One of Hyde Park’s iconic bungalows. | Photo by TBAYtoday
Hey TBAY, Brad here.
I’ll be moving soon, but don’t worry, I’m not going too far. I found a cozy little bungalow in the area that caught my eye.
But the move got me thinking, “What’s up with all these bungalows around town?”
We did some research to see where they came from + why they matter. Check it out:
A brief history of the “Bungalow Boom”
This is a photo of Al Lang (Yes, the Al Lang) from the 1920s in front of his bungalow.
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Photo via The City of St. Petersburg
Let me paint the picture. It’s 1905, and you’re looking for a place to call your own and can’t afford to break the bank. You open up a $0.35 copy of “Garden & Home Builder Magazine,”and there you see it. An abode beautifully boiled down to its simplest form, a house that can be built in a matter of a few days or weeks.
Craftsman bungalows were also good for people looking to make a quick buck doing relatively simple construction.
Each Craftsman has the same key components: wood framing, impressive porches, fancy decorative woodwork, and overhangs. And let’s not forget the snazzy colors they were painted in — think greens, yellows, and blues, like a tropical popsicle.
By the 1930s, St. Pete’s Kenwood neighborhood became one of the Sunshine State’s largest Craftsman bungalow hubs.
Become a bungalow buff
Pinellas districts like Historic Kenwood, North Shore, and Roser Park were placed on the National Register of Historic Places in the late 90s and early 2000s — in part because of the jazzy bungalows.
Cut to now. Take a drive through Kenwood, Seminole Heights, and Old Northeast, and you’re sure to see dozens of the kitschy Florida pieces of history.
Check out these resources and tours:
Every year, the Historic Kenwood Neighborhood hosts a Bungalow Fest tour so peeps can get an up-close look at the architectural wonders
Twins vs. Rays | Wednesday, June 7-Thursday, June 8 | Times vary | Tropicana Field, 1 Tropicana Dr., St. Petersburg | $10-$248 | Grab a Stinger Dog and watch Tampa Bay take on Minnesota.
“Annie” | Wednesday, June 7-Sunday, June 11 | The Straz Center for the Performing Arts, 1010 N. MacInnes Place, Tampa | $30-$85 | Step into the world of Depression Era New York and witness the story of a little orphan named Annie.
Thursday, June 8
Tampa Bay Summer RV Show | Thursday, June 8-Sunday, June 11 | 9 a.m.-5 p.m. | Florida State Fair, 4800 US Hwy. 301 N., Tampa | $0-$5 | If the idea of owning an RV and embarking on outdoor adventures and camping excites you, then this RV show is a must-see.
Wildflower Seed Bombs | Thursday, June 8 | 3:30-4:30 p.m. | Jan Kaminis Platt Regional Library, 3910 S. Manhattan Ave., Tampa | Free | Bring along kiddos ages six to 12 to make their own seed bombs — registration recommended.
Meet The Chefs | Thursday, June 8 | 7-9 p.m. | The Vault, 655 N. Franklin St., Tampa | $80 | Rub elbows with TBAY’s top chefs and sample small plates and cocktails.
Friday, June 9
Inkmania 2023 | Friday, June 9-Saturday, June 10 | Times vary | The Coliseum, 535 4th Ave. N., St. Petersburg | $25-$60 | Get inked, check out an art fusion or graffiti wall, or enter a tattoo contest at this convention.
Hot Box | Friday, June 9-Saturday, June 10 | Times vary | Space, 855 28th St. S., St. Petersburg | Free | Enjoy drag performances, view artwork from St. Pete locals, and groove to DJ tunes while sipping on drinks at the bar.
“The Great American Trailer Park Musical” | Friday, June 9, Saturday, June 10 | Times vary | Stageworks Theatre, 1120 E. Kennedy Blvd., #151, Tampa | $50 | Get ready to be transported to Florida’s most exclusive trailer park with this production by Tampa’s longest-running theater company.
Saturday, June 10
Repticon | Saturday, June 10-Sunday, June 11 | 9 a.m.-4 p.m. | Entertainment Hall, 4800 US Hwy. 301 N., Tampa | $0-$15 | Explore exotic animals, buy pets and products from experts, and expand your knowledge about cold-blooded creatures.
