Historic Crislip Arcade - St. Pete's Newest Arts Haven

Already home to a number of world-class museums---and the future location of the famed Chihuly Collection---its no secret that St. Petersburg is one of the jewels in the states arts and culture crown.

And on Tuesday that jewel got a little brighter.

Community dignitaries, including St. Petersburg Mayor Bill Foster and City Council Chair Leslie Curran, and the tenants of Central Avenues 600 Block, gathered today to celebrate the reopening of downtowns Crislip Arcade.

After a recent plan to demolish the arcade and adjacent properties for a mixed-use redevelopment space was scratched, community leaders spearheaded an effort to return the historic building back to its glory.

Looking to further entrench the city among the arts elite, the group approached the arcades owner about transforming the building into a space for emerging artists.

And with the arcade now a haven for creative entrepreneurs, artists have lined up for the chance to showcase their works in the brick landmark.

More than 20 spaces (eight inside the arcade and up to 14 outside) help contribute to Central Avenues eclectic and diverse art community.

The Crislip Arcade was designed by architect Edgar Ferdon---the citys first architect---and is only one of three arcades remaining in St. Petersburg.

For those of you unable to attend todays grand reopening, Visit St. Pete/Clearwater was on-hand, capturing footage of the ribbon-cutting and a few of the arcades newest tenants.

Category:

Travel & Events

Tags:

• florida
• st.
• pete
• arts
• culture
• painting
• artist
• artistic