The Telephone Building

F.W. Woolworth Co.

Restoration Updates

May 15, 2025 • 600 Block

Hidden Fire Scars Emerge in Renovation of Historic 635 Cleveland Street

Interior ceiling view at 635 Cleveland Street showing exposed fire-charred wood structure uncovered during demolition. — Partial ceiling removal at 635 Cleveland Street exposes fire-scarred wood framing, hidden for decades under modern finishes.

During interior demolition at 635 Cleveland Street, construction crews uncovered evidence of historical fire damage, including charred wood and visible burn marks, which had remained sealed behind finishes for decades and were only now revealed as part of the building’s top-to-bottom renovation.

The discovery emerged during careful removal of ceiling systems and partition walls. The work aims to both open the interior layout and expose the building’s original structure. The presence of fire damage adds a chapter to the building’s story, highlighting its resilience and survival through an earlier, undocumented blaze.

Wide view of demolition progress at 635 Cleveland Street showing early signs of fire char on ceiling beams.

Demolition at 635 Cleveland Street reveals the building’s original structure, with areas of fire damage starting to emerge.

Detailed view of charred wooden ceiling boards exposed at 635 Cleveland Street during interior demolition. — Close-up of original ceiling at 635 Cleveland Street showing the extensive fire char uncovered during demolition work.

Charred wood ceiling and blistered surface texture seen after demolition at 635 Cleveland Street. — Charred wood planks and blistered paint patterns become fully visible after demolition at 635 Cleveland Street, offering clues to an unknown fire.

Learn more about the full restoration vision for the 600 Block.

MORE BLOGS ON 600 BLOCK

May 18, 2025 • 600 Block

Crews Uncover Heavy Safe During Renovation at 645 Cleveland Street

March 11, 2025 • 600 Block

Structural Surprise Shapes Future of 639 Cleveland

February 26, 2025 • 600 Block

Demolition at 645 Cleveland Street Reveals Original Framework

February 19, 2025 • 600 Block

Structural Reveal at 629 Cleveland Street

January 17, 2025 • 600 Block

Interior Demolition Begins at 623 Cleveland Street

January 7, 2025 • 600 Block

Renovating 635 Cleveland Street: A Bright New Identity

Restoration Updates | See daily progress on Historic Cleveland Street

The Telephone Building

Aluminum Roof Panels Complete the Awning Restoration at the Telephone Building

Concrete Pour Underway at Peoples Bank

F.W. Woolworth Co.

Elevator Shaft Comes Down at Woolworth Building

Peeling Back the Years: Removing the Old to Bring in the New

Crews Uncover Heavy Safe During Renovation at 645 Cleveland Street

SEE ALL UPDATES

An exciting new chapter of historic restoration begins for four unique properties on Cleveland Street in Downtown Clearwater.

See the magnificent transformation now underway

FOR INFORMATION

Scott Dobbins
scott@hybridgecre.com