The Secretary of State Awards for Outstanding Main Streets were recently awarded at the Florida Main Street Conference to those excelling in community revitalization and preservation efforts. This year, the EDGE and Grand Central Main Street programs received awards. The EDGE Main Street, located between Dr. MLK Jr. and 16th Streets along Central Avenue, received Honor Awards for:
Outstanding Private-Public Partnership of the Year
The EDGE District received this Award for its partnership with the City of St. Petersburg on the development of the EDGE District Improvement Plan. The Plan was approved by St. Petersburg City Council in early 2017 and provides guidance for enhanced parking, new streetscaping, district gateway markers, public art, and green space.
Outstanding Business of the Year
ARTicles Custom Framing and Art Gallery at 1445 Central Avenue in the EDGE District received this award for its fundamental impact on EDGE District revitalization efforts. Owned and operated by Leslie Curran, ARTicles was recognized for its generous support of local artists, creating city-wide arts events that have become major regional attractions, and being one of the largest driving forces behind the growth and evolution of St. Petersburg arts and culture.
Outstanding New Construction Project
Hawkers Asian Street Fare received this award for its $1.5 million reconstruction project that transformed a vacant building at a high-profile corner in the EDGE district. The resulting building at 1235 Central Avenue is a structure that pays homage to the EDGE District’s industrial history and houses one of the most successful restaurants in the City.
The Grand Central Main Street, located from 16th to 32nd Streets along Central Avenue, received a Merit Award for:
Outstanding Florida Main Street Public Improvement
The Grand Central District received this award for its partnership with the City of St. Petersburg for complete reconstruction of streetscape and public utilities for more than two blocks. These improvements included new sidewalks, pedestrian neck outs, decorative crosswalks, landscaping, stormwater drainage facilities, and new water main.