HIS2014-12003Atlas # 286B
HIS2014-12003.o
Pinellas County Courthouse
324 S. Ft. Harrison Avenue
DRC: N/A
CDB: 02/17/15
CCI: 03/19/15
CC2: 04/02/15
Ordinance #:
324 S FT HARRISON AVE
HIS2014-12003
-`I -
o �`' Pinellas County Court House (Old)
Zoning: Downtown Atlas #: 286B
�S
Planning & Development Department
cation for Historic Designation
ALL APPLICATIONS ARE TO BE FILLED OUT COMPLETELY AND CORRECTLY, AND SUBMITTED IN PERSON (NO FAX OR
DELIVERIES) TO THE PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT.
ORIGINAL APPLICATION THAT IS SIGNED AND NOTARIZED AND SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIALS AS REQUIRED WITHIN
ARE TO BE SUBMITTED FOR REVIEW BY THE PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT.
IT IS INCUMBENT UPON THE APPLICANT TO SUBMIT COMPLETE AND CORRECT INFORMATION. ANY MISLEADING,
DECEPTIVE, INCOMPLETE OR INCORRECT INFORMATION MAY INVALIDATE YOUR APPLICATION.
THE APPLICANT, BY FILING THIS APPLICATION, AGREES TO COMPLY WITH ALL APPLICABLE REQUIREMENTS OF THE
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CODE.
PROPERTY OWNER(S) Pinellas County, Florida
(LIST ALL OWNERS ON DEED):
MAILING ADDRESS: 315 Court Street, Clearwater, Florida 33756
PHONE NUMBER: 727-464-3377
EMAIL:
AGENT OR REPRESENTATIVE: Mark S. Woodard, County Administrator
MAILING ADDRESS: 315 Court Street Clearwater Florida 33756
PHONE NUMBER: 727-464-3093
EMAIL: mwoodard@pinellascounty.org (or Liz Freeman at efreeman@pinellascounty.or)
BUSINESS NAME: Pinellas County Board of County Commissioners
STREET ADDRESS
PARCEL NUMBER(S)
315 Court Street Clearwater Florida 33756
A portion of 16/29/15/92574/007/0010
a
a
W
a
z W
��
o
w f-
N
0-
OX
r
ww
nn n
l_ :J
�
UjJ
V
Q U.
�
G
Z
E�7n �
7
Z
Z
�
a
Planning & Development Department, 100 S. Myrtle Avenue, Clearwater, FL 33756, Tel: 727-562-4567; Fax: 727-562-4865
Page 1 of 5 Revised 08/12
LEGAL DESCRIPTION
The legal description of the parcel on which the Old and New Courthouses are
located, as filed in the Pinellas County Property Appraiser's Office is: Turner's, A.C.
sub blks 7 and 8 and vac alley and %Z vac alley on S. The Old Courthouse is located on
block 8.
The legal description of the boundary for the Old Pinellas County Courthouse
(below) as filed with the National Register of Historic Places is:
"Beginning at the SW corner of S. Fort Harrison Avenue and Court Street, proceed W
approximately 250.6 feet along the S curb of Court Street. Then proceed S
approximately 185 feet along the edge of the parking lot located E of the new
courthouse complex, and continue to the N wall of the jail. Then proceed E
approximately 103.3 feet along the wall to the NE corner of the jail. Then proceed
approximately 21.75 feet S along the E wall of the jail to the sidewalk that runs along
the N side of the parking lot. Then proceed east approximately 152.25 feet along the
N side of the parking lot to the W curb of the S. Fort Harrison Avenue. Then proceed
N approximately 195.75 feet along the W side of S. Fort Harrison Avenue to the
point of the beginning."
DESCRIPTION OF REQUEST: A request to designate the Old Pinellas County Courthouse located at 324 S.
Fort Harrison Avenue as a Local Historic Resource by the City of Clearwater
Planning & Development Department, 100 S. Myrtle Avenue, Clearwater, FL 33756, Tel: 727-562-4567; Fax: 727-562-4865
Page 2 of 5 Revised 08/12
LL
°���� Planning &Development Department
}lea
0
U Application for Historic Designation
Data Sheet
PLEASE ENSURE THAT THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION IS FILLED OUT, IN ITS ENTIRETY. FAILURE TO COMPLETE THIS
FORM WILL RESULT IN YOUR APPLICATION BEING FOUND INCOMPLETE AND POSSIBLY DEFERRED UNTIL THE
FOLLOWING APPLICATION CYCLE.
FUTURE LAND USE
PLAN DESIGNATION: Central Business District (CBD)
ZONING DISTRICT: Downtown
SPECIAL AREA PLAN: Clearwater Downtown Redevelopment Plan
PARCEL SIZE: 5.23 (portion of) acres
92,500 square feet
STATE OF FLORIDA, COUNTY OF PINELLAS
I (we), the undersigned, acknowledge that all representations made in this application are true and accurate to the best of my
knowledge and authorize City representatives to visit and photograph the property described in this applicati_
Sworn to and subscribed before me this /ice day of
1Vyye`-,1j4,r ,ZO / .by
/��1
I, ark S. WOO-lGt-/y who is personally known as
produced as identification.
