Local Information Roser Park

Historic Roser Park

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The Historic Roser Park Neighborhood was recognized by the City of St. Petersburg as its first historic district. The neighborhood is charming, and meandering Booker Creek and beautiful Roser Park are at its center. The unique topography is an excellent setting for the diverse styles of architecture found in Historic Roser Park. Stately royal palms and regal old oaks are mixed in with a variety of lush tropical vegetation. Augusta brick streets and hex block sidewalks add to the historic feel of the district.

The Historic Roser Park Neighborhood was carefully planned to consciously preserve the natural beauty of the area. The major landscape feature of the neighborhood is Booker Creek and the surrounding Roser Park. Booker Creek, with its narrow green space, steep banks, and hilltop setting for residences gives the neighborhood a distinctive topography, reinforcing the district's sense of place. The ancient rusticated block retaining walls are another period feature of the district. C.M. Roser, the neighborhood's developer, walled the ravine banks along the creek in 1914 and in some places they reach a height of 5 to 6 feet to prevent the banks below residences from subsiding. Some portions of the walls remain even in those areas where houses no longer exist.

Historic Roser Park area was developed in the early teens by Charles M. Roser. Mr. Roser had relocated to St. Petersburg after selling his famous Fig Newton Cookies to the National Biscuit Company; therefore, the neighborhood is often called the "Neighborhood a Cookie Built." The Historic Roser Park Neighborhood was highly photographed in the 1920s on souvenir picture postcards. During this time, it was considered one of the most attractive residential developments in all of Florida.

Historic Roser Park Neighborhood's homes have various styles, and no two are exactly alike. Some homes are built into the hillsides. Home styles range from Colonial Revival, Prairie Style, Mediterranean and Spanish to various styles of American Bungalows. Renovation and restoration opportunities abound.

The Historic Roser Park Neighborhood Plan was adopted on June 10, 1993. Work continues to help make this unique and beautiful area the place to live. The Historic Roser Park Neighborhood Association is actively working with the city through the implementation of the neighborhood plan.

The first grant project was to build a replica of the twin arbors in the park by the Ronald McDonald House. It involved designing a historically appropriate structure and plantings around it. It was a successful project with many neighbors helping to construct and install this project.

Neighborhood residents added signage and landscaping at the neighborhood's entrance, incorporated rusticated blocks for an authentic look, and added historic lighting at the historic districts two monument signs. Current projects include developing an outdoor museum and planting additional street trees. The outdoor museum will circle through the neighborhood with markers highlighting significant information about Historic Roser Park.

Historic Roser Park Boundaries are Booker Creek to 11th Avenue South from 4th to 9th Streets South.