Discover St. Pete’s architectural story—from Mediterranean Revival landmarks like the Vinoy Hotel and Snell Arcade to modern icons such as the Dalí Museum and St. Pete Pier. Learn about local firms, AIA award winners and skyline‑shaping projects.
St. Petersburg, Florida (“St. Pete”) is known for its sunshine and beaches, but the city’s architectural heritage is just as remarkable. Founded in 1888, St. Petersburg has evolved from a railroad‑linked trading outpost into a Gulf‑coast metropolis. Today, the skyline showcases a blend of preserved historic buildings, mid‑century modern homes and soaring glass towers. This article surveys the city’s architectural history, highlights notable landmarks, profiles leading local architects and summarizes several transformative development projects.
St. Petersburg’s first buildings reflected late‑19th‑century tastes. Early homes, churches and commercial blocks were influenced by the Beaux‑Arts and Victorian styles, resulting in ornate façades and decorative details. As railroads brought settlers from the American northeast, Mediterranean Revival became popular; the style’s red‑tile roofs and arches echoed the heritage of the city’s founders, John C. Williams and Peter Demens. Growth in the early 20th century introduced Art Deco and Art Moderne buildings; the historic Vinoy Hotel and Sunken Gardens are examples from this era. Mid‑century modernism later brought boxy, flat‑roofed structures and clean geometric lines.
- Old Northeast: Bungalows and Craftsman‑style houses built in the early 1900s line brick streets; many have been updated with modern‑Craftsman features.
- Old Southeast: Historic coastal cottages mix with recent renovations that lean toward coastal contemporary.
- Venetian Isles & Jungle Prada/Terrace: Mandated clay‑tile roofs and colonnaded façades reveal the Mediterranean style common to canal‑lined streets.
- Snell Isle and Historic Kenwood: Snell Isle features modern and contemporary architecture, while Kenwood retains Craftsman bungalows.
- Pink Streets & Euclid–St. Paul’s: Mid‑century and Spanish Revival homes mingle with Colonial Revival structures.
This rich mix of styles provides inspiration for today’s architects, who must respect the city’s past while designing for a growing population.
• Vinoy Renaissance St. Petersburg Resort & Golf Club. Since opening in 1925, the Vinoy Hotel has remained a centerpiece of Beach Drive. Architect Henry L. Taylor designed the hotel in Mediterranean Revival style; its pink façade and lavish details captured the exuberance of the city’s 1920s land boom. A major restoration in the 1990s preserved these historic features.
• Snell Arcade. Completed in 1928 by developer and architect Perry Snell, this downtown arcade blends Mediterranean and Gothic Revival styles. Its ornate façade and covered walkway recall the pedestrian shopping arcades of Europe and remain a reminder of St. Pete’s early commercial ambition.
• Open Air Post Office. Built in 1916, the neoclassical post office features an open arcade and elegant columns. The design by architect George W. Stewart balances form and function.
• The Dalí Museum. Completed in 2011 by architect Yann Weymouth, the Dalí Museum houses the largest Salvador Dalí collection outside Europe. Its design pairs a solid concrete “Treasure Box” with a swirling glass “Enigma,” echoing Dalí’s surrealist art.
• Museum of the American Arts and Crafts Movement. Opened in 2021 and designed by Alfonso Architects, the museum honors the Arts & Crafts movement through clean lines and a dramatic spiral staircase.
• St. Pete Pier. Reimagined in 2020, the Pier District extends into Tampa Bay and blends public green space with dining and cultural attractions. Designed by an international team led by ASD|SKY, the project uses sustainable features and an inverted‑pyramid motif to link past and present.
St. Pete supports a diverse ecosystem of architecture firms, from boutique studios to firms handling large civic projects. Key firms include:
• Donegan Design – Specializes in residential projects with specialty in 3D rendering throughout project
• Fraze Design Inc. – residential, entertainment, retail, healthcare, hospitality and government projects.
• PBK (formerly Harvard Jolly) – large-scale civic, educational and healthcare facilities.
St. Petersburg architects regularly earn recognition from the American Institute of Architects (AIA). Recent award-winning projects include:
- St. Petersburg High School Addition (Rowe Architects) – renovation and addition to the historic high school, Merit Award of Excellence in Renovations and Additions.
- Catamaran House (Lear Studio Architects) – modern residence, Merit Award for masonry.
- Eckerd College Café Addition (Sweetd Sparkman Architecture & Interiors) – unbuilt design earning a Citation Award.
The Residences at 400 Central – 46-story, 301-unit luxury condominium tower with Class A office space and ground-floor retail; tallest residential building on Florida’s Gulf Coast, completion summer 2025.
Art House – 42-story condominium tower with 244 units, scheduled completion fall 2025; features resort-style amenities on the ninth floor.
Waldorf Astoria Residences St. Petersburg – planned 49-story tower (540 feet) with condominiums, office space and retail; design by CUBE 3; height exceeding zoning limits under review.
1. Define your project scope. Determine whether you need residential design, a commercial building, an addition or a historic renovation.
2. Review portfolios and awards. Look for examples similar to your project and note AIA awards or publications.
3. Ask about sustainability. Many local firms integrate energy-efficient design and sustainable materials.
4. Consider collaboration style. The best projects result from clear communication and creative solutions.
5. Check licensing and experience. Ensure the firm holds an active Florida license and has relevant experience.
St. Petersburg’s architectural story weaves together historic neighborhoods, iconic landmarks and visionary new developments. From Mediterranean Revival masterpieces like the Vinoy and Snell Arcade to modern wonders such as the Dalí Museum and St. Pete Pier, the city reflects a deep appreciation for design. Local architects continue this legacy through award‑winning renovations, boutique homes and skyline‑changing towers like 400 Central, Art House and the proposed Waldorf Astoria Residences. Whether you’re restoring a Craftsman bungalow or planning a luxury high-rise, St. Petersburg offers an extraordinary community of architects ready to transform ideas into enduring structures.
🔗 Projects
