DTSP’s Grand Central District Celebrates 20 Years

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Article by Nanette Wiser

My favorite spot to start and end downtown’s 2nd Saturday ArtWalk is DTSP’s Grand Central District (GCD), with Lolita for charcuterie and wine, and a visit with the joyful Patti of Pieces of a Dream, checking out her hilarious cards, inspired earrings and scent-sational candles.

Ushering in 2020 with a 20th birthday celebration, the Grand Central District (1600-2100 Central Ave) features shops, restaurants, coffeehouses, music havens, bars, iconic, professional and personal services, antique retailers, art galleries, health and wellness practitioners and the LGBTQ Metro Center. 

There’s always someone new to greet to the neighborhood, or a birthday to celebrate. New in late January is GCD sponsor KDM Counseling in the newly renovated and named Gracen Building.

Bandit Coffee recently celebrated their anniversary with a wine tasting. Hawthorne Bottle Shop turns 3 February 20th. 

Nearby in historic Kenwood, one of the most livable neighborhoods, known for its historic bungalows, there’s the beloved Craftsman House featuring java, artsy collectibles and memorable small house concerts where you can experience folk, blues and indie legends. Charming residences and quirky boutiques/eateries make it a perfect everyday exploration by foot or bike.

The city of St. Petersburg honored the robust and vibrant neighborhood with a proclamation in mid-January. The celebration goes on all year, however, with fantastic events, arts/music festivals, walkabouts as well as PRIDE and Black History Month celebrations.

Entertainment abounds. There’s always something fun at Pinellas Ale Works and Cage Brewing, from music to games. Punky’s Bar & Grill with Brittany Live is a blast. The Grand Central District will host Localtopia Feb. 22 for those who want a taste of the diversity. On Oct. 17, GCD will host the 4th Annual Come OUT St Pete Parade and Festival.

Says GCD Executive Director David Foote to his cheering members in the recent newsletter: “Happy New Year to YOU & Happy Birthday to US! 🎉 2020 marks TWENTY 20 years as an official district for our 15 blocks of awesomeness!! We couldn’t have made it this far without YOU & our amazing community of business owners and neighbors. Thank you for spending the past 20 years with us; we cannot wait to reveal all the fun ways we’re planning to celebrate our 20th birthday with you this year! 🥳Cheers to the next 20.”

Grand Central District is pedestrian and bicycle friendly and can be easily reached via the Central Avenue Trolley, which makes several stops throughout the District. Created in 2000, GCD received designation as a Main Street community by both the National Trust for Historic Preservation and the Florida Main Street program. Their mission? To create a sense of community within a traditional commercial and residential neighborhood and promote on-going economic development.

Grand Central Insiders Share POV

Executive Director David Foote thinks the people make the GCD special. “This is where the locals go. The customers are loyal because they are accustomed to knowing the names of the business owners and employees. There are 20+ eateries, coffeehouses and more to come plus 40+ shops. In 2020, Grand Central Brewhouse will open in the former Taco Bus lot, Tru Hotel is coming, three apartment complexes and a condo tower.”

What’s it like to live there? Foote kicks off the yay list: “Easy access to everything. Welcoming, Diverse, Inclusive, Free parking. Everyone knows everyone, just like in a small town. We like to call it ‘Life in One Central Location.’”

Tom Woodard’s Pom Pom Teahouse and Sandwicheria has been part of the scene for 5+ years and points out that it’s a haven for local businesses and restaurants with parking, free parking! “We are a family and it’s always a beautiful day in the neighborhood, with all its unique offerings,” says Tom, whose soups and tea cocktails and tea-infused desserts rival his gourmet themed sandwiches and friendly servers. He’s excited about the renovation of the VFW that is “being brought back to life.”
Events: 1st & 3rd Saturday from 6-9pm Musical Bingo; Pop Up Single Happy Hour.

After three years, Lolita’s Wine Market owner Kelly Rodriguez-Laureano thinks Grand Central is special because of “the eclectic mix of independently owned bohemian retail, restaurants and museums and locals love hanging out there. And we still have free parking!” Her favorite place to shop is Art Pool for funky gifts and Bungaleux for Home when she’s not hanging out at The Hideaway and Cappy’s, or GCD eateries. Best of all is the newly opened Tasting Room at Lolita’s showcasing retail wine, weekly wine tastings and private event space.

Jim Nixon runs the LGBTQ Welcome Center which serves as the hub for the LGBTQ community. “What makes this neighborhood special is the diversity in business, community and retail. If the neighborhood had a theme song, it would be ‘We Are Family’ by Sister Sledge,” he says. “We welcome everyone and are a unique destination full of information, open and inclusive to anyone living, working or visiting our great city.” His favorite place to shop is the Metro’s LGBTQ Welcome Center Artist /Maker Boutique.

The building has an interesting history, says Jim. “The LGBTQ Welcome Center was once part of the Mari Jean Hotel. Built in 1926, the Howarth House was donated and moved three blocks to its current site and opened as the country’s 3rd LGBTQ Welcome Center in 2014 by Metro Inclusive Health which has served GCD for 27 years.”

EXPLORE Grand Central

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