designate historic properties and districts to meet the following
obj ectives:
• To protect, enhance, and preserve those resources that represent or reflect the City's
cultural, social, economic, political, and architectural history;
• To preserve and enhance property values, stabilize neighborhoods and other area's of
, the City, increase economic benefits to the City and its inhabitants, continue the
redevelopment of the center of the City, and promote and enrich the City's
educational and cultural environment.
'
'
'
'
'
CJ
'
'
Historic properties may include, but are not limited to, Native American habitations,
ceremonial sites, artifacts, and other properties, or any part thereof, having intrinsic
historical, architectural, or archaeological value relating to the history, government, and
culture of the City.
The following criteria, which are based directly on the NRHP criteria, are used in evaluating
proposed historic properties and districts:
• Whether the property or district is associated with events that have made a significant
contribution to the broad pattern of city, state, or national history;
• Whether the property or district is associated with the lives of persons significant in
history;
• Whether the property or district possesses distinctive characteristics of a type, period,
or method of construction, or is the representation of the work of a master, or
possesses artistic values;
• Whether the property or district has yielded or is likely to yield information important
in prehistory or history.
Properties and districts shall be classified as exceptional if they satisfy all of the above four
' criteria. If they satisfy three, they shall be classified as excellent. Notable properties satisfy
two of the criteria. If the property or district satisfies one of the above criteria, it is classified
as "of value as part of the scene."
'
'
Janus Research 19
'
,
Local Historic Districts
City of Clearwater Planning and Eligzbility Study
Historic Resource Reconnaissance Survey of the Downtown Core
Mav 2005
' Contributing properties to a local historic district must meet the following criteria:
' • The structure's location, design, setting, materials, workmanship, feeling, and
association add to the district's sense of time and place and historical development
and contribute to the historical significance of the district;
� • Structures that have been built since 1940 shall not be considered to contribute to the
historical significance of a district unless a strong justification concerning their
' historical or architectural merit is given, or the historical attributes of the district or
structure are considered to have arisen since 1940. This criterion is inconsistent with
the criteria recommended by the NRHP, which states that contributing resources
� must be SO years of age. The Development Code should be changed in order to be
consistent with the NRHP. This is also further discussed in Appendix B, which
includes recommendations for improvements to the ordinance.
'
'
�
'
�
'
1
'
'
'
'
' .Ianus Research 20
'
'
'
'
'
'
�
'
�
'
1
,
,
,
�
City of Clearwater Planning and Eligibility Study
Historic Resource Reconnaissance Survey o.f the Downtown Core
Mav 2005
FLORIDA MASTER SITE FILE SEARCH AND LITERATURE REVIEW
A comprehensive FMSF search and literature review was performed to determine the
locations of NRHP-listed, determined NRHP-eligible, or potentially NRHP-eligible historic
resources. The search conducted in the project area revealed that previous work has been
performed in the vicinity and a large number of historic resources exist in the Downtown
Core.
Previous cultural and historic resource surveys that have occurred in the vicinity of the
Downtown Core are represented in Table 1.
Table 1. Previous Gultural and Historic ttesource surve s
-�;� r���., :, , ;,:�.+','�,�.. „ .:,,,;:�,�,`s���,�4#� .< .... -;.� <;,.,;,' �d�„3„a�,,.,s, ��41.�1/R., tt, �faf��",�/ .a'r•a`,.r��-
s
Eight Tracts Surveyed in City of Clearwater, Pinellas
Count , Florida. Robinson, Ra C. 1976
Oak Cove #2 [Archaeological] Survey, Clearwater,
Pinellas Count , Florida. Robinson, Ra C. 1975
Harbor Commons Development [Archaeological]
Surve , Clearwater, Pinellas Count , Florida. Robinson, Ra C. 1976
An Archaeological and Historical Survey of the
Unincor orated Areas of Pinellas Count , Florida. Austin, Robert J. 1991
A Cultural Resource Assessment Survey of the Drew
Street (SR590) PD&E Study Area From Pierce
Boulevard to Northeast Coachman Road, Pinellas
Count , Florida. Alm , Marion M. 1993
A Cultural Resource Assessment Survey, SR 60
(Memorial Causeway) Bridge PD&E Study, City of
Clearwater, Florida Bur er, Bill 1997
Clearwater Historic Preservation Survey and Planning
Project: The Clearwater Central Business District and
the Old Clearwater Ba Nei hborhood Alm , Marion M. 1998
Technical Memorandum, a Cultural Resource
Assessment Survey for the Right-of-Way (ROW)
Transfer on Alternate US 19 from Missouri Avenue to
M rtle Avenue, Pinellas Count ACI 2002
The FMSF serves as an archive of all known archaeological and historical structures and sites
in Florida. The properties recorded in the FMSF are not required to meet any minimum level
of significance, but they must be at least 50 years old. Documentation on FMSF forms
typically includes the physical description, the location, and a photograph of the property.
A search of the electronic files kept by the FMSF for previously recorded historic resources
' in the Downtown Core revealed 91 documented buildings. These resources are listed in Table
2. Of these, the Clearwater Public Library, 100 N. Osceola Avenue (8PI08506), and Haven
Street House, 400 Pierce Boulevard (8PI08022), have been demolished.
,
'
' Janus Research 21
'
'
'
'
'
'
'
CI�
'
'
lJ'
'
,
�
,
1
'
'
'
Ciry of Clearwater Planning and Eligibility Study
Historic Resource Reconnaissance Survey of the Downtown Core
Mav 2005
Table 2. Previousl Recorded Historic Resources
x � ;
� ':.�IM��� �r ���: ,>�
�' �,< ; �? �, . . �'
�
k����� '
__ �� ,,,, , .�`I��. . @�.��:� �lSB
8PI00317 Cleveland Street Post Office/650 Cleveland Street
8P100737 Jose h J. Eldrid e House/119 S. Osceola Avenue
8P100860 Coachman Buildin /503 Cleveland Street
8PI01894 Old Pinellas Count Courthouse/315 Court Street
8P101895 127-133-137 N. Garden Avenue
8P102251 Calva Ba tist Church/331 Cleveland Street
8PI02252 The Exchan e Buildin /401 Cleveland Street
8PI02253 Ro alt Theatre Com an /405 Cleveland Street
8P102254 409 Cleveland Street
8PI02255 Guarant Title and Trust Buildin /411 Cleveland Street
8P102256 Ba View Buildin /410-418 Cleveland Street
8P102257 413 Cleveland Street
8PI02258 Chateau Madrid Restaurant/415 Cleveland Street
8PI02259 The Colon Arcade/421-423 Cleveland Street
8P102260 Weisman Buildin /431 Cleveland Street
8P102261 Peo les Bank Buildin /430-432 Cleveland Street
8P102262 Bank of Clearwater Buildin /500 Cleveland Street
8PI02263 519 Cleveland Street
8PI02264 526, 528, 530 Cleveland Street
8P102265 529, 531, 533 Cleveland Street
8P102266 Pad ett Buildin /534 Cleveland Street
8P102267 Jackson Buildin /Brown Brothers Buildin /615-621 Cleveland Street
8P102268 616-626 Cleveland Street
8P102269 628 Cleveland Street
8PI02270 635-637 Cleveland Street
8P102271 645-647-649 Cleveland Street
8P102272 701-705 Cleveland Street
8P108022 Haven Street House demolished /400 Pierce Boulevard
8P108023 Fort Harrison Hotel/210 S. Fort Harrison Avenue
8P108024 Peace Memorial Presb erian Church/110 S. Fort Harrison Avenue
8P108372 525 Chestnut Street
8P108373 609 Chestnut Street
8PI08374 Luce House/617 Chestnut Street
8P108375 619 Chestnut Street
8P108400 711 Grove Street
8P108410 McKinne Weldin Com an /715 Laura Street
8P108411 Peo les Furniture Com an /716 Laura Street
8P108412 720 Laura Street
8P108416 606-608 Court Street
8P108417 609 Court Street
Janus Research 22
'
'
'
1
'
'
'
'
,
'
'
,
'
'
,
1
,
'
'
City of Clearwater Planning and Eligibility Study
Historic Resource Reconnaissance Survey of the Downtown Core
May 2005
�-� .�
�� -�
���� � � , � � � ' � �
' ������ .. ' ...... . :
;
� ��� ��m,����dr��� � � ' ��
�
� ��„� >,. �.:�,,. ��: _._,_ � � - .........
8P108418 610 Court Street
8P108419 635 Court Street
8PI08420 Moose Lod e/652 Court Street
8PI08421 Old Fort Harrison Veterans Post 2473/651 Court Street
8P108422 Seaboard Air Line Railroad De ot
8P108423 700 Court Street
8P108424 705 Court Street
8PI08425 725 Court Street
8P108426 Clearwater Masonic Lod e 127/408 S. Garden Avenue
8P108427 411-417 S. Garden Avenue
8PI08428 34 N. Garden Avenue
8P108429 325-327 S. Garden Avenue
8P108430 514 Park Street
8P108431 805 Park Street
8PI08438 34 N. Fort Harrison Avenue
8PI08443 Clearwater Observer/625 Franklin Street
8P108444 629-631 Franklin Street
8P108445 703 Franklin Street
8P108459 205 S. M rtle Avenue
8PI08460 Valentine Lumber Com an /504 S. M rtle Avenue
8PI08475 M 8� N Sandwich Sho /515 Hendricks Street
8PI08480 East Avenue Warehouse/120 N. East Avenue
8P108481 106 N. East Avenue
8P108482 S ur Distributin Com an /531 S. Fort Harrison Avenue
8P108490 Manson Arcade Buildin /16-20 N. Fort Harrison Avenue
8P108491 The Ritz Theater/22 N. Fort Harrison Avenue
8PI08492 White Sta e Arcade/22-26-28 N: Fort Harrison Avenue
8P108493 29 N. Fort Harrison Avenue
8P108494 36-38 N. Fort Harrison Avenue
8P108495 Firestone Store Auto Accessories/45 N. Fort Harrison Avenue
8P108496 101 N. Fort Harrison Avenue
8P108497 105-107 N. Fort Harrison Avenue
8P108498 109-111 N. Fort Harrison Avenue
8P108499 West Coast Hotel/118 N. Fort Harrison Avenue
8P108500 123 N. Fort Harrison Avenue
8P108501 129 N. Fort Harrison Avenue
8P108506 Clearwater Public Librar demolished /100 N. Osceola Avenue
8P108513 Crowle House/717 Drew Street
8P108518 699 Drew Street
8P108519 108 N. M rtle Avenue
Janus Research 23
�
,
'
,
C�
'
'
'
'
'
�
'
'
,
,
'
'
'
City of Clearwater Planning and Eligibiliry Study
Historic Resource Reconnaissance Survey of the Downtown Core
May 2005
���������' � �� � � � �
,
° E�
`: �i� .... �': � :_ � , � . �ite N�rn�il�t�lc�r��._� . .. ' �����
8P108525 41 N. Fort Harrison Avenue
8PI08526 33 N. Fort Harrison Avenue
8P108530 Clearwater Mattress Facto /500 S. M rtle Avenue
8P108531 311 S. Osceola Avenue
8P108532 305 S. Osceola Avenue
8P108533 530 Park Street
8PI08548 Dou las Manufacturin Com an /714 Cieveland Street
8P108549 708 Chestnut Street
8P108558 623-25-27 Cleveland Street
8P108560 Clearwater Fire De artment/101 N. Garden Avenue
8PI08562 639 Chestnut Street
' Janus Research 24
'
'
'
,
1
'
�
'
'
,
1
�
u
,
'
Ciry of Clearwater Planning and Eligibility Study
Historic Resource Reconnaissance Survey of the Downtown Core
Mav 2005
RESULTS
The Historic Resource Reconnaissance Survey of the Downtown Core was conducted in
March and April 2004. It should be noted that the findings in this report are based on Janus
Research's professional and objective evaluations at the reconnaissance level and the
established NRHP criteria and the City's Development Code. However, formal NRHP
determinations or NRHP listings would need to be coordinated with the DHR staff.
