January 14, 2025 • The Telephone Building

Storefront Reinstalled at the Telephone Building

Worker standing on a ladder applies finishing touches to a restored glass storefront at the Telephone Building in Clearwater, Florida, with tools and construction materials nearby.

Crews apply finishing details to the newly installed storefront glazing and framing on the south façade.

Crews recently completed installation of a custom storefront system at the historic Telephone Building. The new storefront revives key mid-century modern design features—including transom windows and glazing on the east and south façades—while meeting current building code requirements.

A total of 500 square feet of new glazing restores the visual clarity and architectural rhythm of the original design. The storefront’s thermal-insulated glass improves energy performance, and its framing is rated for hurricane-force winds.

This restoration marks a major step in returning one of Cleveland Street’s most architecturally significant buildings to its original design language. 

Close-up of the new storefront doors with brass handles and horizontal frosted glass accents, highlighting the façade restoration of the Telephone Building.
New storefront glazing revives the mid-century look of the Telephone Building.
Exterior view of the restored Telephone Building featuring new storefront glazing and mid-century architecture under a modern metal awning.
 Storefront reinstallation completes a major step in façade restoration.

Learn more about the full restoration plan for the Telephone 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