Historic Kenwood / Grand Central District
-
6/6/2012
This area of St. Petersburg is the perfect marriage of a Historic Home residential community and a blossoming Fla Main Street business district, Grand Central. Historic Kenwood rose from the dilapidated conditions between the years of 1970 to early 1990's when the mostly blue collar and gay community decided to make a change and bring attention to the fact that is has the highest concentration of Bungalow homes in South West Fla. These smaller homes averaging 1200-1500 square feet became the project of many renovators and now celebrates the neighborhood by hosting its yearly BungalowFest tour of homes.
While Historic Kenwood climbed in median home income and values, it became increasingly desirable to create a business district that upstart small business owners and operators could hone their craft. In 2001, Grand Central District became a designated Florida Main Street by the Florida Trust for Historic Preservation. Many of the upstart residents of Historic Kenwood became local business owners of Grand Central. The marriage began.
Today, Historic Kenwood has won numerous neighborhood of the year awards from the city of Saint Petersburg. Twice, A top three National, NUSA neighborhood of the year award and a top ten cottage neighborhood identified by Cottage Living Magazine. Grand Central District remains one of the most successful Main Street Communities in the state with over 200 local businesses consisting of Restaurants, Galleries, Antiques,Retail and professional services. Both are home of the St. Pete Pride Celebration held yearly the last week of June. 80,000 plus attendees wind through the streets of Historic Kenwood when the parade starts and finishes in Grand Central District. The St. Pete Pride event has become Florida's largest one day event celebrating its diversity of life.
Historic Kenwood and Grand Central Distict, you must come see the perfect marriage of Residential and Business community.
James | St. Petersburg, FL