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Historic Kenwood |
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The charm of Historic Kenwood can be seen in the plentiful and beautiful mature trees, the brick streets and the hexagon block sidewalks. Many friendly, neighborly residents of all ages and backgrounds are found throughout the neighborhood. Historic Kenwood features many historically and architecturally significant homes, many with fireplaces, hardwood floors, large windows, high ceilings and large front porches. Historic Kenwood has a beautiful neighborhood park, containing a historically correct pavilion built by the neighborhood, which is excellent for family outings. The park also contains a playground area for the children.
Historic Kenwood is centrally located and, therefore, has quick access to all of St. Petersburg. Historic Kenwood has many businesses along its main arteries, such as bookstores, groceries, doctors' and lawyers' offices. Both Home Depot and Lowes are near the neighborhood, which make renovation projects convenient. Other landmarks include St. Petersburg High School, Central Post Office and the Central Avenue Community Policing Resource Center. Historic Kenwood people are very special. The neighborhood association sponsors social events such as pot luck dinners, neighborhood picnics in the park, block parties and Friday night happy hours to facilitate neighbor interaction. Historic Kenwood's high community neighborhood involvement helps keep crime lower than many other redeveloping neighborhoods. Charles R. Hall, one of the top five real estate developers of early St. Petersburg, originally developed the Historic Kenwood Neighborhood in 1912. He purchased and developed the 160-acre area situated between 25th and 31st Streets from 1st Avenue South to 5th Avenue North. He donated one square block to the City of St. Petersburg to be used as Seminole Park, adding a family atmosphere to his development. Most homes were built on site; but, during the mid-1930s, approximately 170 homes from other St. Petersburg neighborhoods were moved to this area.
Historic Kenwood's homes are typical of early St. Petersburg development. Historic Kenwood has one of the highest concentrations of 1920s Craftsman Style Bungalows in Florida. Other architectural styles include: Mediterranean Revival, Colonial Revival, Minimal Traditional, Ranch and both Masonry and Frame Vernacular styles of architecture. Most have two bedrooms, with larger, three- and four- bedroom homes scattered throughout. The neighborhood contains beautifully renovated, historic homes plus many historic homes ready to be renovated. Historic Kenwood is fortunate to have many talented community members: professionals, working in the fields of architecture, real estate, and construction. These people are ready and willing to help homeowners with any renovations needed to improve neighborhood housing and quality of life. The newsletter features articles on renovation and architecture, as well as a trading section for swapping hard to find building parts.
Historic Kenwood has a City-sponsored Neighborhood Plan aimed at revitalizing and restoring the grandeur of the neighborhood. In conjunction with the city's department of Urban Design and Historic Preservation, Kenwood has recently filed for designation as a historically significant community. The neighborhood has been a test bed for programs such as "Project Upgrade," a unique housing program for purchasing and renovating housing. The neighborhood is part of the City's Neighborhood Design Review District, Certificate of Inspection Program for rental property, as well as Crime Watch. The Neighborhood Association is connected with many local businesses and banks that are actively involved in funding improvement projects and housing rehabilitation. Historic Kenwood also participates in the Wrice anti-drug marches. Historic Kenwood has received two Neighborhood Partnership grants. One was used for street signs and the other was used for a pavilion in the park. Historic Kenwood's Boundaries are the north side of 1st Ave. N. to the South side of 9th Ave North and from I-275 to US 19, which is 34th Street North.
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