Positioned where Cleveland Street meets the Pinellas Trail, 645 Cleveland Street is being transformed into a gateway between downtown and one of the region’s most active pedestrian and cycling corridors.
This is one of the most important points of connection in downtown Clearwater—where continuous movement along the trail meets the Cleveland Street corridor.
Historically, the building presented a solid barrier to the trail, limiting visibility, access and engagement with one of the city’s most active pathways. This redevelopment reverses that condition entirely—opening the structure to both the street and the trail through expansive glass storefronts and outdoor‑oriented design.
A sculptural cantilevered roof establishes a strong architectural presence at the corner while providing shade for pedestrians and cyclists.
The façade is reimagined with three-dimensional tile that shifts with light throughout the day—introducing depth and movement across the surface.
Large operable glass panels dissolve the boundary between interior and exterior space, while a shaded terrace extends activity outward—connecting cyclists, pedestrians and street-level activity.
What emerges is not simply a renovated building, but a redefined intersection—where movement from the Pinellas Trail is brought directly into Cleveland Street.
Glass doors will slide from the corner to transform the intersection into a welcoming respite.
Unique, three-dimensional tiles will cast subtle shadows on the façade throughout the day.
Open to the outdoors, a shaded porch and cantilevered roof will welcome an active clientele.
The defining move of the project is the reconnection of the building to its surroundings.
Where the existing structure once turned inward, the redesigned façade opens directly to both Cleveland Street and the Pinellas Trail.
This dual orientation allows the building to engage two of the city’s most active corridors at once—capturing movement from the trail and carrying it into downtown.
By aligning entrances, glazing and outdoor space with these paths of movement, the building becomes part of that flow rather than a barrier to it.
The building’s architectural presence has been fully reworked.
A cantilevered roof creates a clear visual marker at the corner while providing functional shade below.
The façade introduces dimensional tilework that responds to changing light conditions—giving the building a visible presence throughout the day.
These elements shift the structure from a passive edge condition into an active and recognizable point along both the trail and the street.
A central feature of the redevelopment is the direct connection between interior and exterior space.
Large operable glass panels allow the building to open fully to the street and terrace—creating flexibility for retail or dining uses.
The shaded outdoor space supports interaction between pedestrians and cyclists—encouraging activity to extend beyond the building itself.
The transformation of 645 Cleveland Street establishes a direct connection between the Pinellas Trail and Cleveland Street.
By opening the building to both corridors and supporting continuous movement between them, the project brings trail activity into downtown—strengthening the flow of people through the district.
600 Block
