Roser Park Historic District
N 27° 45.667 W 082° 38.536
17R E 338160 N 3071821
Large district with a greenway running through it.
Waymark Code: WM1QZM
Location: Florida, United States
Date Posted: 06/27/2007
Views: 25
Historic Roser Park was recognized by the City of St. Petersburg in 1987, as its first historic district. The neighborhood is charming. Meandering Booker Creek and beautiful Roser Park are at its center. The unique topography is an excellent setting for the diverse styles of architecture found in Historic Roser Park. Stately royal palms and regal old oaks are mixed in with a variety of lush tropical vegetation. Augusta brick streets and hex block sidewalks add to the historic feel of the district. The ancient rusticated block retaining walls are another period feature of the district.
The Historic Roser Park Neighborhood is adjacent to I-275 and the downtown. It is a convenient place to live, near to shopping and Tampa Bay. It's neighbors include: the Bayboro District museums (Great Explorations - The Hands on Museum and the Dali Museum), hospitals (All Children's Hospital and Bayfront Medical Center), the University of South Florida, the Nelson Poynter Institute and the Harborage.
Other nearby historic properties include the relocated "Snell House," the General Williams Home (St. Petersburg founder's home) St. Mary's Catholic Church, Greenwood Cemetery (resting place of many early settlers), and the Studebaker Building - a National Register Building used by the State Geological Department. The Old Florida Power Plant on Third Street South is rapidly moving forward with its renovations.
Included in the neighborhood are several human service agencies: including the Ronald McDonald House (one of the largest in the country), Freedom House and the ASAP shelter.
Architecture
The Historic Roser Park Neighborhood was carefully planned to consciously preserve the natural beauty of the area. In the historic district, some homes are built into the hillsides. The homes have various styles. No two are exactly alike. They range from Colonial Revival, Prairie Style, Mediterranean and Spanish to various styles of bungalows.
History
Historic Roser Park area was developed in the early teens by Charles M. Roser. Mr. Roser had relocated to St. Petersburg after selling his famous Fig Newton Cookies to the National Biscuit Company; therefore, the neighborhood is often called the "Neighborhood a Cookie Built." The Historic Roser Park Neighborhood was highly photographed in the 1920s on souvenir picture postcards. During this time, it was considered one of the most attractive residential developments in all of Florida.
Organizations/programs
The Historic Roser Park Neighborhood Plan was adopted June 10, 1993. Work continues to help make this unique and beautiful area the place to live. The Historic Roser Park Neighborhood Association is actively working with the city through the implementation of the neighborhood plan.
Neighborhood grant projects
The first grant project was to build a replica of the twin arbors in the park by the Ronald McDonald House. It involved designing a historically appropriate structure and plantings around it. It was a successful project with many neighbors helping to construct and install this project.
We added signage and landscaping at our entrance. We incorporated rusticated blocks for an authentic look. We have added historic lighting at our historic districts two monument signs.
Currently, we are working on an outdoor museum and additional street trees. The outdoor museum will circle through the neighborhood with markers telling significant information about Historic Roser Park. We are looking at extending the historic district and getting national register designation.
Boundaries
Booker Creek to 11th Avenue South from 4th to 9th Streets South.
Street address:
Roughly bounded by 5th and 9th Sts. S, and 6th and 11th Aves. S
St Petersburg, FL usa
33701
County / Borough / Parish: Pinellas
Year listed: 1998
Historic (Areas of) Significance: Event, Architecture/Engineering
Periods of significance: 1900-1924, 1925-1949
Historic function: Domestic: Multiple Dwelling, Single Dwelling
Current function: Domestic: Multiple Dwelling, Single Dwelling
Privately owned?: yes
Primary Web Site: [Web Link]
Secondary Website 1: [Web Link]
Season start / Season finish: Not listed
Hours of operation: Not listed
Secondary Website 2: Not listed
National Historic Landmark Link: Not listed
|
Visit Instructions:
Please give the date and brief account of your visit. Include any additional observations or information that you may have, particularly about the current condition of the site. Additional photos are highly encouraged, but not mandatory.