In the early decades of the twentieth century, Florida experienced a land boom. During this time, one of St. Petersburg’s earliest suburbs, Kenwood, was developed. Now known as the Kenwood Historic District (or Historic Kenwood), the neighborhood is located just west of downtown, with its boundaries formed by 19th Street North and 34th Street North, 9th Avenue North, and the Grand Central District adjoining the district at its southern border.

Expansion into this area was made possible by the Central Avenue streetcar system and the advent of the automobile. Growing rapidly, Historic Kenwood became a neighborhood of working and middle-class families that predominantly lived here year-round.  Their houses were one and two-story single-family homes constructed between 1912 and 1945. While the homes were built in a variety of architectural styles, Historic Kenwood is best known for its historic bungalows. In fact, the developer’s first “model home”, a stunning craftsman bungalow, now the home of Craftsman House Gallery, still stands on Central Avenue.

Ironically, the automobile that brought the growth of Kenwood would also contribute to its eventual decline. Beginning in the 1950s, more families could afford to own an automobile and therefore could easily commute to newer suburbs with newer homes being built with the latest technology--air conditioning! The result was that for the next several decades Kenwood fell into neglect.

In the 1990s people began re-discovering Kenwood, buying and restoring old homes, and kicking off a period of revitalization that continues today. Many LGBT investors and homeowners were instrumental in the neighborhood’s revitalization, and played a vital part in transforming the tree-lined streets into a stable, well-landscaped neighborhood with a strong civic voice. Historic Kenwood remains a friendly home to its LGBT homeowners and business people.

Today, Historic Kenwood has a strong neighborhood association, and is once again a highly-desirable, sought after area to live in. In addition to the large number of historic bungalows, the majestic oak tree lined streets, hexagonal paver sidewalks, and Seminole Park with its craftsman inspired pavilion all contribute to the quaint, historic feel of the neighborhood. Events such as monthly porch parties, the annual Bungalow Fest, and Founders' Day attract many to the neighborhood.

Historic Kenwood was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2003. In 2020, Neighborhoods, USA named Historic Kenwood the national “Neighborhood of the Year”!

Things to See & Do in Historic Kenwood:

Seminole Park - The park was donated by Charles R. Hall, one of the initial developers of Historic Kenwood. The park features many types of trees, grassy areas, sidewalks, playground equipment, and a modern pavilion in the center constructed in the Craftsman style that blends in with the surrounding historic architecture.

Bungalow Fest – Each November, this celebration of art & architecture is part Tour of homes and part arts festival.

Founder’s Day – Hosted in Seminole Park, his free family-friendly event features old fashioned games for children and adults, face painting, a bounce house, and visits by city dignitaries. There’s loads of wonderful food including grilled burgers, hot dogs, veggie burgers and tasty sides!

Porch Parties - Friends and neighbors gather at beautiful Historic Kenwood homes and bring a dish to share along with a personal beverage.

St. Petersburg High School (1926) – The building, located in the heart of Historic Kenwood along 5th Avenue North, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.