Additionally, local designations must follow the process outlined in the City's Development
Code.
'This investigation identified the significant historic resources within the project area. The
literature review and FMSF search identified 91 previously recorded historic resources in the
defined Downtown Core project area. Two of these previously recorded resources are
currently listed in the NRHP, the Cleveland Street Post Office, 650 Cleveland Street
(8PI00317), and the Old Pinellas County Courthouse, 315 Court Street (8PI01894). Although
these two buildings are not currently listed by the City of Clearwater, they are considered
eligible for local designation.
In the Downtown Core, an additional six resources recorded during previous cultural
resources assessments were determined by the SHPO to be eligible for listing in the NRHP.
Following the current reconnaissance survey and coordination with Dr. W. Carl Shiver,
Historic Sites Specialist with the Florida DHR, one building still appears eligible for
inclusion in the NRHP, Peace Memorial Presbyterian Church, ll 0 S. Fort Harrison Avenue
(8PI08024). Although this building is not currently listed by the City of Clearwater, it is also
considered eligible for local designation. Four of the initial six potentially NRHP-eligible
resources, the Coachman Building, 503 Cleveland Street (8PI00860), Guaranty Title and
Trust Building, 411 Cleveland Street (8PI02255), Calvary Baptist Church, 331 Cleveland
Street (8PI02251}, and Fort Harrison Hotel, 210 S. Fort Harrison Avenue (8PI08023), have
been altered to such a degree that they no longer meet the strict significance criteria and
integrity aspects for the NRHP established by the National Park Service. Consequently, they
are not currently considered eligible far listing in the NRHP, but they are considered
potentially eligible for designation at the local level by the City of Clearwater. One of the six
potentially NRHP-eligible resources, Haven Street House, 400 Pierce Boulevard (8PI8022),
is no longer extant.
Two historic resources, the Clearwater Masonic Lodge 127, 408 S. Garden Avenue
(8PI08426), and the Bank of Clearwater Building, 500 Cleveland Street (8PI02262), are
potentially eligible far local designation only.
, The locations of the individually significant resources are demarcated on the map found in
Figure 2. A summary of these findings is found in Table 3. Photographs and brief
descriptions of the resources follow.
'
,
' Janus Research 25
'
,
,
'
'
,
'
'
'
,
,
'
'
,
�
l�
' ,.__ . _.._.._.......— .:m
m' O
D�
Ciry of Clearwater Planning and Eligibiliry Study
Historic Resource Reconnaissance Survey of the Downtown Core
May 2005
� :. _.. __.
' id
( � i .._ _ _ � _..._ �� � ---...._
, . .... ._._ H e ic s e
_.
€ . ..._..._ e
nd r k Sho t
. ..... ..._� ..�. i � ___.__.__._�...
i
f'- f \� . �
� ...
�
\ I
� �.. �.... � ... ti
I I"� � "_�-- - '.
�_ �, �.._ � ___.. _— '---..
_
� Laura Street �-- �' i ; \ � Laura Street
i. ..._.._� . _ .
l � ....._ _.
i � � ___
_._. �
� : ......... _ .. .. ____ �
� � � ,....
( ___ : � �;� ;
' . _.._.._....._( �_ ' , � .
, ._' - r .- ...... ; � � -- -
i��, ...._ ---- . ....
i l
7 � (
..... i_ . � ....._.. ' �_ ..-._._.. _ _. �G ' - — : i........ ..._.... r �
. 50�3 Gieveland Street 650
_411._ � _ , — __, ,
r. ___ � �. �...___,_ �
i
I � I i I � !
� ;, 1
._
_ , ;.
-- �, __ _ , —
� ,
� j: j � � ` j �
: t �
o _ . � _._ _ ,__ _ _ � �.: __
m i ; ( . . ...... .'�. Park Street ........... . .
o,
d-- '--_ __ .m . --- -____.r- . _.........
�
. ,._. .....-- -
D .. - � .V/ 1 �
O � ;
f I� : 1 I
; E . :�-_. . i _. _. :
. . I �.� �.. . .. � I
�.: .. ��.:__. ..._. �II . 1 ____ ...
7 � I i
� N ' I
r .
PierceSVeet ..._..`�_.,_._1... ..__.._...-�_.�......_. �
_.... .
._ ___ ...............
; . � Pierce SVeet �����
O_... __.__. ....
_ l_ 3 r_
N
� �
� o , ; : _.__'_
; t I
, . , I... ._._..
! - : s i
� i
r �^ �
� 6 �...... '
1_ _ . . ........ ._._.... _ _ �._._� :....
: : � � ..............
.__ _ _ � ............. . Frankbn Street .. .... ..
. I a ..__. _- � �""""'"'" _�� .......... ......
.., � N i : t '.,
��. � : i �'.; . � i � � '�.
;.... _ :. ...___.._...... � d : :
� � --- � a ' �
� i �
i � ' �- � � ��
_
D f '
� � � : ..... m j :. ._ .... ___r_ _....____...........
�
. ,__ ___-'____ ....__.... : E I '
�� �� CourtStreet � � "�. - � �-�- �€ �
I
I �� i
� ._� .. _i , � �
� �
c , ,� �
m y
. . �, : m N \ `•.,,
'�. : . ........
�. : M 4.. __... __._.__ ..................
� ___:
� �� ----- ��Markley5treet
� i '
m
0
v
.. .... `.�� � . �.... Chesfiut Avenue .....
�N� _... _ _
Roqers St
0 0.02 0.04 0.08 0.12 �'�Miles .. '�..
Legend
- NRHP-Listed and Locally Eligible
Locally and NRHP-Eligible
� Locally Eligible
, Figure 2: Individually Eligible Resources Identified During the
Historic Resource Reconnaissance Survey of the Downtown
Core
,
' Janus Research 26
'
'
�
'
'
LJ
CI'
1
u
'
'
'
,
'
'
�
'
,
City of Clearwater Planning and Eligibiliry Study
Historic Resource Reconnaissance Survey of the Downtown Core
Mav 2005
Table 3. Individually Eligible Resources Identified During the Historic Resource
Reconnaissance Surve of the Downtown Core
�N��� � ,y� � ��. ' -�, � � �� " ,. ; ,
� . . ;;
' �i(c� �r.....�:_._..: i �. ±�IA�ddr��� :.,� :; �fa�� ,:.. �� t�:. .� .;,..,
Cleveland Street Post Office/650 NRHP-Listed and
8PI00317 Cleveland Street Locall Eli ible Individual Resource
Old Pinellas County NRHP-Listed and
8P101894 Courthouse/315 Court Street Locall Eli ible Individual Resource
Peace Memorial Presbyterian
Church/110 S. Fort Harrison NRHP and
8PI08024 Avenue Locall Eli ible Individual Resource
Coachman Building/503 Cleveland
8P100860 Street Locall Eli ible Individual Resource
Calvary Baptist Church/331
8PI02251 Cleveland Street Locall Eli ible Individual Resource
Guaranty Title and Trust
8P102255 Buildin /411 Cleveland Street Locall Eli ible Individual Resource
Bank of Clearwater Building/500
8P102262 Cleveland Street Locall Eli ible Individual Resource
Fort Harrison Notel/210 S. Fort
8P108023 Harrison Avenue Locall Eli ible Individual Resource
Clearwater Masonic Lodge 127/408
8P108426 S. Garden Avenue Locall Eli ible Individual Resource
, Janus Research 27
Ciry of Clearwater Planning and Eligibility Study
Historic Resource Reconnaissance Survey of the Downtown Core
Mav 2005
Individual Resources Currently Listed in the NRHP
Figure 3: Cleveland Street Post Of�ce, 650 Cleveland Street,
Facing Northeast.
Figure 4: Cleveland Street Post Officc, 650 Cleveland �Ircct, c.
1933, Facing Northwest. From Clearwater, A Pictorial History.
Janus Research Zg
'
'
'
'
'
'
'
�
'
'
'
'
'
'
'
'
'
'
'
City of Clearwater Planning and Eligibiliry Study
Historic Resource Reconnaissance Survey of the Downtown Core
Mav 2005
8PI00317 Cleveland Street Post Office, 650 Cleveland Street
The two-story Cleveland Street Post Office, designed by Theodore H. Skinner, was built and
dedicated in 1933. This Mediterranean Revival style building was commissioned by the
Federal government. Both the south and east facades feature seven bays. The five central
bays on the east fa�ade are arched windows, while the five central bays on the south fa�ade
create an arched entrance arcade. The arches are repeated on the second story in smaller
windows grouped in sets of three. This masonry building is clad in limestone and topped by a
hipped barrel-tile roof. This building is currently listed in the NRHP and is considered
eligible for local designation.
Janus Research
29
Ciry of Clearwater Planning and Eligibility Study
Historic Resource Reconnaissance Survey of the Downtown Core
May 2005
Figure 5: Old Pinellas County Courthouse, 315 Court Street,
Facing West.
Figure 6: Old Pinellas County Courthouse, 315 Court Street, c.
1945, Facing West. Courtesy of the Florida Photographic
Collection.
I' Janus Research 30
,
'
City of Clearwater Planning and Eligibility Study
Historic Resource Reconnaissance Survey of the Downtown Core
Mav 2005
8PI01894 Old Pinellas Countv Courthouse, 315 Court Street
' The Old Pinellas County Courthouse was designed by Francis J. Kennard. This two-story
Classical Revival building was constructed in 1917, and two wings were added in 1924 and
' 1926. This building replaced the original temporary wood frame courthouse that was built in
1912, when Clearwater became the seat of the Pinellas County government. One of the piers
flanking the full-fa�ade limestone entrance steps is carved with the date "1917." The
, limestone entablature on the east fa�ade is supported by four two-story Ionic columns. The
frieze reads, "Pinellas County Court House." A dentil course runs under the cornice. The
remainder of the fa�ade is clad in brick. The one-over-one wood sash windows are topped
' with transom windows and flat concrete lentils. A stepped brick and limestone parapet
conceals the flat roof. This building is currently listed in the NRHP and is considered eligible
for local historic designation.
'
'
'
'
�
'
'
,
,
'
'
'
' Janus Research 31
Ciry of Clearwater Planning and Eligibiliry Study
Historic Resource Reconnaissance Survey of the Downtown Core
Mav 2005
Individual Resources Determined Eligible for Inclusion in the NRHP
Figure 7: Peace Memorial Presbyterian Church, 110 S. Fort
Harrison Avenue, Facing Northwest.
�;
� �
�,
� . ..
�-°. �._�
�.�
�; �.
���
�� .
� , :: \ ,,; 5 .�;
f �,
�r.
��
� _;
%,�;,,.
nY
� � �>.
