Clearwater’s century-old Telephone Building enters next phase of top-to-bottom historic restoration.
The Cleveland Street Alliance is proud to announce the next phase of its historic restoration of the Telephone Building. The comprehensive restoration of the building encompasses its historic brick exterior and architectural features, structural and mechanical upgrades and entirely new floors, returning the interiors to the style of the 1920s.
In addition to restoration and renovation planning, the alliance expands its team to include designers and consultants specializing in historic properties and historic preservation. Among them is Tampa-based Stephanie Ferrell, founder of Ferrell Redevelopment, a recognized leader in the preservation field and recipient of the Tampa Bay Chapter of the American Institute of Architects Medal of Honor for her service to the community.
For more than 50 years, the classic beauty of the Telephone Building on Cleveland Street was hidden behind a monolithic stucco enclosure. During a partial renovation in 2007, the false front was removed, revealing the building’s original highly detailed façade.
Once fully restored, the 10,000-square-foot building will have space for a restaurant on the ground floor, with outdoor seating along the side street. The upper two floors will be completely rebuilt and refit for creative office space, with a separate entry along Garden Avenue.
The Telephone Building is the first of three historic restoration projects on Cleveland Street that will last for generations to come. It’s the cornerstone of development that will pave the way for a new beginning and a bright future for downtown Clearwater.
A new wraparound cantilevered awning, mounted to the building with steel tie rods and decorative anchors, will be installed along the length of the east and south sides of the building—returning one of the building’s distinctive 1914 details.
New hurricane-rated insulated windows
The existing windows will be replaced with new, insulated, hurricane-rated windows replicating the style of the original. Windows that had been removed or bricked over during earlier renovations will be restored to their original positions.
The façade will be inspected brick by brick, and any found to be damaged or missing will be replaced with bricks matching the color and patina of the original. All existing mortar will also be examined and repointed to historic preservation standards.
The existing roof will be entirely removed and replaced with a new ENERGY STAR-rated roof. The wood roof structure will be replaced with structurally reinforced trusses, rafters and beams. The new, reflective, eco-friendly thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) roof will protect the building envelope from any future water penetration, while at the same time saving energy.
A dignified and classic interior for new tenants.
Restoration of the interior public areas will give a nod to how the Telephone Building might have looked in the 1920s. The lobby will feature dark wood wainscoting and doors, decorative cornices and antique brass hardware and fixtures.
The building’s outdated elevator will be replaced with a brand-new system.
In keeping with the 1920s style, both the elevator doors and Art Deco-style building directory will be finished in burnished brass.
Another example of the level of historic restoration detail is the lobby restrooms. They reflect the original style of the building: from the porcelain subway tile walls and polished concrete flooring to the classic console sink with brass legs and piping.
Historic photos
Brass fixtures
Historically accurate
light fixtures
Architectural LED lighting will highlight the Telephone Building’s signature dentil cornice and brickwork features.
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FOR INFORMATION
Scott Dobbins
scott@hybridgecre.com