LGBTQ Youth Pride and Family Day | Saturday, June 10 | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | North Straub Park, Fifth Ave. NE and Bayshore Dr., St. Petersburg | Free | Shop tons of LGBTQ+ vendors and watch captivating performances.
In a clinical study, 90% of women saw overall improvement in their hair after six months of taking Nutrafol Womens Hair Growth Supplement. | Photos provided by Nutrafol
Which root causes are affecting your hair health?
A. Stress B. Nutrition C. Hormones D. All of the above
You’re not alone.
Enter: Nutrafol. The No. 1 dermatologist-recommended hair growth supplement brand* is physician-formulated with science-backed ingredients to target root causes of thinning to result in faster-growing, visibly thicker hair. (And it’s an effortless addition to your wellness routine.)
The $125 million ZooTampa at Lowry Park expansion is officially in the analysis + pre-design phase. New additions include an entrance along the Hillsborough River, a manatee viewing portal, a manatee viewing portal, and sections featuring animals from Africa, Asia, and South America. (Tampa Tomorrow)
Real Estate
Bear Creek Commons, West St. Pete’s newest affordable housing project, is under construction. It’s designed to be accessible to seniors making 30-60 percent of the area’s median income. The complex should be finished in late 2024. (St. Pete Rising)
Outdoors
Riverwalkers, where you at? The section of the Tampa Riverwalk blocked off by the Tampa Convention Center’s renovation will open by the end of the month, according to officials. (Tampa Bay Times)
Ranked
No. 53 and 99. That’s where the St. Pete spots Love Food Central + Engine No. 9 ranked on Yelp’s “Top 100 Burgers in America” list. We highly recommend Engine No. 9’s Demi-God burger.
Show
You got a fast car; I want a ticket to anywhere (and to see Luke Combs). The world-famous country singer added another tour date at Raymond James Stadium. The show is slated for Friday, July 7. Tickets go on sale online Friday, June 9 at 10 a.m. (Tampa Bay Times)
Plan Ahead
It’s a bird. It’s a plane. Nope, it’s a ton of drones. Don’t miss out on the Clearwater Marine Aquarium’s Lights by the Bay drone show and interactive dolphin demonstration on Saturday, June 24. Adult tickets cost $55 and include two drink vouchers. (That’s So Tampa)
Festival
The Blue Crab Cookoff goes down this Saturday, June 10 at the Grand Villas parking lot (3600 34th St. S.). The free festival features TBAY’s best crab pots, food trucks, and bartenders at the ready. Plus, you can get your Father’s Day gift shopping done at the arts and makers market. (I Love the Burg)
Eat
Happy birthday Urban Brew & BBQ (2601 Central Ave.). The eatery is celebrating its 10th trip around the sun with a $10 unlimited buffet on Saturday, June 10 from 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Fill your plate(s) with brisket, pulled pork/chicken, and mac and cheese. (Creative Loafing Tampa Bay)
Date night idea: Buy an Offline membership and get up to $50 monthly to spend at two local, highly rated restaurants — like Oronzo and Jimmy’s Tacos. Your money off the tabs expires at the end of the month, meaning you’ll finally get those special evenings on the books. Sign up with code “TBTODAY.”*
Shop
Need to find your dad the perfect Father’s Day gift? You’re in luck. Check out gifts from our online store (Six & Main) that will make for a great surprise. From the outdoor explorer to the foodie dad, there’s a present for every type of father. Shop now.
For Family
Hey, moms + dads — we know having kids can impact your savings. This card is extra helpful to on-the-go families, offering 2% flat-rate cash rewards and a generous welcome bonus. Learn more.*
Hop off the ol’ dreadmill and hit the streets. It’s National Running Day, and we’re taking our Hokas on a speedy scuttle around town.
Here are some free local events and casual races:
Global Running Day Free 5K Run | 6:30 p.m. | St. Pete Running Company, 6986 22nd Ave. N. | This after-work run is open to all ages and speeds (walkers can join in on the fun too). Plus, Saucony will be showcasing shoes and giving away prizes. Refreshments include beer and popsicles.
Virtual NYRR Global Running Day 5K | Now through Tuesday, July 11 | Virtual | Join the global community of runners + hit any track you want, anytime. Think: your favorite trail or part of the neighborhood.
I’ll be bidding farewell to The Pub Tampa. The No. 1 thing I’ll miss from the International Plaza British food concept is the warm + gooey shepherd’s pies.
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