�4°
�a3
'— - . .. ...�u ��ft�s�' .�'gy'P''m�r_ �p� �'y ga
� �a � ' � ii
� �1.� r
`� � � . .
� <..
Figure 8: Peace Memorial Presbyterian Church, ll0 S. Fort
Harrison Avenue, c. 1921, Facing Northwest. From Images of
America: Clearwater.
.Ianus Research 32
,
'
'
,
'
'
'
,
,
'
,
'
1
,
,
�
'
,
�
8PI08024
City of Clearwater Planning and Eligibiliry Study
Historic Resource Reconnaissance Survey of the Downtown Core
Mav 2005
Peace Memorial Presbvterian Church. 110 S. Fort Harrison Avenue
The two-story Mediterranean Revival Peace Memorial Presbyterian Church building was
completed in 1923. At that time, the church was known as First Presbyterian Church of
Clearwater. The church was founded as Clearwater Presbyterian Church in 1891, and it
became Peace Memorial Presbyterian Church in 1924. The exterior of this building is clad in
stucco. All of the fa�ades feature gable-shaped parapets, which partially conceal the cross-
gabled roof. An arched entrance arcade runs along both the east and south sides of the
irregular L-shaped plan. A six-story bell tower, highly decorated and topped by a dome, is
found just south of the center of the L. Peace Memorial Presbyterian Church features over 70
stained glass windows. The arched stained glass windows in the north and south transepts are
signed by Louis Comfort Tiffany. Other decorative elements include Neoclassical pilasters
topped by scuppers, corbelled masonry sills, arched lintels, finials, spiral columns, bas-relief
garlands, and exposed rafter tails. This building is considered eligible for local historic
designation and was previously determined eligible for listing in the NRHP.
Janus Research 33
City of Clearwater Planning and Eligibility Study
Historic Resource Reconnaissance Survey of the Downtown Core
Mav 2005
Individual Resources Considered Potentially Eligible for Local Designation
'
,
� Jan�us Research
Figure 9: Coachman Building, 503 Cleveland Street, Facing
Southeast.
Figure 10: Coachman Building, 503 Cleveland Street, c. 1920,
Facing Southeast. On display at 503 Cleveland Street.
34
1
'
'
,
,
'
'
'
�
'
'
'
'
'
,
�J
,
,
'
City of Clearwater Planning and Eligibility Study
Historic Resource Reconnaissance Survey of the Downtown Core
Mav 2005
SPI00860 Coachman Buildin�, 503 Cleveland Street
At the time of its construction in 1917, the Coachman Building was the only five-story brick
commercial building in Pinellas County. S.S. Coachman, the owner of Coachman and Sons
General Merchandise Store, was a citrus rancher as well as a leader in the movement to
create an independent Pinellas County. The north fa�ade is three bays wide, and the west
fa�ade contains five bays. The original storefronts along these fa�ades have been replaced.
The existing storefronts are currently designed to match those found on the adjacent
McCrory's building. The second through fourth floors make up the shaft of this Commercial
style building. The fourth and fifth floors are separated by a dentil course. Grouped arched
windows mark the fifth floor, which is topped by an ornamented parapet concealing the flat
roof. Other alterations to this historic resource include a non-historic five-story addition on
the south end and the construction of a non-historic atrium that attaches this building to the
adjacent McCrory's building. These additions have significantly enlarged the Coachman
Building. In order for a building to meet NRHP eligibility criteria, the physical appearance of
the building must convey the historic period. The alterations to the character defining
elements and the modern additions have impacted the historic physical integrity to the extent
that the historic period is no longer clear. Therefore, this building can no longer meet the
NRHP eligibility criteria. This determination was made following consultation with Dr. W.
Carl Shiver, Historic Sites Specialist with DHR. However, enough of the historic character of
this resource remains to consider it eligible for local historic designation.
Janus Research 35
Ciry of Clearwater Planning and Eligibiliry Study
Historic Resource Reconnaissance Survey of the Downtown Core
Mav 2005
Figure 11: Calvary Baptist Church, 331 Cleveland Street,
Facing Southwest.
� ,``Q
�F
�p�+` � .
� 'i./� �'^�� � i 9 Y .
��
/
Rj
.';y �, � .> ' i I� ��..
w �.?! "� � y ���' s.; a . �d�q
»� '�'�. �s� �.
,�
i�
.. ��f Il��llillill ....�li p
�jiill I �I II III
�II I V��, ,.. '°+
o . .. ., - : . : �.
x �
��a° m� ,.� ..�� . = a
Figure 12: Calvary Baptist Church, 331 Cleveland Street,
c.1924, Facing Southwest. From Images of America:
Clearwater.
Janus Resec�rch 36
'
'
'
'
'
'
u
'
l__J
'
'
'
,
'
,
'
'
,
'
City of Clearwater Planning and Eligibility Study
Historic Resource Reconnaissance Survey of the Downtown Core
May 2005
8PI02251 Calvarv Baatist Church, 331 Cleveland Street
The Calvary Baptist Church building was constructed in 1926 in the Mediterranean Revival
style. The church was originally founded in 1866 as the Midway Baptist Church. 'This two-
story brick building features an irregular plan topped by cross-gabled and hipped roofs,
which are covered in barrel tile. The three-bay entrance porch on the east side features arched
openings topped by a hipped roof. The three-bay entrance arcade on the north fa�ade appears
to have been enclosed. Arched windows and doorways are repeated along the fa�ade on the
first story. A three-story octagonal dome is found at the center of the building. Arched
windows are found in sets of three on each side of the dome. A modern addition is found to
the west. This addition has significantly enlarged the Calvary Baptist Church. In order for a
building to meet NRHP eligibility criteria, the physical appearance of the building must
convey the historic period. The alterations to the character defining elements and the modern
addition have impacted the historic physical integrity to the extent that the historic period is
no longer clear. Therefore, this building can no longer meet the NRHP eligibility criteria.
This determination was made following consultation with Dr. W. Carl Shiver, Historic Sites
Specialist with DHR. However, enough of the historic character of this resource remains to
consider it eligible for local historic designation.
Janus Research 37
City of Clearwater Planning and Eligibility Study
Historic Resource Reconnaissance Survey of the Downtown Core
Mav 2005
Figure 13: Guaranty Title and Trust Building, 411 Cleveland
Street, Facing South.
�
.�
� ; ,.• . :,.:�.� ,..� �� .
Figure 14: Guaranty Title and Trust Building, 411 Cleveland
Street, c. 1935, Facing South. From Images of America:
Clearwater.
Jc�nus Research 3 8
City of Clearwater Planning and Eligibiliry Study
Historic Resource Reconnaissance Survey of the Downtown Core
Mav 2005
8PI02255 Guarantv Title and Trust Building, 411 Cleveland Street
This two-story masonry building was constructed circa 1925 in the Greek Revival style. The
full-farade entrance porch on the north side features four Tuscan columns that support an
entablature with a dentilled cornice. Original cast concrete garlands are present below the
building cornice at the ends of the fa�ade. Originally a bank, this building has also housed the
Clearwater Chamber of Commerce and now serves as a retail store. The windows behind the
columns, the original entrance, and the frieze have been replaced since the 1950s. A canvas
awning recently has been added over the entrance. The alterations have impacted the historic
physical integrity to the extent that this building can no longer meet the NRHP eligibility
criteria. This determination was made following consultation with Dr. W. Carl Shiver,
Historic Sites Specialist with DHR. However, enough of the historic character of this
resource remains to consider it eligible for local historic designation.
Janus Research 39
Ciry of Clearwater Planning and Eligibility Study
Historic Resource Reconnaissance Survey of the Downtown Core
Mav 2005
Figure 15: Bank of Clearwater Building, 500 Cleveland Street,
Facing North.
Figure 16: Bank of Clearwater Building, 500 Cleveland Street,
c. 1922, Facing Northeast. Courtesy of the Florida Photographic
Collection.
Janus Research 40
'
'
'
,
1
'
1
�
'
�
'
C��
,
�
'
'
'
�
1
'
City of Clearwater Planning and Eligibility Study
Historic Resource Reconnaissance Survey of the Downtown Core
Mav 2005
8PI02262 Bank of Clearwater Buildin�, 500 Cleveland Street
The two-story 1918 Bank of Clearwater Building was built in the Greek Revival style. The
addition on the east end was added by 1922. The building adjacent to the north was attached
internally to the Bank of Clearwater Building in 1929. Presently, the two buildings further to
the north have are also attached to the Bank of Clearwater Building. The building is clad in
brick and features four-over-four single-hung wood sash windows topped by single-pane
transom windows. The limestone entablature on the south fa�ade is supported by two two-
story Roman Doric columns. 'The carved frieze, which originally read "Bank of Clearwater"
now reads "Church of Scientology." Triglyphs and decorative metopes are also found in the
frieze. A dentil course runs underneath the cornice. The limestone and brick parapet conceals
a flat roof. The parapet is accented with a circular bas-relief Scientology symbol, which
replaced the original oval-shaped cartouche. The additions have significantly enlarged the
Bank of Clearwater Building. In order for a building to meet NRHP eligibility criteria, the
physical appearance of the building must convey the historic period. The alterations to the
character defining elements and the modern additions have impacted the historic physical
integrity to the extent that the historic period is no longer clear. Therefore, this building can
no longer meet the NRHP eligibility criteria. The alterations and massing changes have
impacted the historic physical integrity to the extent that this building can no longer meet the
NRHP eligibility criteria. This determination was made following consultation with Dr. W.
Carl Shiver, Historic Sites Specialist with DHR. However, enough of the historic character of
this resource remains to consider it potentially eligible for local historic designation.
Janus Research 41
Ciry of Clearwater Planning and Eligibiliry Study
Historic Resource Reconnaissance Survey of the Downtown Core
May 2005
� � � � �,�
� > � , �� -�i � �
�e k` , � ����;
� � � � � ���� � �� ���.
� � � � �� � � ���� �����
���°�� � � � � � t�.
����? �, � � � � � �t- �
,� �
��� � �- � � � � � � ��,.
t �� � �� � � � �
�' t� � � � � ���
�� ������ � �� �
` # � � `�
�
tr1�������`� '�
,���� � ��° � � � ��
��
� �-�� w � � � � � � � .� �- �
Figure 17: Fort Harrison Hotel, 210 S. Fort Harrison Avenue,
Facing Southwest.
Figure 18: Fort Harrison Hotel, 210 S. Fort Harrison Avenue,
c. 1925, Facing Southwest. From Images of America: Clearwater.
Janus Research 42
�
��
,
'
LJ
,
'
,
'
'
,
L_.l
,
'
'
'
lJ
'
'
L
�
Ciry of Clearwater Planning and Eligibiliry Study
Historic Resource Reconnaissance Survey of the Downtown Core
May 2005
8PI08023 Fort Harrison Hotel. 210 S. Fort Harrison Avenue
The Fort Harrison Hotel, developed by Ed Haley and designed by Robert F. Smallwood, was
completed in 1926. It was the first luxury hotel in Clearwater, featuring a formal ballroom
and rooftop gardens. During World War II, the hotel housed the 588th Army Airborne
Squadron. The mezzanine was expanded, and an auditorium and 85 additional guest rooms
were added by 1955 (Flag Service Organization 2003). The east fa�ade consists of 19 bays.