Signature of property owner or representative
Notary publi•
My commission expires:
Signature of property owner or
—
` •f MYCOMM►s��'�N tfFF(177139
APPROVED AS TO FORM
•.. ,_ � ,.,?:• D(PIRES Dec�R+r„” 17.2017
laa„ dye-u�s3 Floridat.oteryService.com OFFICE OF COUNTY ATTORNEY
By�
Planning & Development Department, 100 S. Myrtle Avenue, Clearwater, FL 33756, Tel: 727-562-4567; Fax: 727-562AAerney
Page 3 of 5 Revised 08/12
Planning & Development Department
LL
_° Clearwater Application for Historic Designation
Submittal Package Instructions & Checklist
U
and Information for Applicants
IN ADDITION TO THE COMPLETED APPLICATION FOR HISTORIC DESIGNATION FORM, ALL APPLICATION PACKAGES SHALL
INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIALS:
0 Map showing the location and boundaries of the property or district
12 Report including the historic, architectural or archaeological value of the property or district
❑ Present and projected economic trends and conditions relating to the maintenance, development or redevelopment of
the property or district
❑ A list of contributing and noncontributing properties within the district (if applicable)
ATTENDANCE AT PUBLIC HEARINGS
The applicant or applicant's representative is encouraged to attend City Council public hearings.
STANDARDS FOR DESIGNATION
The following shall be used in evaluating proposed historic properties:
0 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;
p Whether the property or district possesses distinctive characteristics of a type, period or method of construction, or the
representation of the work of a master, or the possession of artistic values;
0 Whether the property or district has yielded or may be likely to yield information important in prehistory or history.
PROPERTY CLASSIFICATION
If request for historic designation is approved, properties and districts will be classified additionally as follows:
12 Exceptional - Satisfies each of the four criteria.
❑ Excellent - Satisfies three of the above criteria.
❑ Notable - Satisfies two of the above criteria.
❑ Of value as part of the scene - Satisfies one of the above criteria.
Planning & Development Department, 100 S. Myrtle Avenue, Clearwater, FL 33756, Tel: 727562.4567; Fax: 727.56241865
Page 3 of 4 Revised 08112
oPlanning & Development Department
Cle'arwater Application for Historic Designation
pp g
Affidavit to Authorize Agent/Representative
1. Provide names of all property owners on deed —PRINT full names:
Pinellas County, Florida
2. That (I am/we are) the owner(s) and record title holder(s) of the following described property:
The Old Pinellas County Courthouse, 324 South Fort Harrison Avenue, Clearwater FL 33756
3. That this property constitutes the property for which a request for (describe request):
Designation of the Old Pinellas County Courthouse as a Local Historical Resource.
4. That the undersigned (has/have) appointed and (does/do) appoint:
Mark S. Woodard
as (his/their) agent(s) to execute any petitions or other documents necessary to affect such petition;
5. That this affidavit has been executed to induce the City of Clearwater, Florida to consider and act on the above
described property;
6. That site visits to the property are necessary by City representatives in order to process this application and the
owner authorizes City representatives to visit and photograph the property described in this application;
7.
That (1/we), the undersigned authority, hereby certify that the foregoing is true and correct.
)��4L N\,LtChGAtk_
Pro'plefty Owner (Signature) Property Owner (Signature)
Property Owner (Signature)
Property Owner (Signature)
STATE OF FLORIDA, COUNTY OF PINELLAS
BEFORE ME THE UNDERSIGNED, AN OFFICER DULY COMMISSIONED BY THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF FLORIDA, ON
THIS 67� DAY OF O Y'>o /11-% aD PERSONALLY APPEARED
Mark S. Woodard WHO HAVING BEEN FIRST DULY SWORN
DEPOSED AND SAYS THAT H
Notary Seal/Stamp
CHERYL A DECOU
My COMMISSIO�b#r-V:077 017
FuPiaFS Decen
r,,tary�rvice.com
ANDS THE CONTENTS OF THE AFFIDAVIT THAT HE/SHE SIGNED.
Notary Public Signature
My Commission Expires: /), • 17 - 1-7
OFFICE OF COUNTY ATTORNEY
Planning & Development Department, 100 S. Myrtle Avenue, Clearwater, FL 33756, Tel: 727-_13,
Page 5 of 5 ,
SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIALS
ATTACHMENT 1: A Map depicting the location and boundaries of the
property (as reflected on the National Register application and designation)
ATTACHMENT 2: Historic and Architectural Value of the Property and
Description of Planned Maintenance Activities.
ATTACHMENT 3: Representative photo of the Old Pinellas County
Courthouse
ATTACHMENT 4: History of the Old Pinellas County Courthouse pamphlet
ATTACHMENT 5: National Historic Register Nomination Package and letter
awarding nomination
SUPPLEMENTAL MATERTALS for the Application to Designate the Old Pinellas County
Courthouse as a Historic Resource
ATTACHMENT 1
LOCATION AND BOUNDARY MAP -
OLD PINELLAS COUNTY COURTHOUSE
(as depicted in the National Historic Register application and designation)
SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIALS for the Application to Designate the Old Pinellas County
Courthouse as a Historic Resource
A
A
aF��SavrLt�-
A�
ATTACHMENT 2
HISTORIC AND ARCHITECTURAL SIGNIFICANCE OF THE OLD
PINELLAS COUNTY COURTHOUSE
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
The Old Pinellas County Courthouse, built in 1917, was listed on the National Register (NR) of
Historic Places in 1992 due to its association with the political history of Pinellas County, and
because of its period architecture. In fact, the Old Pinellas County Courthouse was the first
permanent building erected as the seat of county government in Pinellas County, following
much debate between the Cities of Clearwater and St Petersburg. The Courthouse is significant
as an excellent example of Neoclassical Revival Style architecture and as the work of the well-
known pioneer Tampa architect, Francis J. Kennard. Please see the attached pamphlet, "History
of the Old Pinellas County Courthouse").
