Built in 1910 and transformed in the 1920s into one of downtown Clearwater’s most prominent Mediterranean Revival structures, the Peoples Bank Building stands at one of the most important intersections in the city.
Today, that landmark stands restored, with final elements nearing completion.
This is not a surface renovation—it is a full reconstruction of the building’s architectural identity.
The building’s signature terra-cotta façade has been recreated from archival photographs, with each element custom-fabricated using traditional methods—cast, glazed and kiln-fired to match the original design.
Decorative friezes, cartouche panels and ornamental detailing have been carefully restored—reestablishing the building’s distinctive architectural presence.
At the street level, historically accurate storefronts and canopies have been reconstructed—restoring the building’s original relationship to pedestrian activity at Cleveland Street and Fort Harrison Avenue.
The defining feature of the Peoples Bank Building is its terra-cotta façade—an architectural system that required complete reconstruction.
Using archival documentation, each component of the façade was recreated to match the original design in form, proportion and finish.
Custom molds were developed for individual elements, allowing the reproduction of decorative panels, friezes and architectural detailing with precision.
Each piece was then cast, glazed and kiln-fired using traditional fabrication techniques—restoring not only the building’s appearance, but its architectural integrity as a historic landmark.
At the center of the building, the historic four-faced clock—an iconic fixture since the 1930s—has been restored and is pending reinstallation.
The clock mechanism has been carefully disassembled and rebuilt by a specialist horologist, ensuring accurate operation while preserving original components wherever possible.
The clock housing and exterior detailing have also been restored—reestablishing its role as a defining visual element at this prominent intersection.
The Peoples Bank Building has long served as a visual anchor at one of the city’s most prominent intersections.
Its Mediterranean Revival design—expressed through its terra-cotta façade, ornamental detailing and vertical proportions—reestablishes a strong historic presence at Cleveland Street and Fort Harrison Avenue.
That identity is now fully visible once again.
Behind the restored façade, the building has been modernized to meet current performance standards.
Structural improvements and updated building systems have been integrated in a manner that preserves the historic character while ensuring long-term functionality, durability and code compliance.
Customers and tenants enter the Peoples Bank through true-to-the-period brass and glass doors with triple push bars. The lobby is adorned with a framed tile commemoration of the building’s history. A tile mural repeats the Mediterranean Revival pattern from the front of the building, unifying the interior and exterior.
Reproductions of period photographs of the Peoples Bank will serve as a permanent celebration of the building’s historic past.
A new elevator rated for commercial use will be installed, featuring brass finishes and doors.
Gold-on-glass lettering
Brass signage
Period photographic reproductions
Everything about the building’s public amenities evokes the era of the 1920s. Elegant and sophisticated hardware and finishes are above and beyond the original, elevating the Peoples Bank to a true, timeless classic.
Embossed decorative tiling
Fluted glass pendant shades
Vintage hardware and locking mechanism
For more than a century, the Peoples Bank has played a significant role in shaping downtown Clearwater. So it remains today, with a world-class restoration that will secure its place of honor in the future history of downtown Clearwater.
Located at Cleveland Street and Fort Harrison Avenue, the building occupies one of the most visible and trafficked intersections in downtown Clearwater.
Now restored, the building reasserts its role as a defining presence at this corner—reestablishing the intersection as a focal point within the district.
PROJECT IMPACT
The restoration of the Peoples Bank Building represents a significant reintroduction of historic architecture into the active fabric of downtown Clearwater.
Through a combination of traditional craftsmanship and modern engineering, the project restores a landmark that contributes both visually and functionally to the Cleveland Street corridor.
A landmark restored—now defining one of downtown Clearwater’s most prominent corners.
Peoples Bank