The central 11 bays are 11 stories high and capped by a hipped roof. The four outer bays on
the north end are nine stories high and topped by a flat roof. The four outer bays on the south
end are 11 stories high, although the top two floors are stepped back from the east fa�ade.
Pilasters are found between the bays on the first two projecting stories. Arched windows on
the mezzanine imitate those found at that level before it was expanded. Masonry quoins are
located at the corners and in between the fourth and fifth bays and the fifteenth and sixteenth
bays. Pilasters terminating in cartouches also separate the central 11 bays on the top two
floors. Cast masonry rafter tails run below the roofline. A skywalk has been added recently to
the center bay at the third story, connecting the Fort Harrison Hotel to a modern building
across S. Fort Harrison Avenue. This addition destroyed the building's main entrance.
Additionally, the first floor storefronts and all the windows have been modified and historic
balconies have been removed. In order for a building to meet NRHP eligibility criteria, the
physical appearance of the building must convey the historic period. The alterations to the
character defining elements and the modern additions have impacted the historic physical
integrity to the extent that the historic period is no longer clear. Therefore, this building can
no longer meet the NRHP eligibility criteria. The alterations and massing changes have
impacted the historic physical integrity to the extent that this building can no longer meet the
NRHP eligibility criteria. This determination was made following consultation with Dr. W.
Carl Shiver, Historic Sites Specialist with DHR. However, enough of the historic character of
this resource remains to consider it potentially eligible for local historic designation.
Janus Research 43
Ciry of Clearwater Planning and Eligibility Study
Historic Resource Reconnaissance Survey of the Downtown Core
May 2005
Figure 19: Clearwater Masonic Lodge 127, 408 S. Garden
Avenue, Facing Northwest.
8PI08426 Clearwater Masonic Lodge 127, 408 S. Garden Avenue
The three-story Greek Revival style Clearwater Masonic Lodge 127 was built in 1927. The
full-fa�ade limestone entablature on the east fa�ade is supported by two two-story Ionic
columns, which flank the central bay of this three-bay fa�ade. A dentil course runs under the
cornice. The remainder of the fa�ade is clad in brick. Two small wings, found on the north
and south ends of the building, are topped by stuccoed entablatures. A second-story parch on
the north wing is supported by four Ionic columns. One-over-one single-hung wood sash
windows feature masonry sills and lintels with keystones. This building exhibits some
additions and modifications; however, it is considered potentially eligible for local historic
designation.
.Ianus Research 44
'
CI
LI
'
1
,
'
'
1
lJ
'
'
,
'
�
'
'
'
'
Ciry of Clearwater Planning and Eligibiliry Study
Historic Resource Reconnaissance Survey of the Downtown Core
Mav 2005
Historic District Evaluation
During this current reconnaissance survey, the Downtown Core was evaluated for the
potential existence of a historic district. Historic districts typically encompass a contiguous
area of land containing a significant concentration of historic buildings, sites, structures, and
objects that make up the district. Historic districts draw their identity from the shared
characteristics of the resources they contain. Districts are distinct geographic areas that can
be differentiated from their surroundings and that exhibit a clear visual boundary. Boundaries
can be determined where changes occur in density, scale, resource type, and architectural
style, or by differences in patterns of historical development and association.
Each of the buildings 50 years of age or older identified in the Downtown Core was
considered for its potential to contribute to a historic district. The DHR generally
recommends a concentration of contributing resources within a historic district of 50 percent
or better, but 60 percent is preferred. Contributing resources add to the character of the
historic district by independently meeting NRHP-eligibility criteria or retaining a sufficient
degree of their historic physical integrity and representing the period of historic significance.
Buildings with extant original architectural details and materials, such as windows,
fenestration patterns, siding, and rooflines, are considered to retain their historic physical
integrity. The majority of historic buildings in the Downtown Core have been altered to some
extent. Severe alterations, including the replacement and alteration of historic materials,
architectural elements, fenestration patterns, and entire facades, destroy the historic physical
integrity, and thus, the character of the buildings. Buildings with historic dates of
construction are considered non-contributing when they exhibit extensive alterations that
prevent them from conveying their historic character. Non-contributing resources may also
have been constructed after the period of historic significance.
At this time, it is difficult to say that there is a defensible historic district within the
Downtown Core. This determination was made following the reconnaissance survey and
coordination with Dr. W. Carl Shiver, Historic Sites Specialist with the Florida DHR, and
Ellen J. Uguccioni, member of the Florida National Register Review Board, a committee of
the Florida Historical Commission. This was also documented in 1998 as part of ACI's
Clearwater Historic Preservation Survey and Planning Project: Clearwater Central
Business District and the Old Clearwater Bay Neighborhood. While much of the historic
scale, feeling, and development pattern in the Downtown Care is still apparent, the bulk of
the individual resources within the area do not retain sufficient integrity to constitute a
historic district.
The majority of historic resources in the Downtown Core date from 1910 through 1949, the
years that saw the most extensive commercial development in downtown Clearwater. These
years encompass the rebuilding of the downtown after the 1910 fire, the 1920s Land Boom,
and the years of growth and development after World War II. The historic resources in the
Downtown Core solidly exhibit this development pattern and the dynamic history of
downtown Clearwater. Several of the buildings have important known historical associations.
These resources include, but are certainly not limited to, the Bay View Building, home of the
early Bay View Hotel; the first Clearwater Fire Department; the Padgett Building, which
Janus Research 45
C��
1
Ciry of Clearwater Planning and Eligibiliry Study
Historic Resource Reconnaissance Survey of the Downtown Core
Mav 2005
housed the Peninsular Telephone Company on the second floor; the Exchange Building, the
' home of the Clearwater Sun newspaper; and the Royalty Theatre Company, originally a
movie house known as the Capitol Theatre. The presence of these resources with strong
historical associations provide a persuasive justification for a locally and NRHP-eligible
' historic district in the Downtown Core under Criterion A of the National Register Criteria for
Evaluation.
'
'
'
'
'
'
'
'
'
,
,
'
'
'
'
A number of individual buildings located within the Downtown Core have been identified for
independent local designation and/or inclusion in the NRHP. While the designation and
recognition of these resources can be a first priority, the next priority would be to encourage
the appropriate rehabilitation and/or restoration of other historic buildings within the
Downtown Core. The rehabilitation and/or fa�ade restorations of downtown buildings,
according to the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation and local Design
Guidelines, could assist in reestablishing eligibility for local designation or inclusion in the
NRHP on an individual basis or as part of the historic district. Most importantly, sensitive
rehabilitation and/or restoration activities would assist the City's efforts to revitalize the
historic and present "heart" of Clearwater.
As part of this study, several historic buildings that have been insensitively modified but
could be appropriately "brought back" to their original appearance have been identified.
Buildings that have had extensive modifications, including the removal of upper stories such
as the building at 415 Cleveland Street, were not included. A similar evaluation was also
undertaken during the 1998 Clearwater Historic Preservation Survey and Planning Project.•
Clearwater Central Business District and the Old Clearwater Bay Neighborhood. Buildings
that could be improved in order to gain contributing status within a historic district have been
identified; and individual buildings that could undergo rehabilitation and/or restoration in
order to reestablish their architectural significance and independent NRHP eligibility were
also noted. These buildings would require an evaluation by a professional architect or
structural engineer to ascertain the feasibility of their rehabilitation. These buildings are
listed in Table 4. Eight representative resources of this type, aside from the individually
eligible resources discussed above, are also featured in the following photogaphs and
narratives.
Table 4. Resources Featurin Reversible Alterations in the Downtown Core
,
n" � , : � s3��p9� T3 .: ���/� .: /m�t* / � ii 1� �� /i �� ,�y3 5 � �W :
� ......'� I :• � - "2�� 3 - %��t� 3 -%��. � �4,�.,; �/i5 : � ��.'
; N�u1'�'� '+�'�, ,,, ,,,: ''�i�� �t���t��+��.f, ,, � ,CT��'�I!�.• ' ; � � ,,, :; ���tt� � ��,>' S,
Individually Locally Eligible; NRHP-
Coachman Building/503 Cleveland Eligible Pending Rehabilitation;
8P100860 Street 1917 Contributin to Potential District
Calvary Baptist Church/331 Individually Locally Eligible; NRHP-
8PI02251 Cleveland Street 1926 Eli ible Pendin Rehabilitation
Individually Locally Eligible; NRHP-
Guaranty Title and Trust Building/411 Eligible Pending Rehabilitation;
8PI02255 Cleveland Street c.1925 Contributin to Potential District
Individually Locally Eligible; NRHP-
Bank of Clearwater Building/500 Eligible Pending Rehabilitation;
8P102262 Cleveland Street 1918 Contributin to Potential District
Janus Research 46
'
'
'
City of Clearwater Planning and Eligibility Study
Historic Resource Reconnaissance Survey of the Downtown Core
Mav 2005
// „.,. f i�3 '. � 3�� 333i� j 3 / � %�j//�' 3lL 3 3 3 � 3 �
t ..; Y �� I �i � � � � � � � i � p�/�// ������ � j �3 ��3�s�a i ,�//1
,.. ' ,'. � a%F.',� �� ari � �ii �aza �, ��<� _ � , , . '�:. �'C'+�„1�.,�r". . ..''s ..,..
��; y�. - ,. .: - ... i s
, ij� ' , .�?:+,4", ii,�' � ;:'. � ���ii�: "�� ,,,,, ,z� . .3,ui - - �, f✓ i;. � __ :,
Fort Harrison Hotel/210 S. Fort Individually Locally Eligible; NRHP-
8PI08023 Harrison Avenue 1926 Eli ible Pendin Rehabilitation
Clearwater Masonic Lodge 127/408 Individually Locally Eligible; NRHP-
8P108426 S. Garden Avenue 1927 Eli ible Pendin Rehabilitation
The Exchange Building/ 401 Contributing to Potential District
8P102252 Cleveland Street c.1915 Pendin Rehabilitation
Royalty Theatre Company/ 405 Contributing to Potential District
8P102253 Cleveland Street c.1920 Pendin Rehabilitation
Contributing to Potential District
8P102254 409 Cleveland Street c.1924 Pendin Rehabilitation
Bay View Building/ 410-414 Contributing to Potential District
8P102256 Cleveland Street 1911 Pendin Rehabilitation
Contributing to Potential District
8PI02256 416-418 Cleveland Street c.1911 Pendin Rehabilitation
Contributing to Potential District
8PI02257 413 Cleveland Street c.1926 Pendin Rehabilitation
The Colony Arcade/ 421-423 Contributing to Potential District
8PI02259 Cleveland Street 1911 Pendin Rehabilitation
Peoples Bank Building/ 430-432 Contributing to Potential District
8P102261 Cleveland Street c.1910 Pendin Rehabilitation
Contributing to Potential District
8P102265 529-533 Cleveland Street c.1916 Pendin Rehabilitation
Padgett Building/ 534 Cleveland Contributing to Potential District
8P102266 Street c.1915 Pendin Rehabilitation
Contributing to Potential District
8PI02270 635 Cleveland Street c.1940 Pendin Rehabilitation
Contributing to Potential District
8P102271 645-649 Cleveland Street c.1952 Pendin Rehabilitation
Contributing to Potential District
8PI02272 701-707 Cleveland Street c.1925 Pendin Rehabilitation
Mason Arcade Building/ 16-20 N. Fort Contributing to Potential District
8PI08490 Harrison Avenue c.1923 Pendin Rehabilitation
Contributing to Potential District
8P108493 29 N. Fort Harrison Avenue 1911 Pendin Rehabilitation
Contributing to Potential District
N/A 34 N. Fort Harrison Avenue c.1925 Pendin Rehabilitation
Contributing to Potential District
N/A 528-530 Cleveland Street c.1915 Pendin Rehabilitation
Jackson Building/ Brown Brothers Contributing to Potential District
N/A Buildin / 615 Cleveland Street c.1928 Pendin Rehabilitation
Contributing to Potential District
N/A 425-429 Cleveland Street c.1929 Pendin Rehabilitation
Contributing to Potential District
N/A 629-633 Cleveland Street c.1950 Pendin Rehabilitation
Contributing to Potential District
N/A 623-627 Cleveland Street c.1945 Pendin Rehabilitation
Eleven buildings were identified that could contribute in their present condition to a historic
district. However, these 11 buildings do not constitute a sufficient concentration of resources
contributing to a historic district. Figure 20 shows the location of the contributing resources
Janus Research
47
'
�
City of Clearwater Planning and Eligibility Study
Historic Resource Reconnaissance Survey of the Downtown Core
Mav 2005
and the buildings that could be contributing, pending rehabilitation, to a historic district. The
' status of each resource was determined based on a visual evaluation of the building's present
architectural style and its appearance in historic photographs, when available. These
resources are listed in Table 5.
