Historic designation approved for Warf Restaurant in Pass‑a‑Grille

The St. Pete Beach Historic Preservation Board voted unanimously June 12 to grant local historic designation to the Warf Restaurant at 2001 Pass‑a‑Grille Way (case 26056).

Staff told the board the commercial waterfront building dates to 1928, was long associated with local fishing operations and retains enough historic fabric and associative significance to meet local designation criteria. Staff noted archival photos and an article in the St. Petersburg Times among the supporting documentation and recommended approval.

Brandon Barry, the planning staff presenter, said the property is sited over water and falls in an AE flood zone; he told the board that those flood‑zone constraints do not prevent designation but may affect any future requests for substantial‑improvement or damage waivers. "This building is a good example of a contributing property in the Pass‑a‑Grille commercial fishing context," Barry said. "We recommend approval of the designation."

James Miller, listed by staff as the applicant and owner, did not present extended testimony; board members asked procedural questions about future permitting and how designation interplays with floodplain/repair rules.

Chair Bill Lowry moved approval and the motion passed by roll‑call vote with four yes votes and no dissents. The designation adds the Warf Restaurant to the city'''s list of locally recognized historic resources; any future work that seeks flood‑plain or substantial‑improvement waivers will be evaluated under the city's existing rules for historic properties and FEMA guidance.

The board did not delay action to seek additional documentation; staff said property owners and staff will follow up on any future variance applications that may arise from storm damage or redevelopment proposals.