On February 3, 1916, the county commissioners voted in favor of a $160,000 bond issue to
finance the construction of a new courthouse and jail. The county commissioners purchased a
tract of land on the west side of Fort Harrison Avenue for $5,000 of January 19, 1917. Tampa
architect Francis J. Kennard was chosen to design the courthouse and adjacent jail. On January
19, 1917, a contract in the amount of $100,023 was awarded to the firm of Bates, Hudnall, and
Jetton for the construction of the courthouse, and the Tampa firm of G.A. Miller and Company
received a contract for $19,800 to build the jail.
The courthouse was completed on time and within budget on July 7, 1918. Its main facade was
150' long, and the interior contained about 7,200 square feet of space on each of its two floors.
The first floor contained all of the county's business records and commissioners' offices; the
second floor housed one large courtroom, judges' offices, jury and grand jury room.
The rapid growth of Pinellas County during the 1920's land boom era necessitated an addition
to the courthouse in 1924. Kennard designed a two-story with basement wing to be attached to
the rear (west) elevation of the 1917 building. Each floor of the addition was to contain about
1800 square feet of space and house county offices and offices for the Clerk of the Circuit
Court. On May 17, 1924, the county commissioners awarded a contract of $25,000 to Bates,
Hudnall, and Jetton for the construction of the building.
Within two years, and with the land boom continuing, the county commissioners expanded the
courthouse again. In 1926, Kennard designed a large two-story and basement wing to be
attached to the northwest corner of the 1917 building. The new wing provided space for the
county commissioners' offices, the county engineering department on the first floor, and large
courtroom for county and circuit judges on the second floor. A new jail to be located south of
the courthouse was also designed at this time. On September 27, 1926, the county
SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIALS for the Application to Designate the Old Pinellas County
Courthouse as a Historic Resource
commissioners awarded a building contract of $170,838 to the firm of B.F. Walker & Sons for
the courthouse wing and jail.
The land boom collapsed soon after; however, in the 1930s, federal Work Progress
Administration (WPA) funds were used to remodel the third floor of the jail, to build a bridge
connecting the jail to the courtrooms, and to convert the basement space below the 1917
courthouse into offices. The first floor of the original 1917 building as constructed was six feet
above grade, leaving space beneath vacant. The 1936-37 remodeling of this vacant area created
7,462 square feet of office space. Entrances to the basement were made at north and south
ends of the building, and the area was air-conditioned.
ARCHITECTURAL CONTEXT AND SIGNIFICANCE
Neoclassical Revival Style (1894-1940)
The Neoclassical Revival Style was popularized by the World's Columbian Exposition, held in
Chicago in 1893. Buildings erected by each state at the Exposition were to have a classical
theme. Wide publicity for the event and attendance by the people from all over the country
assured a popularity of the style which lasted for nearly fifty years.
Neoclassicism recalled the simple architectural features and techniques of the Greeks and
Romans. Its most distinguishing characteristics include: use of the Ionic or Corinthian order for
colossal columns, pilasters and engaged columns, flat or low pitched roofs behind parapets,
horizontality, symmetry, and balance. Doorways often have elaborate, decorative surrounds
based on Greek revival, Adam or Georgian precedents. Cornices often have dentils or
modillions, and sometimes have a wide frieze band. Windows are usually double hung sash
with various light configurations.
The original part of the Old Pinellas County Courthouse, designed by Francis J. Kennard in 1916
is an excellent example of the Neoclassical Style. It incorporates many of the distinctive
features associated with the style, including: colossal columns and pilasters with Greek capitals,
a flat roof with parapet decorated with Roman fasces and a Greek anthemion. The major
entrances display fairly elaborate surrounds with typical double hung sash. The 1924 and 1926
additions to the 1917 building were also designed by Kennard. His plans expertly integrated the
use of the same materials and neoclassical motifs and designs in the additions.
The plan of the 1917 building and its Neoclassical Revival Style are both typical of similar small
courthouses built during the early 20th century throughout Florida. The buildings materials,
structural systems, and construction techniques are also typical of similar contemporary
buildings in the region. Kennard, however, modified some of the standard features of
Neoclassical Revival buildings to create a building which was particularly suitable for the
Pinellas County Courthouse. The main fagade has a classical temple portico, commonly found
on American governmental buildings, but Kennard modified it by omitting the pediment and
replacing it with a paneled, high parapet wall. The temple fagade formula is further altered by
turning it into a recessed porch with columns set in -antis rather than the typical fashion of a
projecting portion.
SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIALS for the Application to Designate the Old Pinellas County
Courthouse as a Historic Resource
Kennard faced the challenge of creating an appearance of monumentality on a small building.
He achieved this illusion by creating a long, narrow rectangular plan (150' x 50') with a
projecting central block and by raising the main floor 6' above grade. To achieve greater height,
he added a parapet about 10' high above the entablature of the central block; this made the
central section of the building 55' high. With a main fagade 150' long that rises to the height of
a five -story building, the little two-story courthouse with 14,000 square feet of interior space
appeared monumental to passers-by.
The 1917 courthouse gave the county commissioners an impressive symbol of their power, but
did not give them much space. The placement of the 1917 building on its site and the plainness
of the rear fagade indicate that Kennard planned for major additions to be made to the
courthouse. His design for the small 1924 wing incorporated the same building materials,
fenestration, and use of pilasters to blend in with the 1917 building.
The 1924 addition filled the most convenient site for enlargements by covering the rear (west)
wall of the 1917 building. The 1926 addition, therefore, presented an awkward design problem.