' ______ . _ , , ,
� �' !
�
� �
'
'
'
'
'
'
'
,
'
'
1
'
Laura Stree[ �.
_...—__ Y
��
�. � d
_ �
���,� �
� � � _ '.�
. . <1D6 dt&5 .. d ...
qp a i 3 �_ss �ai
�A� �� ��� ��� �
I i
N� �
0�O
....._____
m____.__... _
D1
�i
mi i
i
,. . I ............... . ..:
Pierce Street
�
�_ , ,_ ; _._ .
�
, i ;'
' ' i __ �
Drew Street
.. ._....,,
i
z �
o f
� ;
2 '__.__..__;.
� t
0'
a'', '
� ' �
m:�
� ..............�
� �" ,,''� �
�
�
�
500 .........
- ��"�
5?L30 SN
; Laura Street -
_ _ ___ _ _
�_ ! i
i_....�j
� !
,
i I I
� �
�� �
� �_ _ :_ .
. . ....' 620 650 �
Cleveland Slreel '
503 50AtI 519 ......... 539 .... 631J 63933 635 6�59 . �0 )
� � � �� � � � . ................
; .. ..... �� . .� � fc�� � � �� �
I , i � ., �......... .._.� . �i
, I I
,''.� � ''., � �' � ;
'� ._ ................ ! .,, : i
_._.._ .. ...... ......... I i.........._.._....
ParkSheet -� -
........ _...___ . .......... . ._.__ ..._._.._...
,, .... __ i __. .
I �� � �
� (
_ , I : i
' i � i
; , �'': D :_. � .i � � i
. . � �,__._..
��, ���, � ��:
� (
m �
�
.. . __ .....__ .._. __ .,....... ......._.
� Pierce Street ��
0 0.015 0.03 0.06 0.09 0.12.
Miles
Legend
_ ' : . Contributing Resource
��� Contri6uting Resource if Rehabilitated
Franklm Stieet � �'�, Non-Contributing Resource
I
Figure 20: Contributing Resources and Resources that could
be Contributing, Pending Rehabilitation, to a Potential
Downtown Historic District.
' Janus Research 48
1
'
'
t
'
'
'
'
'
'
1
'
'
'
,
'
'
'
City of Clearwater Planning and Eligibility Study
Historic Resource Reconnaissance Survey of the Downtown Core
Mav 2005
Table 5. Resources Gontributin to a Potential liistoric Uistrict 1n tneir Nresent cond�tion
� �
� � �
� . , � ��,�- ''����'� � � �
..f G '' .. ,., , ' ;
; ,,,,,,,, , �. ,. . .' ���e..�Ca . � ,� �lr�� � �, ;, �, .; - B�[�t� : . _..: ' �__ ��t�S' ',
NRHP-Listed; Individually Locally
Cleveland Street Post Office/650 Eligible; Contributing to Potential
8P100317 Cleveland Street 1933 District
Individually Locally Eligible;
NRHP-Eligible Pending
Coachman Building/503 Cleveland Rehabilitation; Contributing to
8P100860 Street 1917 Potential District
Individually Locally Eligible;
NRHP-Eligible Pending
Guaranty Title and Trust Building/411 Rehabilitation; Contributing to
8PI02255 Cleveland Street c.1925 Potential District
Weisman Building/431 Cleveland
8PI02260 Street c.1911 Contributin to Potential District
Individually Locally Eligible;
NRHP-Eligible Pending
Bank of Clearwater Building/500 Rehabilitation; Contributing to
8P102262 Cleveland Street 1918 Potential District
8P102263 519 Cleveland Street c.1930 Contributin to Potential District
The Ritz Theater/22 N. Fort Harrison
8P108491 Avenue c.1924 Contributin to Potential District
8P108492 24-28 N. Fort Harrison Avenue c.1924 Contributin to Potential District
White Stage Arcade/36-38 N. Fort
8PI08494 Harrison Avenue c.1925 Contributin to Potential District
N/A 509-513 Cleveland Street c.1940 Contributin to Potential District
N/A 628 Cleveland Street c.1910 Contributin to Potential District
' Janus Research 49
City of Clearwater Planning and Eligibiliry Study
Historic Resource Reconnaissance Survey of the Downtown Core
Mav 2005
Figure 21: The Exchange Building, 401 Cleveland Street,
Facing Southeast.
8PI02252 The Exchange Buildin�, 401 Cleveland Street
The two-story Exchange Building, the original home of the Clearwater Sun newspaper, was
constructed circa 1915. This building features one bay on its north fa�ade and five bays on its
west fa�ade. The bays contain grouped fixed arched windows. Dome-shaped awnings cap the
second-story bays, which contain the historic one-over-one wood sash windows set in
compound frames. A non-historic balcony with a wrought iron railing wraps around the north
and west fa�ades of this commercial building. Original brick is still intact between the bays,
but vertical wood siding has been added to the exterior in places. The historic physical
integrity of this resource has been compromised. However, the alterations to the exterior of
this building, especially the replacement of the first story windows and siding, appear to be
easily reversible. With the proper rehabilitation, this resource could be considered a
contributing resource to a historic district within the Downtown Core.
Janus Research 50
Ciry of Clearwater Planning and Eligibiliry Study
Historic Resource Reconnaissance Survey of the Downtown Core
Mav 2005
Figure 22: Bay View Building, 410-�t14 Clevetand Strect,
Facing Northeast.
Figure 23: Bay View Building, 410-414 Cleveland Street,
Facing Northeast. On display at 420-428 Cleveland Street.
� � Janus Reseczrch
51
,
1
ll
�
,
'
l�
'
'
C'�
,
'
'
,
u
'
'
,
LJ
City of Clearwater Planning and Eligibility Study
Historic Resource Reconnaissance Survey of the Downtown Core
Mav 2005
8PI02256 Bav View Building, 410-414 Cleveland Street
This two-story masonry commercial building, historically used as the Bay View Hotel, was
constructed in 1911. The two storefronts have been modernized, and the historic vertical
hanging signage advertising the Bay View Hotel has been removed. Alterations, including
the application of a scored stucco veneer that covers much of the original fenestration, have
been made to the fa�ade at the second-story level to make this building appear to be one with
the adjacent building, 416-418 Cleveland Street. Additionally, a metal leaf band was added
between the first and second floors of this building and the adjacent building in the 1960s by
Tarpon Springs architect Ed Hoffinan, Sr. The historic physical integrity of this resource has
been compromised. However, the alterations to the exterior of this building, particularly the
application of the metal banding and the scored stucco veneer, appear to be reversible. With
the proper rehabilitation, this resource could be considered a contributing resource to a
historic district within the Downtown Core.
Janus Research 52
City of Clearwater Planning and Eligibiliry Study
Historic Resource Reconnaissance Survey of the Downtown Core
May 2005
Figure 24: 416-418 Cleveland Street, Facing Northwest.
8PI02256 416-418 Cleveland Street
Built circa 1911, this two-story masonry commercial building features a two-bay fa�ade on
the south side. In 1913, the Clearwater post office was located in this building. The two
storefronts have been modernized. Alterations have been made to the fa�ade at the second-
story level to make this building appear to be one with the adjacent Bay View Building, 410-
414 Cleveland Street. Additionally, a metal leaf band was added between the first and second
floors of this building and the adjacent building in the 1960s by Tarpon Springs architect Ed
Hoffman, Sr. A historic vertical hanging sign, which advertised Schaffer's Cafe in the 1930s,
is still found above the west storefront. The historic physical integrity of this resource has
been compromised. However, the alterations to the exterior of this building, particularly the
application of the metal banding and the scored stucco veneer, appear to be reversible. With
the proper rehabilitation, this resource could be considered a contributing resource to a
historic district within the Downtown Core.
Janus Research 53
City of Clearwater Planning and Eligibility Study
Historic Resource Reconnaissance Survey of the Downtown Core
Mav 2005
Figure 25: 413 Cleveland Street, Facing South.
' SPI02257 413 Cleveland Street
This small, one-story commercial building, built circa 1926, features a single-bay farade on
, the north side. The exterior has been altered with the addition of a brick veneer and metal
parapet. A canvas awning has been hung over the storefront. The historic character of this
resource, formerly the home to the County Title Company, is no longer apparent. However,
' the alterations to the exterior of this building could be reversible. With the proper
rehabilitation, this resource could be considered a contributing resource to a historic district
within the Downtown Core.
'
I'
� Janus Research 54
'
I '
Janus Research
City of Clearwater Planning and Eligibility Study
Historic Resource Reconnaissance Survey of the Downtown Core
Mav 2005
Figure 26: The Colony Arcade, 421-423 Cleveland Street,
Facing South.
Figure 27: The Colony Arcade, 421-423 Cleveland Street, c.
1911, Facing Southeast. From Clearwater, A Pictoric�l History.
55
'
,
'
CI'
,
'
'
�
'
�J
'
,
,
�
', _l
'
'
CJ
Ciry of Clearwater Planning and Eligibiliry Study
Historic Resource Reconnaissance Survey of the Downtown Core
Mav 2005
8PI02259 The Colonv Arcade, 421-423 Cleveland Street
This three-story brick building was built in 1911, after the fire that destroyed many of the
wood buildings in downtown Clearwater. A drugstore was originally located in the first floor.
The building is notable for its original ornamental frieze, which wraps around the east, north,
and west fa�ades. The brick on the north fa�ade has been covered with stucco, but the
original brick is still visible on the east and west sides. An arcade has been added at the
starefronts, visually connecting this building with the adjacent building at 425-429 Cleveland
Street. The historic physical integrity of this resource has been compromised. However, the
alterations to the exterior of this building appear to be reversible. With the proper
rehabilitation, this resource could be considered a contributing resource to a historic district
within the Downtown Core.
' Janus Research 56
Ciry of Clearwater Planning and Eligibility Study
Historic Resource Reconnaissance Survey of the Downtown Core
Mav 2005
Figure 28: Peoples Bank Building, 430-432 Cleveland Street,
Facing Northwest
Figure 29: Peoples Bank Building, 430-432 Cleveland Street, c.
