ST. PETERSBURG, FL – (March 5, 2020) – The 1772 Foundation has awarded a $75,000 grant to Preserve the ‘Burg for the organization’s historic properties program, which was created to buy and save historic structures in St. Petersburg. And the City of St. Petersburg has agreed to match the grant, pending City Council approval, for a total of $150,000 to be put towards the program.
The historic properties program, which was created in 2017 to save buildings that are in danger of demolition, utilizes a “revolving fund,” a model that’s been successful in such cities as Savannah and New Orleans.
The fund was seeded with $100,000 donated to Preserve the ‘Burg by First States Trust as part of a settlement related to the demolition of two historic buildings on the 400 block of Central Avenue in downtown St. Petersburg. The additional monies committed this month brings the total fund balance to $250,000.
The concept for the fund is simple: Buy and rehabilitate a structure, place protective easements or designations on it, and then sell it, using the profits and other financial support to replenish the fund. The goal is to grow the fund over time, making it possible to save more structures around the city.
The 1772 Foundation, a Newport, Rhode Island-based nonprofit, has given over $50 million in grants for historic preservation and farmland preservation around the U.S. over the past 20 years.
“Part of what makes St. Pete so remarkable is our unique history, and preserving that special history is an important part of what we do at the City,” said St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Kriseman. “That’s why I couldn’t be more pleased to congratulate our friends at Preserve the ‘Burg on securing this grant, which the City of St. Petersburg will be matching. Part of encouraging our continued economic vitality is maintaining our unique sense of place in the Sunshine City. My thanks as well to the 1772 Foundation for recognizing this need in our city and the hard work of Preserve the ‘Burg.”
For Preserve the ‘Burg, formed more than 40 years ago as St. Petersburg Preservation, the revolving fund is just one piece of an effort to find creative new ways to save historic structures in the city. The organization will also pay the application fees for any neighborhood or property owner seeking to designate their building or neighborhood as historic, and has begun providing guidance to developers on tax incentives to rehabilitate historic buildings.
“Our historic buildings are a crucial part of the character and charm that make St. Pete special, and as development pressure increases downtown, those buildings’ very existence is threatened,” said Monica Kile, executive director of Preserve the ‘Burg. “With this in mind, we have to be creative and collaborative, working with developers, building owners, residents and city staff so we can keep our city’s character intact as we continue to grow.”
Preserve the ‘Burg will soon convene an advisory committee it has established to guide the use of the fund, and the group already has a few possible projects in the pipeline for 2020. While the fund could be used for a building anywhere in the city, much of the group’s focus will be on downtown and adjacent neighborhoods, where development pressure is strongest.
“Preserve the ‘Burg has played a key role in protecting and celebrating the historic elements of our city,” said St. Petersburg City Council member Gina Driscoll, who brought the idea of a funding match to the City and was a key driver in gaining City approval. “I’m delighted that the organization has secured this grant so that they can take on significant projects with a proactive and sustainable approach to historic preservation in St. Petersburg.”
About Preserve the ‘Burg: The mission of Preserve the ‘Burg is to Educate, Advocate, and Celebrate: Educate the public about the cultural history of our city and the unique places that make St. Petersburg special; advocate with city officials for appropriate guidelines on the management of historic properties, neighborhoods, and resources; and celebrate the places that we are working to preserve, through enjoyable, community-building events.
Preserve the ‘Burg, founded in 1977 as St. Petersburg Preservation, believes in the importance of maintaining a unique sense of place to enhance quality of life and encourage economic vitality. Through walking tours, lectures, Movies in the Park, Preservation Awards, and porch parties, we educate residents about the unique architectural and cultural history of St. Petersburg in an effort to encourage a love of place and the preservation of our historic buildings and resources.

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