This wing, almost the size of the original courthouse, had to fill the remaining space on the site,
but not destroy the symmetrical design and massing of the original structure. Kennard's
solution was to design a street (north) elevation for the new wing that echoed the massing,
bays, and design of the central block of the main fagade of the 1917 building. The style was
reused on the new north elevation with pilasters substituting for the columns of the main (east)
fagade. The granite -faced basement level and entablature surmounted with a high parapet wall
with panels on the main fagade were duplicated on the 1926 fagade, thus unifying the two
sections. The courtrooms of the 1926 wing also echoed the 1917 in its design scheme of paired
pilasters supporting a full entablature and a coffered ceiling created by intersecting paired
beams.
The Old Pinellas County Courthouse remains today a significant historic and important
governmental building in Pinellas County and serves as an excellent example of Francis J.
Kennard's ability to design a classical building to meet the needs of an emerging local
government.
PRESENT AND PROJECTED ECONOMIC TRENDS AND CONDITIONS RELATING TO THE
MAINTENANCE, DEVELOPMENT OR REDEVELOPMENT OF THE PROPERTY
The annual maintenance costs for the Old Pinellas County Courthouse are approximately
$125,000.00. Currently the only future renovations planned are for the basement interior to
better support the County's wellness center. The scope of work includes waterproofing the
basement walls, painting and floor finishes. There are no plans to renovate the exterior facade
of the building at this time.
SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIALS for the Application to Designate the Old Pinellas County
Courthouse as a Historic Resource
A LIST OF CONTRIBUTING AND NONCONTRIBUTING PROPERTIES WITHIN THE DISTRICT (IF
APPLICABLE) — not applicable
The request is for designation of the Old Courthouse Property/Structures (i.e., the 1917
Courthouse, and the 1924 and 1926 wings), as reflected on the National Register.
SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIALS for the Application to Designate the Old Pinellas County
Courthouse as a Historic Resource
ATTACHMENT 3
PHOTOGRAPH OF
THE OLD PINELLAS COUNTY COURTHOUSE
SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIALS for the Application to Designate the Old Pinellas County
Courthouse as a Historic Resource
ATTACHMENT 4
"HISTORY OF THE OLD PINELLAS COUNTY COURTHOUSE"
PAMPHLET
SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIALS for the Application to Designate the Old Pinellas County
Courthouse as a Historic Resource
ATTACHMENT 5
NATIONAL HISTORIC REGISTER NOMINATION PACKAGE
AND LETTER AWARDING NOMINATION
SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIALS for the Application to Designate the Old Pinellas County
Courthouse as a Historic Resource
FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Jim Smith
Secretary of State
D"ION OF HISTORICAL RESOURCES
R.A. Gray Building
500 South Bronough
Tallahasm Florida 31399.0250
Dili s Office Telecopier Number (FAX)
(904) 488-1480 (904) 488-3353
July 13, 1992
The Honorable Rita J. Garvey
Mayor of the City of Clearwater
Post Office Box 4748
Clearwater, Florida 34618-4748
r--Ltrx�
Re: Pinellas County Courthouse, 315 Court Street, Clearwater, FL
Dear Mayor Garvey:
It is a pleasure to advise you that the above referenced site has
been officially listed'in the National Register of Historic
Places as of June 25, 1992.
The enclosed fact sheet outlines the effects of listing in the
National Register with reference to major laws and Federal
regulations related to listed properties." Local planning
agencies should be aware of the review requirements pertaining to
any Federally assisted activities that may have an impact on
listed properties.
sincerely,
A
le'or W. Percy
Stat Historic Preservation
Officer
GWP:bem
Enclosure
Archaeological Research Florida FolWik Programs Hbtmk Prmservation Muswm of Florida History
(904) 487-2299 (904) 397-2192 (904) 497-2333 !9041488-1981
ILA
Ar
r0
SUBJECT/RECOMMENDATION:
Clearwater City Council
Agenda Cover
Memorandum
.. -* session Item #:
Final Agenda Item #
Meeting Date: 03-16-15
Approve the historic designation of the Old Pinellas County Courthouse located at 324 South
Fort Harrison Avenue; and pass Ordinance #8680-15 on first reading. (HIS2014-12003)
® and that the appropriate officials be authorized to execute same.
SUMMARY:
This historic designation application involves the Old Pinellas County Courthouse located on the
southwest corner of Court Street and South Fort Harrison Avenue. This includes the original 1917
building as well as the 1924 and 1926 additions. It is an excellent example of Neoclassical Revival
Style architecture designed by Francis J. Kennard, a well known pioneer architect from Tampa, who
also designed the Belleview Biltmore Hotel in Belleair.
The Old Pinellas County Courthouse is one of downtown Clearwater's major landmarks and one of its
few properties listed on the National Register of Historic Places within the City. The historic
designation of this property will protect Pinellas County's center for government, as well as one of its
most important civic buildings. Designating the Old Pinellas County Courthouse locally will ensure
that any future improvements will maintain the historic integrity of the building because the owner is
required to request a certificate of appropriateness in order to materially alter the building, erect a
new building on the property or demolish or relocate the building.
The Planning and Development Department determined that the proposed historic designation of the
Old Pinellas County Courthouse is consistent with three of the four criteria for evaluating historic
properties specified in the Community Development Code (Section 4-407.F.2.a-c):
• The property is associated with events that made a significant contribution to the board
pattern of the City.
• The property is associated with the lives of persons significant in history.