' 1925, Facing Northeast. Courtesy of the Florida Photographic
Collection.
I,
� � Janus Research 57
'
'
L'
�J
�
lJ
'
lJ
C
LJ�
,
'
'
'
'
�
CI
�I
'
City of Clearwater Planning and Eligibility Study
Historic Resource Reconnaissance Survey of the Downtown Core
Mav 2005
SPI02261 Peoples Bank Buildin�, 430-432 Cleveland Street
The two-story Peoples Bank Building, constructed circa 1910, features four bays on its south
fa�ade and 11 bays on its east fa�ade. The building has been enlarged by a non-historic
addition on the north end. The historic door and window pattern on the first story is no longer
visible, due to the removal of parts of the exterior wall and the creation of a recessed entrance
at the southeast corner. Modern windows and awnings have been added on the second floor,
although two of the historic arched window openings are still extant. A metal veneer
conceals the first story transom windows, decorative tile paneling between the first and
second stories, some of the windows on the second story, and the original stepped parapet.
This modern cladding extends above the roofline. Additionally, the barrel-tiled, hipped
overhang and its wood knee braces have been removed. It is notable that several of the
historic Mediterranean Revival style architectural elements no longer present on this building
were not original and were added in the 1920s. A suspended clock remains on the southeast
corner of the building. The historic physical integrity of this resource has been compromised.
Some of these alterations may be reversible. With the proper rehabilitation, this resource
could be considered a contributing resource to a historic district within the Downtown Core.
Janus Research 58
City of Clearwater Planning and Eligibiliry Study
Historic Resource Reconnaissance Survey of'the Downtown Core
Mav 2005
Figure 30: I��Iason A►•cade Building, 16-20 N. Fort Harrison
Avenue, Facing West.
� � _� �
`�
� � '�
� il;���
,� : '
u��� ���;
�� ��
�.
��_ _ ��.,; �%, �,_„ �,I
Figure 31: Mason Arcade Building, 16-20 N. Fort Harrison
Avenue, c.1925, Facing Southwest. Courtesy of the Florida
Photographic Archives.
Junus Resenrch 59
�
1
City of Clearwater Planning and Eligibility Study
Historic Resource Reconnaissance Survey of the Downtown Core
May 2005
8PI08490 Mason Arcade Building, 16-20 N. Fort Harrison Avenue
' The two-story Mason Arcade Building, built circa 1923, features a three-bay fa�ade on the
east side. A two-story arch, which formerly led into the arcade, is found in the central bay.
' The outer two bays each consist of three narrow two-story arched windows. The original
fa�ade has been covered with a brick veneer. The top of historic parapet is visible above and
behind the shed roof. The historic physical integrity of this resource has been compromised.
' However, the alterations to the exterior of this building, particularly the application of the
brick veneer and the replacement of the original windows, appear to be reversible. With the
proper rehabilitation, this resource could be considered a contributing resource to a historic
' district within the Downtown Core.
'
'
'
'
�
'
'
11
'
�
'
'
' Janus Research 60
City of Clearwater Planning and Eligibility Study
Historic Resource Reconnaissance Survey of the Downtown Core
Mav 2005
Figure 32: 29 N. Fort Harrison Avenue, Facing East.
; �"'
� : � � �� � � a �,, � ,
�' ���` ���,�. �
� •���
, �� �.,
r 4 -„
,,,,, ,,. . ���� �* "x�
"�_
�� � � � �',,
�, �
��.
f
,- �
� � � .
�" �. f' � �
� � � �
� �
a�:
�.
�.� ;, i
�, � , ,, �
�'; ' � �� �� �'"� ,��� ,� �
, -g ' . .
� '� '`
� � ..� ;. ,.�� - �
�. .� =,
� � ��-� �, �� �
, � �
�
�:
��•
�;,
����
Figure 33: 29 N. Fort Harrison Avenue, c. 1922, Facing East.
Courtesy of the Florida Photographic Archives.
Janus Research 61
'
,�
City of Clearwater Planning and Eligibility Study
Historic Resource Reconnaissance Survey of the Downtown Core
Mav 2005
8PI08493 29 N. Fort Harrison Avenue
' This two-story masonry building appears to be the original Clearwater Fire Department. A
brick veneer has been placed over the original three-bay brick fa�ade on the first story,
, covering the windows in the outer bays. The original arched central bay has been altered. A
shed roof is found above the first story. Canvas awnings have been added to the windows on
the second story. Decorative brick detailing is found on the west fa�ade at the parapet, which
' is stepped back along the north and south sides. The historic physical integrity of this
resource has been compromised. However, the alterations to the exterior of this building,
particularly the application of the modern veneer, appear to be reversible. With the proper
' rehabilitation, this resource could be considered a contributing resource to a historic district
within the Downtown Core.
,
'
C'�
'
'
1
'
,
'
1
'
'
' Janus Research 62
'
�
'
'
'
'
'
'
'
�J
'
'
,
City of Clearwater Planning and Eligibility Study
Historic Resource Reconnaissance Survey of the Downtown Core
Mav 2005
RECOMMENDATIONS
Historic preservation is the process of protecting and maintaining buildings, structures,
objects, districts, sites, and archaeological resources. The historic resources reconnaissance
survey is an important phase in the identification of the City of Clearwater's historic
resources.
• The City of Clearwater can utilize the information in this report to consider
designating the identified locally and NRHP-eligible individual resources. The City
may choose to notify property owners that they own an individual building that is
potentially eligible for designation, either in the NRHP or local register.
It is important to note that listing in the NRHP does not automatically preserve a
building, and does not keep a property from being modified or even destroyed. Unless
an undertaking is state or federally funded, or regulated by local ordinance, private
property owners may deal with their properties in any way they see fit. If a property is
listed in the NRHP, the property owners are not required to open their property to the
public. In addition, federal and state governments will not attach restrictive covenants
to a property or seek to acquire it because it is listed in the NRHP.
• A local historic preservation ordinance is typically the most effective form of
protecting a community's historic resources. The ordinance should include provisions
for the protection, enhancement, and perpetuation of significant resources within the
City of Clearwater through established procedures for the historic designation and
subsequent review of certain types of changes that are proposed for these resources.
The current ordinance should be reviewed by the city staff and Clearwater City
Council and updated to reflect requirements of the Florida Certified Local
Government program and the standards for designation established by the NRHP,
which advise that a historic structure must be at least 50 years old. For detailed
recommendations regarding the city's historic preservation ordinance, please see
Appendix B. Upon input from the city government and local property owners, the
updated ordinance should be finalized and adopted by the Clearwater City Council.
' • A preliminary assessment of the resources in the Downtown Core shows that, at this
time, there is no potential NRHP or local historic district present. However, with the
appropnate rehabilitation and/or restoration, many of the histonc, but altered,
' buildings in the Downtown Core may gain contributing status within a historic
district.
' The Clearwater powntown Redevelopment Plan, which recently has been developed,
provides a flexible framework for the redevelopment of downtown Clearwater. The
goals of this plan include making the downtown a place that attracts people for living,
' employment, and recreation; creating an environment where both people and
automobiles can circulate effectively; and creating the downtown as a memorable
place to be enjoyed by both residents and visitors. This plan includes guidelines for
'
' Janus Research 63
'
,
Ciry of Clearwater Planning and Eligibility Study
Historic Resource Reconnaissance Survey of the Downtown Core
Mav 2005
the development of six downtown character districts, including the Downtown Core
' District. The guidelines address the existing character of the district; the district
vision, including uses, prohibited uses, function, and development patterns; and the
district policies that govern downtown development.
'
L
�
'
,
'
,
'
,
'
'
'
,
l_ J
'
Compatible design guidelines for the Downtown Core, which recently have been
developed, identify and protect the character-defining elements of the downtown's
historic resources in order to preserve the resources' historic physical integrity and
the area's overall character. These guidelines encourage the retention and/or
restoration of historic architectural elements, and they include the Secretary of the
Interior's Standards for the rehabilitation and maintenance of historic resources.
Design guidelines for new construction adjacent to historic resources ensure
compatibility with the historic character. The Clearwater powntown Redevelopment
Plan includes a chapter outlining long-term implementation strategies.
• The City of Clearwater has a fa�ade grant program. However, it could be revised so
that it encourages historic preservation projects and is similar to other fa�ade grant
programs implemented throughout the nation. Grants could be provided to property
owners of historic buildings in the Downtown Core in need of exterior rehabilitation.
Design guidelines will ensure that facade rehabilitation that is consistent with the
Secretary of Interior's Standards.
• The City of Clearwater should become a CLG. A CLG designation provides a local
entity with support and guidance for its historic preservation efforts. As a CLG,
Clearwater would be able to apply for certain federal historic preservation grants and
money, to review NRHP nominations, and to receive technical assistance in historic
preservation procedures.
• Special zoning districts or overlay districts for historic districts should be created.
Historic buildings and neighborhoods were often built in a manner that would not be
permitted under modern zoning guidelines. These zoning districts would allow
variances for renovations or infill development, such as reduced setbacks, smaller lot
sizes, and mixed uses, that are not normally permitted under current zoning
regulations. The Clearwater Community Development Code allows for the
establishment of zoning districts, including historic overlay districts and
neighborhood conservation overlay districts, of a size, type, location and with
standards that reflect the existing and desirable characteristics of a particular area
within the city. Each district includes permitted uses and use limitations
corresponding to the purpose and character of the district. Requirements such as
density, area, width, depth, height, setback, and coverage are enumerated for each
district.
• Community awareness and understanding of Clearwater's historic resources needs to
be enhanced. Many property owners and potential property buyers still do not fully
' Janus Research 64
'
l__.J
Ciry of Clearwater Planning and Eligibiliry Study
Historic Resource Reconnaissance Survey of the Downtown Core
Mav 2005
realize the value of historic buildings and the benefits of preserving these resources.
' Therefore, an expanded public relations program should be implemented.
'
,
'
'
'
'
'
u
CI
'
1
'
'
'
'
, Janus Research 65
'
'
'
'
'
'
'
1
'
,
City of Clearwater Planning and Eligibility Study
Historic Resource Reconnaissance Survey of the Downtown Core
May 2005
REFERENCES
Archaeological Consultants, Inc.
1998 The Clearwater Historic Preservation Survey and Planning Project: Clearwater
Central Business District and the Old Clearwater Bay Neighborhood. ACI, Sarasota,
Florida.
Arsenault, Raymond
1988 St. Petersburg, A Centennial History. Privately published, St. Petersburg, Florida.
1988 St. Petersburg and the Florida Dream 1888-1950. The Donning Company, Norfolk,
Virginia.
Brown, Canter, Jr.
1991 Florida's Peace River Frontier. University of Central Florida Press, Orlando, Florida.
Cabeza de Vaca, Alvar Nunez
1542 La Relacion que dio Alvar Nunez Cabeza de Vaca de lo Acaescido en las
Indias...Zamora, 1542. Reproduced in Coleccion de Libros y documentos referentes a
la Historia de America. Madrid, 1906.
Cadwell, Roy
1977 Clearwater
Minnesota.
`A Sparkling City. " T.S. Denison & Company, Inc., Minneapolis,
City of Clearwater
' 2003a Clearwater Community Development Code. Clearwater, Florida.
2003b Clearwater powntown Redevelopment Plan. Clearwater, Florida.
