Locals with a penchant for style and history were out in force for Preserve the Burg’s Cuban Bungalow Porch Party. The sold-out event featured tours of a stunningly restored 1926 Mediterranean Revival-style Cuban Bungalow and nearby Indian Mound Park site of a thousand-year-old Tocobaga Tribe temple mound. The mound itself is accessible and open to the public. There you will find two historical markers on the property, both erected by the Daughters of the American Revolution.
The Historic 1924 Pinellas Point subdivision is just lovely, located only fifteen minutes south of downtown, but oozing with upscale, old-world charm and its famous “pink streets.”
An expansive back patio and perfectly-manicured yard made for a idyllic backdrop, and live music and Green Bench Brewing Company (no relation) were on tap to keep onlookers entertained. As we waited for our tour number to be called, I took the opportunity to chat with Paul Bailey, owner of Savory Spice, and proud papa of homeowners. He beamed as he spoke of their excitement pulling up green shag carpet in the house, only to expose beautifully preserved Cuban tiles, and of how his daughter happened upon much of the furniture for the house, then took upholstery classes so that she could breathe new life into these found pieces.
The house itself was just stunning, exquisitely restored. From the famed Cuban tiles in the living room and intricate basketweave in the kitchen, to the Stone Mountain granite, pass-through fireplace, it is truly a treasure to behold. As they say, they just don’t make ‘em like this anymore – which is precisely why preservation is so important!
Preserve the ‘Burg regularly hosts porch parties like this one, as well as several other events that highlight the need for preservation and advocacy in the St. Pete area. They will be hosting a walking tour of Historic Gulfport on July 19. Hope to see you there!
To see what’s coming up, donate, volunteer or even become a member, hop on over to Preservetheburg.org.
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Lovely article, however, photos of kitchen and one with white tile floor and white couch are BEFORE photos, not after. Perhaps can be corrected? Thanks for your research and interest. Best regards, Joan Bailey (Claire’s mother)
Thanks for pointing that out, Joan! The gallery has been updated.