• The property possesses distinctive characteristics of a type, period or method of
construction.
Pursuant to Community Development Code Section 4-607.F.3., historic properties shall be classified
as exceptional, excellent, notable or of value as part of the scene, depending on the number of
designation criteria met. Properties that satisfy three of the four criteria are classified as excellent. As
previously stated, the, the Old Pinellas County Courthouse meets three of these criteria and therefore
should be classified as "excellent".
Please refer to the attached historic designation staff report (HIS2014-12003) for the complete
analysis.
The Community Development Board reviewed this application at its public hearing on February 17,
2015 and unanimously recommended approval.
• 0
PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT
Ckarft
vCknrftff Level III Comprehensive Plan Amendment Application Review LONG RANGE DIVISION
a COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
}
Clearwater BOARD
PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
STAFF REPORT
MEETING DATE: February 17, 2015
AGENDA ITEM: F.3.
CASE: HIS2014-12003
REQUEST: Historic designation of the Old Pinellas County Courthouse, including the
original 1917 structure as well as the 1924 and 1926 additions.
GENERAL DATA:
Agent .................................... Mark S. Woodard, Pinellas County Administrator
Applicant / Owner ..................... Pinellas County, Florida
Location ............................... 324 South Fort Harrison Avenue, located on the southwest corner of the
intersection of Court Street and South Fort Harrison Avenue
Property Size ............................. 1.137 acres
Future Land Use Plan .............. Central Business District (CBD)
Zoning ................................. Downtown (D)
Existing Surrounding Uses ...... North: Pinellas County Offices
South: Pinellas County Jail; Parking Lot
East: Restaurant; Commercial Use
West: Pinellas County Courthouse
Current Use ................. Courthouse
Proposed Use ............... Courthouse
7:T
_ I`
11 L
S FRMIILLMST
�'- PROJECr 3
SWE
� gEJMu1 s
TMF-_._nim-.OT
11 LOCATION MAP I
Community Development Board — February 17, 2015
HIS2014-12003- Page 1 of 8
g wwwenv`
R« ERs s, I } n
t1 j M
ZONING MAP
Level III Comprehensive Plan Amendment Application Review
ANALYSIS:
Background
PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT
LONG RANGE DIVISION
This historic designation application involves the Old Pinellas County Courthouse located on the
southwest corner of Court Street and South Fort Harrison Avenue. This includes the original
1917 building as well as the 1924 and 1926 additions. It is an excellent example of Neoclassical
Revival Style architecture designed by Francis J. Kennard, a well known pioneer architect from
Tampa, who also designed the Belleview Biltmore Hotel in Belleair. Construction on the
original courthouse building began in 1917 and was completed in 1918. The original Kennard
design included a 150 -foot long neoclassical style facade and an entrance portico constructed of
Indiana limestone. Its 14,000 square feet of space housed county records, business offices and
commissioners' offices on the first floor, with judges' offices, jury and grand jury rooms on the
second. Shortly after its completion the county needed additional space, and in 1924, Kennard
designed a two-story addition to the west side of the courthouse, and in 1926 an additional two-
story and basement wing was added, extending from the northwest corner of the original
building.
Many buildings in Pinellas County have undergone restoration, but the Old Courthouse is unique
in that it was restored to its original function as well as its original design. It is a functioning
courthouse, rather than a museum or public display. The Old Pinellas County Courthouse is one
of the few properties listed on the National Register of Historic Places within the City of
Clearwater. It was listed in 1992 due to its association with the political history of Pinellas
County and because of its period architecture.
Standards for Historic Designation
Community Development Code Section 4-607.F. addresses the standards for historic
designation, including criteria for evaluating proposed historic properties and classification
levels related to how many of the criteria are satisfied. The following section discusses the
consistency of the proposed historic designation with the standards as per Section 4-603.F.
Consistency with Criteria for Evaluating Proposed Historic Properties
Recommended Findings of Fact:
Applicable criteria for evaluating the historic designation of the Old Pinellas County Courthouse
are as follows:
• Whether the property is associated with events that have made a significant contribution to
the broad pattern of city, state or national history [CDC Section 4-607.F.2.a].
The land mass that is now known as Pinellas County was originally a part of Hillsborough
County. As the Pinellas peninsula grew in population in the early 20' Century, many Pinellas
residents began to feel that their cities were being left out of the Hillsborough decision-
making process. Travel between the western land area and Tampa was extremely difficult.
Community Development Board — February 17, 2015
HIS2014-12003- Page 2 of 8
0,
u
Level III Comprehensive Plan Amendment Application Review PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT
LONG RANGE DIVISION
Even though the automobile had been introduced in Pinellas during the first decade of the
20th Century, the roads between Pinellas and Tampa were virtually nonexistent. Pinellas
residents felt that Pinellas was not receiving its fair share of local tax dollars for roads,
bridges and schools. William L. Struab, editor of the St. Petersburg Times, proposed a
"Pinellas Declaration of Independence" in 1907, and began to crusade for separation from
Hillsborough County by using articles and cartoons. The Florida legislature approved the
proposal to separate from Hillsborough County in 1911 and on January 1, 1912, Pinellas
County became the 48th county of Florida.
Pinellas County needed a courthouse but the location became an issue. Straub had promised
to locate the courthouse in Clearwater and give the city three of the five county commission
seats during the struggle for independence. However, power brokers in St. Petersburg
challenged the plan as they advocated for a general election in Pinellas County to determine
where the county seat should be located. St. Petersburg officials donated land that could be
used for the courthouse and Clearwater officials followed by donating land as well. County
Commissioners quickly voted to construct a two-story frame courthouse in Clearwater that
would serve as the county seat in May of 1912, which settled the location issue. It took 26
days to construct the building using volunteer citizen labor and it cost $3,750.