,
'
'
'
�
'
'
Clearwater Historical Society
c.1990 "Historical Tour of Downtown Clearwater." Clearwater Public Library vertical file.
Clearwater, Florida.
Clearwater Sun
1988 "Sect Renovating City Landmark." February 15. Clearwater Public Library vertical
file. Clearwater, Florida.
1990 `Booked Solid." January 12. Clearwater Public Library vertical file. Clearwater,
Florida.
Coleman, Lisa
2002 Images of America: Clearwater. Arcadia Publishing, Charleston, South Carolina.
Davis, T. Fredrick
1938 The Disston Land Purchase. The Florida Historical Quarterly 1'7(3):200-210.
Dunn, Hampton
1973 Yesterday's Cleai^water. E.A. Seemann Publishing, Inc., Miami, Florida.
, Janus Research 66
'
�
Ciry of Clearwater Planning and Eligibiliry Study
Historic Resource Reconnaissance Survey of the Downtown Core
Mav 2005
, Flag Service Organization
2003 The Fort Harrison. Church of Scientology, Clearwater, Florida. Found online at
http://www.fso.org/en/[JS/flag/history/index.html.
'
'
Gaby, Donald C.
1993 The Miami River and Its Tributaries
Miami, Florida.
The Historical Association of South Florida,
Gannon, Michael V.
' 1965 The Cross in the Sand: The Early Catholic Church in Florida 1513-1870. University of
Florida Press, Gainesville, Florida.
' Grismer, Karl
1950 Tampa: A History of the City of Tampa and the Tampa Bay Region of Florida. St.
Petersburg Publishing Company, Inc. St. Petersburg, Florida.
�
�
'
'
'
'
,
'
'
'
�
'
Harner, Charles E.
1973 Florida's Promoters: The Men Who Made It Big. Trend House, Tampa, Florida.
Hetherington, Alma
1980 The River of the Long Water. The Mickler House Publishers, Chuluota, Florida.
MacKay, Captain John and Lieutenant J. E. Blake
1839 Map of the Seat of War in Florida. Compiled by order of Brig. General Zachary Taylor.
Captain John MacKay and Lt. J. E. Blake, U.S. Topographical Engineers. Photocopy on
file, Janus Research, St. Petersburg, Florida.
Mahon, John K.
1967 History of the Second Seminole War, 1835-1842. University of Florida Press,
Gainesville, Florida.
Mann, R. W.
1983 Rails Neath the Palms. Darwin Publications, Burbank, California.
Milanich, Jerald T.
1978a The Temporal Placement of Cushing's Key Marco Site, Florida. American
Anthropologist 80:682.
1978b The Western Timucua: Patterns of Acculturation and Change. In Tacachale: Essays
on the Indians of Florida and Southeastern Georgia during the Historic Period, pp.
59-88. The University Press of Florida, Gainesville, Florida.
1978c Two Cades Pond Sites in North-Central Florida: The Occupational Nexus as a Model
of Settlement. The Florida Anthropologist 31:151-173.
Janus Research 67
'
'
City of Clearwater Planning and Eligibility Study
Historic Resource Reconnaissance Survey of the Downtown Core
Mav 2005
Miller, James J. (compiler)
' 1990 State of Florida Draft Comprehensive Historic Preservation Plan. Manuscript on file,
Florida Division of Historical Resources, Tallahassee, Florida.
'
'
Moore-Willson, Minnie
1935 History of Osceola County: Florida Frontier Life. Inland Press, Orlando, Florida.
Parks, Arva Moore
1991 Miami: The Magic Ciry. Centennial Press, Miami.
' Pinellas County Planning Deparhnent
1995 Pinellas County Historical Background. Manuscript on file, Pinellas County Planning
Department, Florida.
u
�
Sanders, Michael
1983 Clearwater, A Pictorial History: Dunedin, Ozona, Palm Harbor, Oldsmar, Safety
Harbor, Largo. Donning Company, Norfolk, Virginia.
Sarles, Frank B., Jr.
' 1960 Historic Sites Report on Fort DeSoto Park, Pinellas County, Florida. National Park
Service.
'
'
'
'
'
'
C�
'
,
Sessa, Frank Bowman
1950 Real Estate Expansion and Boom in Miami and its Environs during the 1920s. Ph.D.
dissertation, University of Pittsburgh.
Solis de Meras, Gonzalo
1964 Pedro Menendez de Aviles, Adelantado, Governor and Captain-General of Florida.
Translated by Jeannette Thurber Conner (1932), reprint 1964.
Sprague, John T.
1964 The Origin, Progress and Conclusion of the Florida War, 1848. Edited by John D.
Mahon. Floridiana Facsimile and Reprint Series. University of Florida Press,
Gainesville, Florida.
The Sun
1939 "Chronological List of Outstanding Events in Clearwater, 1914-1939." May 1.
Heritage Village Archives.
Tebeau, Charlton W.
1971 A History of Florida. University of Miami Press, Miami, Florida.
' Janus Research 68
1
'
'
'
City of Clearwater Planning and Eligibility Study
Historic Resource Reconnaissance Survey of the Downtown Core
Mav 2005
United States Bureau of the Census
1900 Florida State Census of 1900. Washington, D.C.
1910 Florida State Census of 1910. Washington, D.C.
1920 Florida State Census of 1920. Washington, D.C.
1930 Florida State Census of 1930. Washington, D.C.
Velasco, Juan de
' 1571 Geografia de Las Indias 1571. Reproduced in Volume II, Appendix Five of The
Spanish Settlements Within the Present Limits of the United States, by Woodbury
Lowry. Russell and Russell, New York, 1959.
'
'
'
L_
'
1
'
'
'
'
'
'
'
Weaver, Paul L. III, Historic Property Associates, Inc., and Pappas Associates, Inc.
1996 Model Guidelines for Design Review: A Guide for Developing Standards for Historic
Rehabilitation on Florida Communities. Florida Department of State, Division of
Historic Resources, Tallahassee, Florida.
Woman's Club
1917 "A History of Clearwater, Florida." Manuscript on file, Clearwater Public Library
vertical file, Clearwater, Florida.
Wright, Leitch J.
1986 Creeks and Seminoles, Destruction and Regeneration of the Muscogulgee People.
University of Nebraska Press, Lincoln, Florida.
, Janus Research 69
'
'
'
�J
'
'
'
'
'
'
'
'
�
,
'
�l
�
'
' Janus Research
City of Clearwater Planning and Eligibility Study
Historic Resource Reconnaissance Survey of the Downtown Core
Mav 2005
APPENDIX A
LJ
'
'
�
�
'
'
'
,
'
LJ
'
'
'
u��
�
�
LJ
CI''
Ciry of Cleanvater Planning and Eligibility Study
Historic Resource Reconnaissance Survey of the Downtown Core
Mav 2005
PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS
Janus Research has been at the forefront of the cultural resource management profession in
Florida since 1979. We are the largest cultural resource management (CRM) firm
headquartered in Florida. Janus Research has successfully completed nearly 2,000 cultural
resource assessment projects throughout the State of Florida. Many of these projects are
similar in scope and type to the one being conducted in Clearwater. We are recognized as a
leader in the fields of Historic Preservation and Cultural Resource Management as evidenced
by awards we have received. The Florida Trust for Historic Preservation, the American
Cultural Resource Association, the Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council, Dade Heritage
Trust, Tampa Preservation, Inc. and the Hillsborough County Planning Commission have all
recognized Janus Research's outstanding work with cultural resources.
Janus Research employs a full-time staff of 34 historic preservation professionals and support
staff. The size of our staff and multiple office locations allows us to devote adequate
resources to accomplish the requirements of the scope. Our strong local presence enables us
to meet the stringent demands of the historic preservation services anticipated under this
contract. Our professional staff possesses a thorough and specific understanding of the
unique architectural styles, building types, and materials found in the area and a broad-based
knowledge of historic preservation issues important to the City of Clearwater. We also have
an excellent record of producing quality, timely, and cost-effective historic preservation
work. All of this makes us qualified to conduct this project. We are committed to providing
you with high quality service designed to meet your needs.
Janus Research has a team with extensive expertise in historic resource surveys, preservation
planning, design guidelines and all aspects of historic preservation. All personnel also have
extensive experience in Pinellas County and have conducted large-scale historic resource
surveys. Additionally, the research interests of these individuals are complimentary and
combine to form a committed and competent team. Our staff has a demonstrated history of
completing projects with a range of complexity, and involving the formulation and
implementation of all types of cultural resource studies.
Our core staff consists of full-time, permanent, professional historic preservation planners,
architectural historians, and archaeologists who possess advanced degrees in Anthropology,
Architectural History or Historic Preservation and meet or exceed applicable state or federal
standards established by the Secretary of the Interior for Architectural History and History.
Our key personnel are experienced in conducting projects from the initial planning stages
through presentation of the final report. Each is also familiar with local, state, and federal
guidelines and laws pertinent to the investigation and reporting of cultural resources. The
team's field and lab technicians have both academic and on-the job training, including
undergraduate degees and several years of experience. Support staff includes both graphics
and editorial personnel, and a GIS specialist. The graphics staff specializes in preparing
publication-quality technical drawings and artwork, and the editorial staff ensures that our
reports are clearly written and meet regulatory guidelines.
Janus Research
City of Clearwater Planning and Eligibility Study
Historic Resource Reconnaissance Survey of the Downtown Core
Mav 2005
Ms. Streelman and Ms. Uguccioni, key personnel on this project, possess extensive
experience conducting historic resource surveys and preparing local nominations for
resources throughout the state, and they meet or exceed the professional qualifications
established by the Secretary of the Interior as well as the recently revised Chapter 1A-46,
Florida Administrative Code.
Janus Research has been engaged by the following municipalities to conduct cultural
resources work:
St. Petersburg
Clearwater
Treasure Island
Pinellas County
Tampa
Hillsborough County
Miami
Miami-Dade County
Ft. Lauderdale
Bonita Springs
Coral Gables
St. Lucie County
Sarasota County
West Palm Beach
Riviera Beach
Pasco County
Gulfport
Kissimmee
Lake Park
Jupiter
Ft. Myers
Delray Beach
Janus Research
'
'
,
'
�
,
'
'
,
'
LI
'
�
,
'
�
'
'
City of Clearwater Planning and Eligibility Study
Historic Resource Reconnaissance Survey of the Downtown Core
May 2005
Amy Groover Streelman, M.H.P.
Preservation Planner!
Senior Architectural Historian
' Janus Research
��T.�,.I��TS��
R.ESEARCH
Tr�'v1P11 BAY • C`C}RAL Cr1�BL��
CULTURAL RE54URCE MANAGEMENT EXPERIENCE
Ms. 5treelman is recognized for her experkise in Sectinn 1Q6 and NEPA. She
is responsible for all aspects of Preservation Planning including historic
structures suroeys, documentary research, strategies for preservation, local
site nominations, historie preservatian ordinance interpretation, fhe
preparation of National Ftegister of Historic Places (NRHP} naminations,
and NRHP Determination of Eiigibility (DOE) packages. She possesses a
thorough understanding of historic structures reports, preservation plans,
histarical documentation of bridges, and assessment of local significance
under historic preservation ordinances. She is familiar with a variety of
research tools including historic Sanborn Fire Insurance maps, deed records,
and informant interviews. Her recent work includes supervising historic
resaurces sunreys for several large-scafe PDSE projects involving significant
concentratians nf historic resources and districts. Her responsibilities alsn
include the production of cultural resource assessment sunreys, case studies
related to project effects on signiflicant historic properties, and Memoranda of
Agreement.
