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Don’t miss what’s happening on Cleveland Street

Brown Brothers Building

Restoring a Downtown Icon to Its Former Glory

615–621 CLEVELAND STREET
1924

The Brown Brothers Building stands as one of downtown Clearwater’s enduring commercial landmarks—its presence rooted in the early development of Cleveland Street and the growth of the city itself.

Today, the building is under construction as a comprehensive historic restoration—returning it to its original architectural character while preparing it for long-term use.

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A Historically Grounded Restoration

This is a precise, historically grounded intervention.

The building’s defining features have been thoroughly researched through original drawings and archival photography—ensuring that every element of the restoration is based on documented historical conditions rather than interpretation.

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Façade and Structural Restoration

The façade is being carefully restored, with previously concealed brickwork being revealed and preserved.

All mortar joints are being removed and replaced using historically matched materials, following detailed analysis of the original composition.

Storefront systems and windows are being reconstructed to match historic configurations, while a new steel canopy is being installed to reestablish a defining architectural feature along the street.

This is not a speculative renovation.

It is a fully defined restoration now in progress—returning the building with the same clarity, identity and presence that originally defined it.

All work is being executed in accordance with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation, under the guidance of leading historic preservation specialist Stephanie Ferrell.

Historic Preservation Approach

The project is grounded in a rigorous preservation methodology.

All character-defining features of the building have been identified through detailed research conducted by the historic preservation consultant.

Original drawings and photographs have been analyzed to ensure that each aspect of the restoration reflects documented conditions.

This approach ensures that the building’s identity is not approximated, but accurately restored.

Restoration Highlights

  • Historic façade being uncovered and restored
  • Original brick revealed from beneath stucco and paint
  • All mortar joints being removed and repointed with matched materials
  • Storefront and window systems being reconstructed to historic design
    (hurricane-rated)
  • Historic canopy being reconstructed with new steel structure
  • Restoration based on archival drawings and historic photographs
  • All work aligned with national historic preservation standards
FULL HISTORIC RESTORATION
Complete Historic Restoration
Iconic
Rich Historical Décor
State-of-the-Art HVAC,
Electrical & Plumbing

Façade Restoration

Replay

A key component of the project involves the recovery of the building’s original exterior.

Sections of the façade currently concealed by stucco and paint are being removed to reveal the underlying brickwork.

Mortar is being sampled and replicated to match its original composition and appearance, with all joints repointed accordingly.

This process restores both the structural integrity and visual authenticity of the building.

Storefront and Architectural Features

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Historic storefront configurations and window systems are being reconstructed based on archival documentation.

These elements are being recreated using modern, hurricane-rated systems while maintaining the proportions and detailing of the original design.

In addition, the building’s historic canopy is being reestablished—restoring a defining feature of its street presence.

Storefront windows extend all the way to the floor

Window framing features original ornamentation

Metal details showcase the building’s historic charm

Window Restoration

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New hurricane-rated insulated windows

Framing Reimagined

Every window is being replaced with state-of-the-art, energy-efficient frames and glazing, seamlessly blending modern performance with timeless design. The front façade will feature carefully crafted single-hung windows, restoring the building’s history and character.

New Roof and Skylights

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Energy Efficiency. Natural Radiance.

The entire 8,000-square-foot roof is being carefully replaced with a state-of-the-art, energy-efficient roofing system designed to provide exceptional thermal resistance and durability. Six strategically placed skylights will bathe the interior in natural light.

ECO-FRIENDLY
Reducing Energy Usage
& Peak Cooling Demand
by 10–15%
ENERGY-RATED
ENERGY STAR
Reducing Surface Temperature by 50°
THERMAL-RESISTANT
8,000 Square Feet
of Durable New Roofing

State-of-the-Art Utilities

High-Efficiency Cooling

The building will feature 13 new, high-efficiency Carrier A/C units with eco-friendly refrigerants, designed to reduce energy consumption.

Eco-Friendly Denim Insulation

Nontoxic denim insulation, made from recycled clothing, will provide superior thermal resistance while minimizing environmental impact.

Powerful Capacity

The electrical system is being fully replaced with all new conduit, wiring, receptacles and switches. LED lighting will offer a significant reduction in energy use.

Copper Repipe

Existing original plumbing lines are being replaced with modern copper piping. Plumbing will serve requirements for tenants as well as restrooms located on the ground floor.

Replay
35 TONS
of Cooling from HVAC
COPPER TUBING
All New Plumbing
Throughout

Inside Brown Brothers

A Warm Welcome

Functional, Versatile Interiors

The first floor is designed to accommodate both a retail space and a restaurant, each with ample storefront exposure along Cleveland Street and private rear restrooms. An existing stair leads to the second floor, which is envisioned as a series of flexible office suites. At the rear, a separate lobby, elevator and stairs provide exclusive access to the office spaces above. 

Crafted with precision, the newly reimagined ceiling’s coffered design will feature a grid of sunken panels, accenting the building’s revitalized historic essence. Pendant lights offer warm radiance to interior spaces.

An Elegant Second Floor

The second-floor hallway will be transformed into a corridor of timeless elegance, featuring richly stained wooden floors, wainscot and doors with their original glazed transoms.
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A Bright Open Corridor

The second floor offers versatile creative office facilities. Wainscoting, reflecting the aesthetic of the early 1900s, will run the length of second-floor interiors. Decorative fluted glass graces transoms and insets, further evoking the flavor of the time.

Fluted Glass Transom

Let Light Return

Natural light bathes the space thanks to six new skylights and windows surrounding the structure on nearly all sides.








Project Overview

Project Impact

The restoration of the Brown Brothers Building represents an active phase in the transformation of Cleveland Street.

Now under construction, the project continues the effort to restore historic landmarks while strengthening the downtown corridor.

A historic structure reclaimed—now returning as an active presence along Cleveland Street.

ARCHITECTURAL RENDERINGS
Wellness, Retail and Café Tenant Mix