Pinellas County soon outgrew its first wooden courthouse, and in 1917 construction began on
a new courthouse and jail on the west side of Fort Harrison Avenue (now the Old Pinellas
County Courthouse). Construction for the first expansion began in 1924 and a second
expansion began in 1926. The Old Pinellas County Courthouse was the first permanent
building erected as the seat of county government in Pinellas County.
Whether the property is associated with the lives of persons significant in history [CDC
Section 4-607.F.2.b].
The architect for the original courtroom as well as both additions was Francis J. Kennard of
Tampa. He was known as a pioneer architect at the time. Kennard designed the Belleview
Biltmore in Belleair, the Lee County Courthouse and Hillsborough High School.
• Whether the property possesses distinctive characteristics of a type, period or method of
construction or the representation of the work of a master, or the possession of artistic values
[CDC Section 4-607.F.2.c].
The Old Pinellas County Courthouse incorporates many distinctive features associated with
the Neoclassical Revival Style, which includes colossal columns and pilasters with Greek
capitals, a flat roof with parapet decorated with Roman fasces and a Greek anthemion. The
major entrances display fairly elaborate surrounds with typical double hung sash. Kennard
expertly integrated the use of the same materials and neoclassical motifs and designs used in
the original building into the 1924 and 1926 additions. The plan of the 1917 building and its
Neoclassical Revival Style are both typical of similar courthouses built during the early 20th
century throughout Florida. The building materials, structural systems and construction
techniques are also typical of similar contemporary buildings in the region. Kennard
modified some of the standard features of Neoclassical Revival buildings to create a building
Community Development Board — February 17, 2015
HIS2014-12003- Page 3 of 8
0
9arwaterPLANNING & DEVELOPMENT
CleLevel III Comprehensive Plan Amendment Application Review LONG RANGE DIVISION
which was particularly suitable for the Pinellas County Courthouse. The main fagade has a
classical temple portico, commonly found on American governmental buildings, but Kennard
modified it by omitting the pediment and replacing it with a paneled, high parapet wall. The
temple fagade formula is further altered by turning it into a recessed porch with columns set
in -antis, rather than the typical fashion of a projecting portion.
Old Pinellas County Courthouse Photos
Old postcard rendering of courthouse
Current photo of courthouse
Source: Buell & Elligett, P.A.
Community Development Board — February 17, 2015
HIS2014-12003- Page 4 of 8
Level III Comprehensive Plan Amendment Application Review PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT
P LONG RANGE DIVISION
Kennard faced the challenge of creating an appearance of monumentality on a small building.
He achieved this illusion by creating a long, narrow rectangular plan (150' x 50') with a
projecting central block and by raising the main floor 6' above grade. To achieve greater
height, he added a parapet about 10' high above the entablature of the central block; this
made the central section of the building 55' high. With a main fagade 150' long that rises to
the height of a five -story building, the little two-story courthouse with 14,000 square feet of
interior space appeared monumental to passers-by.
The 1917 courthouse gave the county commissioners an impressive symbol of their power,
but did not give them much space. The placement of the 1917 building on its site and the
plainness of the rear fagade indicate that Kennard planned for major additions to be made to
the courthouse. His design for the small 1924 wing incorporated the same building materials,
fenestration and use of pilasters to blend in with the 1917 building.
The 1924 addition filled the most convenient site for enlargements by covering the rear
(west) wall of the 1917 building. The 1926 addition, therefore, presented an awkward design
problem. This wing, almost the size of the original courthouse, had to fill the remaining space
on the site, but not destroy the symmetrical design and massing of the original structure.
Kennard's solution was to design a street (north) elevation for the new wing that echoed the
massing, bays and design of the central block of the main fagade of the 1917 building. The
style was reused on the new north elevation with pilasters substituting for the columns of the
main (east) fagade. The granite -faced basement level and entablature surmounted with a .high
parapet wall with panels on the main fagade were duplicated on the 1926 fagade, thus
unifying the two sections. The courtrooms of the 1926 wing also echoed the 1917 in its
design scheme of paired pilasters supporting a full entablature and a coffered ceiling creating
by intersecting paired beams.
• Whether the property yielded or may be likely to yield information important in prehistory or
history. [CDC Section 4-607.F.2.d].
There is no evidence that the Old Pinellas County Courthouse yields information important
in prehistory or history.
Recommended Conclusions of Law:
The Old Pinellas County Courthouse is eligible for historic designation as the property is
associated with events that have made a significant contribution to the broad patterns of
Clearwater history, is associated with the lives of persons significant in Clearwater's history and
possesses distinctive characteristics of a type, period and method of construction.
Classification of Property
Recommended Findings of Fact:
Community Development Code Section 4-607.F.3 specifies that historic properties shall be
classified as exceptional, excellent, notable or of value as part of the scene depending on the
number of designation criteria met. Based on the findings of fact and conclusions of law made
Community Development Board — February 17, 2015
HIS2014-12003- Page 5 of 8
PLANNING & DEVELOPMENTd6rGa}fLevel III Comprehensive Plan Amendment Application Review
LONG RANGE DMSION
above, the Old Pinellas County Courthouse currently meets three out of the four designation
criteria including: association with events that have made a significant contribution to the broad
patterns of history; association with the lives of persons significant in history and association
with distinctive characteristics of a type, period or method of construction.
