Historic downtown St. Cloud sites receive recognition plaques

Three historic properties in historic downtown St. Cloud received building plaques last week at an event was part of the Historic Preservation Month celebration hosted by the City of St. Cloud and the St. Cloud Main Street.

The properties awarded plaques were 1105 Pennsylvania Ave., completed in 1947; 1122 New York Ave., completed in 1914; and 1205 Wisconsin Ave., completed in 1931. To be considered historic property under the program, properties must have been constructed at least 50-plus years ago. Buildings must also be deemed as contributing to the historic significance of the city and are designated as local historic landmarks. The plaques are mounted near the main entrance to the building.

“We have one of the best historic preservation programs of any municipality in the state, and we are always moving ahead to make it better,” said St. Cloud Main Street Executive Director, and State Representative Paula Stark.

The event was part of the St. Cloud Historic Plaques and Historic Preservation Awards program, a collaborative effort of the city and St. Cloud Main Street. The audience heard remarks from St. Cloud Mayor Nathan Blackwell, City Council Member Kolby Urban, the Council’s liaison with Main Street, and City Manager Veronica Miller.

In addition to plaques, there is also an awards program to recognize the exemplary condition of the historic properties. Awards are given for projects and aspects in four different categories: Preservation; Rehabilitation; Restoration; and Additions/ New Construction.

The city has also acted on several grants received from the State of Florida to conduct two historic property surveys so far, and the city anticipates all historic properties may be captured if a third survey can be funded. At a City Council meeting earlier in April, the Council issued a Preservation Month Proclamation and presented award certificates to selected community organizations. City staff also gave a brief overview of the plaques and awards program.

The City’s Historic Preservation Overlay District, part of the city’s zoning regulations applicable to the City’s historic district, is designed to help preserve the distinctive elements of the city’s historical culture and heritage.

In June 2023, the St. Cloud Historic District was officially recognized on the National Register of Historic Places. The District is one of four locations in St. Cloud on the National Register, which also includes the Grand Army of the Republic Memorial Hall, Veterans Memorial Library, and Woman’s Club of St. Cloud Auditorium on Massachusetts Avenue and the St. Cloud Depot on New York.

For more information on the city’s historic preservation program, see https://bit.ly/3wmyaau.