• Extensive experience identifying and assessing a wide range of historic
rssources, from ornate Mediterranean Revivai homes to simple F�ame
Vernacular and Craftsman buildings, historic drainage canals, roadways,
and raikoad carridors located throughout the South Florida region.
• Experience wi#h identifying historic resources in low-income urban
minarity communities in Miami-Dade Caunty inctuding Overtown, Little
Flaiti, and Model Gity; Hofden-Parramore and Eatonville in Orange
County; Ybor City and West Tampa in 7ampa; and the Bahamian
community of Riviera 8each, Palm Beach Gounty
• Participated in numerous Cultural Resources committees for the Tampa
Interstate Study, Tampa Rail Study, I-4 Orlando, Rivisra Beach CRA, and
High Speed Rail projects
• Successfully completed numerous NRHP Nominatian and D�Es,
including residsntial and cnmmercial buildings and districts, and industrial
complexes.
• Managed several large-scale cultural resource assessment surveys
invofving the identificatian and documentation of hundreds of historic
resources in South Florida, Orlando, and Tampa.
• Develnped Memaranda of Agreement (MOAs} fnr transportation and
transit projects.
+ Develaped mitigation measuras and negotiated SHP� approval.
+ Experienced with testimony in front of various regulatory bodies, inciuding
Historic Presenration Boards, County Cammissia�s, Architectural Review
Cammittees, and City Cnmmissions,
'
IJ
'
�
�
,
'
'
'
CI
,
'
'
,
u
1
'
'
Ellen J. Uguccioni, M.A.
Preservation Pla.nner
' Janus Research
Ciry of Clearwater Planning and Eligibiliry Study
Historic Resource Reconnaissance Survey of the Downtown Core
Mav 2005
�,�1 l� 11 ��-��
�:
�,.
`;
[RESEA RCH�
TAMPA BAY • CORAL CABLE�
CULTURAL RESOURCE MA�tAGEMENT EXPERIENCE
Ms. Uguccioni has an extensive background in Historic Preservation Planning
and has served as director or advisor for several local preservation
depattments in South Florida. In addition to her position at Janus Research,
she currently serves as an adjunct professor for the Schaol of Architecture at
the University of Miami in Coral Gables, Florida. Ms. Ugucciani is a�
Architectural Historian member of the Florida Historical Cammission {a
position appointed by the Florida Secretary of State) and serves on several
preservation-related boards, including #he National Register Review Board,
for which she currently holds the office of Vice-Chairman. Additionally, she
has caauthored several books and other publications on the subject of
historic preservation and is a frequent speaker for public forums and panels.
• Florida National Register Review Board Architectural Historian membe�
(1986-1990, 1991-1995, and 1997-1999), {Florida Secretary of State
appointment)
• Architectu�al Historian member, Fiarida Historicel Commission, January
2002-September 2006 (Florida Secretary of State appointmen#)
• Vice-Chairman, Nationa! Register Review Board 2003-2404
• Trustee, The Florida Trust for Historic 2001-2004
• Executive Committee, Florida Trust for Historic Preservation, 2003-04
. Trus#ee, The Histarical Museum of Southern Florida, 2003-2007
• Caauthored several baoks and other publicatians on the subject of
historic preservation
Special projects include:
• National Historic Landmark Nomination, "The Freedom Tower" (The
Miami News Building), Commissioned by the Florida State Historic
Preservation Officer, Apri12003
. National Hisforic Landmark Nomination, "`The Brickell Point Site (Miami
Circle)," Commissioned by the Flarida State Historic Preservation Officer,
April, 2003
,
�
�
'
'
,
'
'
,
'
'
,
LI
1
'
�
,
LJ
,
City of Clearwater Planning and Eligibiliry Study
Historic Resource Reconnaissance Survey of the Downtown Core
May 2005
Elaine Rogers Lund, M.A.U.R.P. �����N��`}Y�
Architectural Histarian/ RESEARCH
GIS Specialist TAMPA BAY • C"ORAL CsABLES
CULTURAL RESOURCE MANQGEMENT EXPERIENCE
Janus Research
Ms. �und specializes in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) as it applies to
Cultural Resource Management. As an Architectural Historian, she is
responsible for historic resources research and documentation for individual
sites and multiple resource surveys, local site nominations, and National
Register of Historic Places (NRHP) individual and district nominations. Her
responsibilities also include the writing of historic resources survey reports,
photographic documentation, and assessment of local and national
significance under historic preservation ordinances and the NRHP criteria. As
a GIS Specialist, she is also responsible for map project customization and
data acquisitian, creation, editing, manipulation, and analysis. She is familiar
with a variety of research methods, in particular GIS technology that allows
the locations of cultural and historic resources to be ove�laid and viewed with
other information, including �oadways, municipal boundaries, USGS
quadrangle maps, and aerial and satellite imagery. Ms. Lund is currently
working toward bringing Janus Research into compliance with Federal
Geographic Data Committee (FGDC) standards.
• Experience identifying, researching, documenting, and evaluating a wide
range af historic resources, including ornate high-style commercial
buildings of downtown Miami, simple Frame Vernacular and Craftsman
buildings found in central Pasco County, and historic drainage canals and
public housing complexes located throughout the region.
• Creation of custom large- and small-scale field maps showing the
necessary overlaid locational and historical information for field work in
various projects, as well as the creation of report maps.
• Automation of mapping for large-scale projects to efficiently produce
large-scele sketch maps of individual resources.
• Customization of ArcView S..�TM map projects with Visual Basic for
Applications and of GIS datasets containing information collected during
�eld work, allowing for detailed analysis for individual clients' needs.
'
'
'
�
'
'
'
'
� _J
'
'
'
'
�l
'
,
'
'
' Janus Research
City of Clearwater Planning and Eligibility Study
Historic Resource Reconnaissance Survey of the Downtown Core
Mav 2005
APPENDIX B
,
'
'
�
'
�
C',
'
City of Clearwater Planning and Eligibiliry Study
Historic Resource Reconnaissance Survey of the Downtown Core
May 2005
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR IMPROVEMENTS TO THE CLEARWATER
PROVISIONS FOR HISTORIC PRESERVATION
CONTAINED WITHIN THE CLEARWATER DEVELOPMENT CODE, ARTICLE 3,
DIVISION 1 D AND ARTICLE 4, DIVISION 6
Historic Preservation is a sophisticated and useful planning tool for communities throughout
the state. Major cities as well as smaller communities have enacted historic preservation
programs that have complemented their long and short term goals for a dynamic,
economically healthy community. Because historic preservation programs have been in place
for many years, there is a substantial body of information that exists to assist communities in
their initial efforts to enact historic preservation regulations.
The effective use of historic preservation in a community requires a citizen "buy-in." In order
to garner support, regulations must be sufficiently detailed so as to inspire confidence in the
process. From a legal standpoint, the regulations must contain language that makes clear the
intent, process and remedies so that the regulations cannot be deemed to constitute "arbitrary
and capricious" decision making.
The comments that follow are derived from knowledge of existing municipal and county
' historic preservation ordinances, as well as the requirements for an effective process set by
Federal and State governments through the Certified Local Government program.
'
'
'
1
'
'
'
'
'
1
Overall
Section 4-607 addresses Historic Designation in a most perfunctory fashion. The lack of
detail makes the process and standards unclear. The procedures and requirements for the
designation of individual resources versus historic districts are vastly different. In order to
make defensible judgments, the regulations require substantially more detail.
Staff and Board Composition
As stated, the staff assigned to this task is the Community Development Coordinator, and the
reviewing body is the Community Development Board. There is an interim requirement for
review by the Development Review Committee (DRC).
Historic Preservation staff, as well as boards that review historic preservation matters, are
expected to the have specific knowledge of the discipline. In general, that expertise includes
a combination of architectural history, urban design, local history, landscape materials, site
planning and land use regulations. Without that expertise, the decisions regarding
designations and certificates of appropriateness cannot be made without challenge. In most
communities, the Historic Preservation Board is separated from any other advisory boards.
Their composition requires special expertise and/or a demonstrated interest in the field of
historic preservation.
Designation Process
The regulations need to include the definitions for the concepts contained within the text. For
example, in Section 4-607B (4), the application requires that the "contributing" and "non-
contributing" properties in a district be identified. Only later in the text (para. F(2,) is
Janus Research
,
'
l_J
'
'
City of Clearwater Planning and Eligibility Study
Historic Resource Reconnaissance Survey of the Downtown Core
May 2005
"contributing" defined. The placement of this definition here is confusing, as it is not
connected to the specifics of creating historic districts. A section is needed that addresses, at
a minimum, the creation of defensible boundaries and an explanation of other elements, such
as streetscape and/or landscape improvements that may be desirable to include within the
district boundary.
The language used in subparagraph (b) regarding the benchmark of 1940, as the cut-off for
eligibility, is not at all clear. Lacking appropriate context, this provision may not be
desirable.
' Section 4-107B (3), requires that economic development trends relating to the designated
property be included in the designation report. In our opinion, the intent of the sentence is not
clear, nor is it a routine requirement for a designation report.
'
,
1
,
1
'
'
C
'
'
LI'
'
'
Standards for Desi�ation
Using existing federal and local legislation as models, this section of the development
regulations does not include the range, depth and detailed explanation of the reasons why a
property may be eligible for historic designation.
Use of A Hierarchical System of Value
The assignment of classifications as reported in subparagraph F(3) is highly discouraged.
Possessing more than one of the criteria for significance is not a true standard to measure the
importance of a property. Many of the properties that are listed in the National Register or
are considered National Historic Landmarks (the highest honor the nation can bestow) are
listed for their meeting only one of the criteria.
Article 3. Division 10.
This section could be entitled "Certificates of Appropriateness, Standards for Review and
Issuance." Again, the explanation of the process is not sufficient to cover the variety of
requests that may affect an historic property.
The delegation of this process to the Community Development Board is again questioned for
the same reasons recounted earlier in this document. In particular, design review should be
measured against some standard, as design decisions can be highly subjective.
The Clearwater regulations for not include standards for what may constitute an appropriate
alteration. The standard that has proven most useful, and that has in our experience, allowed
the greatest flexibility for local governments, is "The Secretary of the Interior's Standards
for Rehabilitation. "
The section titles do not accurately reflect their content. Section 3-1002, entitled
"Alterations, Demolitions, Waiting Periods," does not address alterations, yet requires a
delay of six months for projects that "materially alter" an historic property. "Materially alter"
is never defined elsewhere in the regulations, and the waiting period is not consistent with the
desire to process applications for alterations in a timely fashion. The ambiguity of this
section is not conducive to inspiring public confidence, or to achieving public support.
Janus Research
,
= 7
City of Clearwater Planning and Eligibility Study
Historic Resource Reconnaissance Survey of the Downtown Core
May 2005
Conclusions
' In order to administer a local historic preservation program, there is a need for special
expertise, detail and procedural provisions that allow due process and are legally defensible.
To achieve that goal, Janus Research recommends a substantive revision of the City of
' Clearwater's regulations.
,
t
'
'
'
'
l�
'
'
'
'
'
'
'
' Janus Research