Recommended Conclusions of Law:
The Old Pinellas County Courthouse is considered "excellent" as it meets the criteria established
in Community Development Code Section 4-607.a., b. and c.
IMPACT OF PROPOSED HISTORIC DESGINATION
The historic designation of the Old Pinellas County Courthouse will afford local protection for
the building which was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1992. The
courthouse has undergone extensive internal and external renovations (completed in 1997) in
order to repair and modernize the building. Modern climate control, fire sprinkler and smoke
detection devices were all added unobtrusively to blend in with the original architecture of the
building. All of the courthouse windows were restored, rebuilt or replaced, and all elements of
the restored windows are comparable to the original windows. The Old Courthouse is unique in
that it was restored to its original function as well as its original design.
The Courthouse is one of downtown Clearwater's major landmarks and one of its few properties
listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The historic designation of this property will
protect Pinellas County's center for government, as well as one of its most important civic
buildings. Designating the Old Pinellas County Courthouse locally will ensure that any future
improvements will maintain the historic integrity of the building because the owner is required to
request a certificate of appropriateness in order to materially alter the building, erect a new
building on the property or demolish or relocate the building. A certificate of appropriateness
may be required whether or not a building or demolition permit is required. It is not required for
ordinary building maintenance.
Several city plans contain policies related to the preservation and designation of structures within
the city, which can create a sense of place and time and maintain character that makes a city
unique.
Clearwater Comprehensive Plan
Applicable Objectives and Policies from the Future Land Use Element of the Clearwater
Comprehensive Plan in support of the historic designation of the Old Pinellas County
Courthouse are as follows:
Policy A.5.5.2 - Preserve the unique qualities of Clearwater and its cultural heritage as
exemplified by historic buildings, landmarks, landscapes, streetscapes, lighting, and
building design.
Objective A.6.3 - The City shall encourage the implementation of historic overlay
districts, the maintenance of existing historic properties, and the preservation of existing
Community Development Board — February 17, 2015
HIS2014-12003- Page 6 of 8
Level III Comprehensive Plan Amendment Application Review PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT
p LONG RANGE DIVISION
neighborhoods through the use of design guidelines and the implementation of the City's
Community Development Code.
Policy A.6.3.1 - The City Council shall consider designating historic properties and
districts within the City of Clearwater; designations shall be consistent with the standards
for designation found in the City's Community Development Code. Procedures
identified in the Community Development Code should be amended to permit the City, in
addition to property owners, to initiate such designation.
Policy A.6.3.2 - Any changes to approved historic structures shall be approved by the
Community Development Board in accordance with the procedures and requirements
found in the Community Development Code.
Downtown Clearwater Redevelopment Plan
The Introduction of the Downtown Clearwater Redevelopment Plan identifies the purpose of the
plan and states several reasons why projects like the designation of the Old Pinellas County
Courthouse are important to the city:
There are several good reasons that downtown revitalization is important to all
Clearwater citizens. First, every city should have a unique place that fosters community
interaction and fun. Downtown should and can be that place for Clearwater residents
and tourists alike. Second, Downtown Clearwater is a reflection of how our forefathers
lived, worked and shopped. Clearwater's past can be seen in its historic buildings in and
around Downtown and historic Coachman Park. We cannot envision and plan for the
future unless we are mindful of our past learning from our successes and failures.
The proposed historic designation of the Old Pinellas County Courthouse furthers the following
policies of the Downtown Clearwater Redevelopment Plan:
Policy 4: Renovation, rehabilitation and reuse of historic resources are encouraged.
Flexibility through the site plan review process should be utilized so that historic
resources may be retained and reused.
Policy 5: The City shall pursue various strategies, incentives and planning tools that will
assist in the preservation of historic resources.
The historic designation of this building requires any building improvements to be consistent
with the design guidelines established in the Downtown Clearwater Redevelopment Plan for the
rehabilitation of historic structures. While a major historic renovation was completed in 1997,
the historic designation will provide greater protection as it will require improvements to be in
compliance with the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation.
Community Development Board — February 17, 2015
HIS2014-12003- Page 7 of 8
Level III Comprehensive Plan Amendment Application Review
SUMMARY AND RECOMMENDATION:
PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT
LONG RANGE DIVISION
The historic designation of the Old Pinellas County Courthouse was requested by Pinellas
County. The building was designed by Francis J. Kennard, a Tampa architect, and remains an
excellent example of the Neoclassical Revival style in downtown, as reflected by its listing on
the National Register of Historic places in 1992.
Policies within the Clearwater Comprehensive Plan and the Downtown Clearwater
Redevelopment Plan emphasize the importance of designating and preserving historic buildings
and the historic designation of the Old Pinellas County Courthouse will satisfy several policies
and objectives listed within both plans.
Based on the foregoing, the Planning and Development Department recommends the following
action:
Recommend APPROVAL of the historic designation of the Old Pinellas County
Courthouse with the classification of excellent.
Prepared by Planning and Development Department Staff:
Katie See
Planner III
ATTACHMENTS: Photographs of Site and Vicinity
Resume
Community Development Board — February 17, 2015
HIS2014-12003- Page 8 of 8
View looking west at the subject property,
324 S. Fort Harrison Avenue
South of the subject property
View looking northerly along S. Fort Harrison Avenue
North of the subject property
IL M
Across the street, to the east of the subject
property
View looking southerly along S. Fort Harrison Avenue
HIS2014-12003
Pinellas County
324 S. Fort Harrison Avenue
Resume
Katie See
100 South Myrtle Avenue
Clearwater, FL 33756
727-562-4557
katie.see@myclearwater.com
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
• Planner III
City of Clearwater, FL May 2014 to Present
Responsible for numerous aspects of the Growth Management Act of Florida such as
comprehensive planning, future land use plan amendments, rezoning and annexations. Update
Community Development Codes by ordinance. Prepare staff reports for the City Council and
Community Development Board. Responsible for providing informational assistance to the
public and developers concerning development plans. Coordinate and manage various projects.
