March 18, 2025 • F.W. Woolworth Co.

Exterior Cleaning Begins on F.W. Woolworth’s Historic Façade

Worker on a lift pressure washing the upper floors of the F.W. Woolworth building’s exterior, revealing original brick beneath modern paint.
A crew member pressure washes the historic façade of the Woolworth building to uncover original brickwork.

Crews have begun removing nonoriginal elements from the Woolworth façade, unveiling the building’s original 1928 brickwork. Using careful, low-impact methods, the team has lifted paint layers and dismantled added materials to expose intact masonry beneath.

The clearance of outdated veneers makes way for the return of the black-and-gold Woolworth sign—a landmark feature originally installed in 1928. The restored façade strengthens the visual cohesion of the 600 Block and brings historic detail back into public view.

A two-story brick building with parts of its façade uncovered during restoration work, revealing historic 1928 masonry beneath layers of paint and nonoriginal materials. Adjacent buildings and a leafy tree are visible under a partly cloudy sky.
Restoration work uncovers the original 1928 brick façade of the historic F.W. Woolworth building, unveiling intricate masonry hidden for decades.

Learn more about the full restoration plan for the F.W. Woolworth Co. building.

Restoration Updates | See daily progress on Historic Cleveland Street

An exciting new chapter of historic restoration begins for four unique properties on Cleveland Street in Downtown Clearwater.
See the magnificent transformation now underway