Kenwood Historic District (St. Petersburg, Florida) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Kenwood Historic District
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 Location in Florida
Location in the United States
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| Location | St. Petersburg, Florida |
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| Area | 3,750 acres (15.2 km2) |
| NRHP reference No. | 03000729 |
| Added to NRHP | August 4, 2003 |
The Kenwood Historic District, also called Historic Kenwood, is a special area in St. Petersburg, Florida. It's known for its many old buildings and unique charm. This district was officially recognized as a historic place on August 4, 2003. It sits just west of downtown St. Petersburg.
Historic Kenwood covers about 375 acres. It is famous for its historic bungalow-style homes. Most of the houses here are one or two stories tall. They were built between 1912 and 1945. You can also find old garages and apartments above garages. While there are many different house styles, bungalows make up more than half of the homes. Some of these bungalow homes were even moved here in the 1930s from other parts of the city. This helped make Kenwood known for its bungalows.
St. Petersburg High School, built in 1926, is right in the middle of Historic Kenwood. It is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The district also has several churches and many local businesses.
Many of the old streets and landscapes in Kenwood are still the same. Most of the avenues, which run east to west, are still made of brick. You can also see hexagonal pavers on many sidewalks. Tall granite curbs line many streets. Large oak trees, along with jacaranda, palms, and pine trees, shade the streets. Historic Kenwood is about 50 feet above sea level. This makes it higher than many other areas in the city.
Another special spot in Historic Kenwood is Seminole Park. This old park is shaped like a rectangle. It was given to the city by Charles R. Hall. He was one of the first people to develop the Kenwood area. The park has many types of trees, grassy spots, and sidewalks. It also has playground equipment. A modern pavilion in the park fits in well with the old buildings around it.
A Look Back: Kenwood's Story
Historic Kenwood began as a neighborhood for working and middle-class families in the early 1900s. It was one of the first areas to be built outside of downtown St. Petersburg. The first plans for the neighborhood were made in 1912. It grew very quickly during the Florida Land Boom of the 1920s. During this time, St. Petersburg became a popular vacation spot.
While some houses were built in the 1910s, most of the growth happened in the 1920s. This was because Kenwood was close to downtown. People could easily get there by car or streetcar. The streetcar system used to run along Central Avenue. It was very popular until it stopped running in 1947.
Kenwood's Comeback Story
Like many older city areas, Kenwood faced challenges starting in the 1950s. Interstate 275 was built in the 1970s. It became the eastern edge of Historic Kenwood. U.S. 19 (34th Street) on the western side became more commercial. The small, local businesses along Central Avenue also struggled.
In the early 1990s, people who loved the area started to bring the neighborhood back to life. This revival continues today in both Historic Kenwood and the nearby Grand Central District. Many residents and homeowners worked hard to improve the area. They helped make the tree-lined streets a stable and beautiful neighborhood. They also created a strong community voice.
Since the 1990s, many historic homes and businesses have been restored. For example, old vinyl or aluminum siding has been removed. Many front porches that were once closed off have been reopened. Today, the neighborhood hosts fun events. These include monthly porch parties, the annual BungalowFest, and Founders' Day. These events bring many people to the neighborhood.