Serve as the City's representative on countywide and regional planning agencies.
• City Planner
City of Charles Town, WV October 2008 to May 2014
Served as City staff for Planning Commission (PC), Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA), Historic
Landmarks Commission and Building Commission. Responsible for reviewing land use
applications and making recommendations to the PC and BZA. Also responsible for providing
assistance to the public and developers regarding zoning, land use and the zoning and
subdivision ordinances.
• Associate Planner
City of Charles Town, WV September 2006 to October 2008
Assisted with Planning Commission (PC), Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA), Historic Landmarks
Commission and Building Commission. Assisted with review of land use applications. Also
assisted with answering questions from the public and developers regarding zoning, land use
and the zoning ordinance.
EDUCATION
Master's, Environmental Policy & Management, American Public University, Expected Sprig 2015
Bachelor of Arts, Urban Affairs and Planning, Virginia Tech, 2006
ASSOCIATION MEMBERSHIPS
American Planning Association (2006 to Present)
VAGISTIanning0anning Requests\HIS Cases\HIS2014-12003V.ocHIS2014-12003.docx
PARK ST .4�y
v
tl �
w0- 2 z
Q
Q Rev. XX/XX/XX
PIERCE ST
z
O
z
T—
N�
Q
L
Of
Q
D
(
J
O
w
U
Of
UO
FRANKLIN ST
In
O
U)
w
Q
z V
w COURT ST
PROJECT
SITE
0
tr
Q
c
El
CHESTNUT ST
ROGERS ST
ROGERS ST
w
Q
Q
>
Q
m
Y
Q
a
TURNER ST
w
co Q
O
w w
J z
Q
.O
—
LOCATION
MAP
Owner(s):
Pinellas County, FL
Case:
HIS2014-12003
Property
Site:
324 S. Ft. Harrison
Avenue
Size(Acres):
1.137
PIN:
16-29-15-92574-007-0010
Atlas Page:
286B
VAGISTIanning0anning Requests\HIS Cases\HIS2014-12003V.ocHIS2014-12003.docx
420
424
i
432
210
210
2
h y
305 ?
FRA Rev. 12/22/14
O
W
CO) 300 301 300
Q 305
CO) ; 307
308 Q
o Z
300 312 W
COURT ST v� 316 rt
rfi
■
� ■ b
IK
■
■ 351
■ 324 400
■
■
f������■ 401
400 411
413
415 417
475 420 421
j425
Q
? UT ST
501
O
N
520
528
534
� D
LD
V
512
M
h h
501
C 514
LL
525
511(A-1)
ZONING MAP
Owner(s): Pinellas County, FL Case: HIS2014-12003
Property
Site: 324 S. Ft. Harrison Avenue Size(Acres): 1.137
PIN: 16-29-15-92574-007-0010 Atlas Page: 286B
VAGISTIanning0anning Requests\HIS Cases\HIS2014-12003\ZonHIS2014-12003.docx
517(A-2)
53p
523(A-3)
532
529(A-4)
534
535(A-5)
536
541(A-6)
Owner(s): Pinellas County, FL Case: HIS2014-12003
Property
Site: 324 S. Ft. Harrison Avenue Size(Acres): 1.137
PIN: 16-29-15-92574-007-0010 Atlas Page: 286B
VAGISTIanning0anning Requests\HIS Cases\HIS2014-12003\ZonHIS2014-12003.docx
- I& -
-, _ , r
r
AERIAL MAP
Owner(s): Pinellas County, FL
Site: 324 S. Ft. Harrison Avenue
7
ti
z
ka�.iyl2na
Case: HIS2014-12003
Property
Size (Acres) : 1.137
PIN: 1 16-29-15-92574-007-0010 1 Atlas Page: I 286B
VAGISOanning0anning Requests\HIS Cases\HIS2014-12003�AerHIS2014-12003.docx
i- I
Historic Designation Map Request
Planner Name: Katie.See
Case Number: HIS2014-12003
Date Request Submitted: December 9, 2014
Date Requested for: January 5, 2015
Maps Needed
® Location Map
® Aerial Photograph
z Zoning Map
Required Documents
❑ Legal Description (warranty deed or survey) - to be hand delivered
❑ Map with Proposed Site Highlighted
❑ EDR - no hard copies submitted - all submission material is accessible through
Accela
Location & Right-of-Way Language (for Ordinance Title)
Location:
Right-of-Way: N/A
PROVIDED LEGAL DESCRIPTION VERIFIED BY: -
omas Mahony, PS+, G raphic Tech nolo y Manager
k % 'lOf -UP AT Vcr-� Q015, �-lo'r CON Sj1Tb[e'/k'tLjooALr VE6W 11 ori s.
MAP NAME
Owner(s):
Pinellas County, FL
I Case:
HIS2014-12003
Property
Site:
324 S. Ft. Harrison Avenue
Size Acres :
PIN:
16-29-15-92574-007-0010
Atlas Page:
286B
C:\Users\christopher.melone\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\Temporary Internet Files\Content.0utlook\141E5IAHV\HIS2014-
12003 Map Request.docx